Page 19 of Agony of Our Regret

Noah’s eyes shifted beyond the camera for a moment. “I saw Ave sick. She was holding her stomach, and it looked like she was throwing up.”

Relief washed over me, and I waved off his concern. “I’m sure it’s just the flu or something.”

Sky leaned in. “Are you sure you’re not sick?”

“Yes. I’m sure,” I said confidently.

Sky just stared back.

“She’ll be fine,” Luca promised. “If she gets sick, Gavin and I will take care of her.”

Noah relaxed. “Yeah, you’re right.”

Sky wasn’t as convinced. “You’d tell us, though, if something was wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong.” I prayed that was true.

He didn’t call me out for lying, but his eyes stayed narrow and suspicious.

The door swung open, and I glanced over my shoulder and waved Gavin over.

“Hey, guys.” He waved as he bent down next to me.

“Did Gwen forget about you?” Noah teased.

“She tried to tell me, but I was in a meeting. I had to wait. I’m glad I caught you though.”

“It’s been like nine days. You miss me that much?” Sky blew him kisses.

Gavin rolled his eyes but smiled. “I do. You promised me Cubs’ dates this summer.”

Sky groaned. “Aw man. They’re having such a good year too.”

“Hurry back, and we can catch the end of it. They might even make it to the postseason.”

“Yeah…” Sky trailed off and glanced at Noah.

Their unspoken conversation buzzed in the air while Gavin checked in with me. He lifted a brow and glanced at my stomach. I shook my head just a few inches and focused back on the screen as Sky finished his story about a street food vendor.

Talking and hanging out—even over video chat—felt so normal and close to exactly what I wanted: having four of my guys chatting and laughing, all together.

How was it possible something that made you happy could also be so painful?

It was a tease, a taste of what could be but would likely never happen.

I fought to keep a smile in place, sitting back and soaking them in until Noah yawned for the fifteenth time and Sky admitted they were exhausted.

“We’ll talk soon.” Sky waved and hung up.

Gavin immediately faced me. “I’m not sure how you’re going to pull this off.”

Me? Not us?

“You look the same now, but that won’t last forever.”

“I know.”

He hung his head. “I feel guilty.”

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