Page 99 of Pieces

The entire table goes dead silent for half a second before erupting. Indie nearly spits out her drink, Miles doubles over in laughter, Quinn and Seb look back and forth between each other.

Jay blinks, his mouth opening and closing, like he’s not sure if he should laugh or run. Finally, he manages, “Uh, thanks…I think?”

“You’ll have to excuse Olivia. She has no filter, ever,” I say.

Liv just grins, completely unbothered. “It’s a compliment,” she says matter-of-factly, tossing her hair over her shoulder and winking at Jay. “You’re welcome.”

Hudson leans back in his chair, running a hand over his face, but I can see the corners of his mouth twitching as I turn to Liv. “You can’t just say things like that.”

“Why not?” she counters, shrugging. “I mean, look at him. He’s hot. If he doesn’t know that, it’s my civic duty to inform him.”

Jay’s now blushing so hard he might combust.

“Anyway.” She settles back in her seat, her arms crossed over her chest. “The cat’s out of the bag now, huh? Everyone knows about Baby Booger?”

Hudson groans, pinching the bridge of his nose, placing one hand over my stomach. “I’m sorry, baby, you’re more than a booger.”

“You should’ve known better,” Jay says with a grin as he sips his coffee. “Once it’s out, it sticks.”

“Baby Booger?” Quinn asks, raising an eyebrow. “That’s what he’s calling your kid?”

“It started as a joke,” Daphne says, laughing softly. “But yeah, it’s kind of become their unofficial nickname.”

“Do you guys want to find out the gender?” Seb asks.

I look over to Hudson, but I think we’ve both spent so long coming to terms with all of this that we haven’t decided. “I’m not sure. Would you want to know?”

“Maybe? I don’t know. I kinda like the idea of a surprise.”

“Me too,” I agree.

“So what your saying is, when we plan your baby shower, it needs to be neutral?” Liv says.

Before I can answer, a flurry of excited chatter takes over the table. Quinn immediately starts debating color schemes with her.

“Ohhh, a baby shower, that’s so fun. I’d love to help too, if you’ll let me? What kind of theme are we talking?” Quinn asks, leaning forward with the determination of someone about to project-manage the hell out of this. I’m officially scared.

“I mean, it’s a celebration. Cake, balloons, presents—you know, the basics.”

“It needs a theme. Themes make it special,” Quinn says. “And maybe we can involve both of your moms too?” She looks at me, and I smile with a nod. I know my mom and Marlie would love that.

Indie smirks. “Do we really need a theme for a baby shower? Isn’t ‘baby’ the theme?”

Liv nods, pointing at Indie. “I agree. Nothing over the top, but something that feels like Daphne, you know?”

These people, who, months ago, were strangers talk about throwing me a baby shower and my heart swells. I never realized how grateful I’d be to be a part of this group.

And when I look over to Hudson, his eyes are already on me, heat simmering beneath the surface. I smile knowingly and toss him a little wink.

The corner of his mouth lifts. Yeah, we need to get out of here soon.

Chapter forty-two

Hudson

Webarelymakeitback to my dorm before she’s on me.

The door clicks shut, and Daphne’s hands are already sliding under my hoodie, her fingers cold against the heat of my skin. I’d offer some smart-ass comment about her eagerness if I wasn’t already tugging her sweater up and over her head in one smooth motion. The second it’s gone, she’s pressing up against me, her mouth finding mine, soft and warm and tasting faintly of the hot chocolate she’d been sipping earlier.

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