Page 59 of Our Final Encore

“Tell him! He’s a good guy, he’ll do the right thing.”

I gulp, closing my eyes and bracing for impact. “It’s not Ian’s.”

“Huh?” She’s silent for a moment, probably doing the math in her head. “Shit…”

“Yeah,” I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose.

“I knew it!” I don’t say anything, but my silence speaks for itself. “Holy crap. Dude, you’re having Alex’s baby?”

“Don’t sound too excited about it,” I say sarcastically.

“You need to tell him.”

I groan. “I will, but I don’t want to yet.”

“Why not? What if he decides to skip town again and go on another tour? You need to tell him.”

My stomach gurgles in protest, and I’m not sure if it’s more morning sickness or just anxiety.What if she’s right?Oh god.

“I don’t know what to say. I don’t even have his number.”

“Isn’t he staying at his dad’s house? Walk fifty feet and knock on his door.”

“That doesn’t seem appropriate.”

“Yeah, well, neither was getting you pregnant by accident, but here we are.”

A giggle escapes me despite how twisted up I feel.

“Go do it. Seriously, you should do it today, get it off your chest.”

“You think?”

“Yes. I’d come with you, but I’m bringing Sophia to a doctor’s appointment right now.”

I look up at the sky. “Ugh. I can’t believe this is actually happening.”

“I know, it’s fucking terrifying, but I’m a strong believer that stuff happens for a reason.”

Easy for her to say. She was born into a wealthy family that spoils the heck out of her and Sophia. And I love that for her, truly, but my situation isn’t quite the same.

“Okay, I’ll do it. I guess,” I groan.

“Call me as soon as you get back home. I gotta go, I love you.”

“Love you, too.”

THIRTY-NINE

Alex

Ithrow a banana and a few strawberries into the blender with a handful of ice, then top it off with a spoonful of protein powder. Dad hates it, but lately he’s refused to eat anything else. He doesn’t even really like smoothies, but it’s the closest he’ll get to eating real food.

A soft knock comes from the front door.

“Who the hell is that?” my father grunts from the living room.

I roll my eyes. “I don’t know, Dad.”

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