Page 90 of Never Have I Ever

31

Poppy

“What is it?”

I stand there like a fool, looking back and forth between the two of them. Tommy shoots a look at Laird. Not subtle. So I ask my boyfriend, “What’s going on?”

“Tommy has the results.”

“Results toooooo?” I lead him to water, hoping he drinks and will fill me in, but the answer hits me first. “Oh.” I release the handle of my suitcase and go to him. I don’t know what else to say or what to do. I just feel the need to be close to him and support him however he needs.

He taps my ass, naturally, and says, “Let’s sit in the living room. Sitting seems like something I should do.” I follow, settling beside him on the couch.

When Tommy sits in a chair at the end of the coffee table, he says, “Her legal team received the results due to the court order.”

“So they already know the outcome?”

“Yes.” He says, “We can call Mike. He’ll fill you in.”

Laird sets his phone on the table and is about to call his attorney, but I place my hand on his forearm. “Wait.” Terrible timing or last chance? I had to take the opportunity either way.

Since the questions are already in his eyes, I reply, “I’ll love you no matter the outcome. I love you even more for wanting to take care of your child and to be a part of their life. I want to be a part of that, too, which includes every child of yours.” My brain pauses, realizing what I just said, what I opened the door to. He is a musician. His lifestyle has been wild, but I can’t roll out the red carpet. I need to land this ending. Loving but firm with boundaries. “But if you cheat on me, we’re through.” Direct works.

Is making myself giggle wrong? Probably.

Tommy’s restraining his own smile but remains quiet. Smart man.

Laird takes my hand, and when our fingers fall together, he gives me the slightest smile among his other concerns. He then kisses our conjoined hands. “That’s fair.”

Reaching forward, he punches the button to call Mike. It rings once. Twice. My heart synchronizes by the third ring. “Hello?” And then my heart plummets when my nerves kick in.

“Hey, Poppy and Tommy are here with me.”

“What a way to start a weekend.”

“You’re telling me.” Laird chuckles through the small talk, but there’s still an edge to his tone, and the laughter never reaches his eyes. “So what do we know?”

Mike replies, “You’re . . .” My world is wrapped up in this moment. Good or bad, the entirety of our lives will be affected by the result. Laird’s hand tightens around mine while Mike continues, “Not the father.”

No celebratory fanfare.

No wind punched from his lungs in disappointment.

No tears of joy or distress.

There’s no reaction at all.

Tommy and I exchange glances as my concern for Laird grows with each passing second. Even Mike is quiet. Laird must be the one who reacts first and guides us through the results. As he stares at the phone in front of him, I wonder if he’s in shock.

I rest my hand on his arm, which stirs him to angle his head, but he doesn’t make eye contact. We’re all frozen, so much so that I don’t even know what to think. I’m only worried about him and what thoughts are spinning in his head and weighing on his heart to cause the delay. I whisper for only his ears, “Laird?”

His eyes swing my way, the connection immediate, the exchange of our hearts shared through only a look. And then his hand covers mine, providing me the comfort I needed.

Tommy slaps his palm down on Laird’s leg. “This is good news, buddy.” Sincere and genuine but firm. Then he picks up the phone and opens the back door. “Let us know how to wrap this up—” The door closes, ending the option to be a part of the call. Which is fine. Laird needs time.

I whisper, “Are you okay?”

“Fine,” he finally replies, and I feel my heart beating again. “It’s weird. I don’t feel as relieved as I thought I would.” His eyes find mine out of the corners of his. “I’m sorry if that hurts you. I don’t mean to.”

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