Page 54 of Pieces

I glance at my phone, the time shining at me, telling me I have no more time to freak out. Daphne texted me earlier to confirm, and she’s probably on her way right now. I want her to meet them, I really do, but I hate that this feels so much bigger than it should. I hate that we can’t tell them the whole truth yet.

“She’ll be here any minute.”

Miles claps his hands together. “This is going to be amazing. I can’t wait.”

I’m about to respond, when the bell over the diner door jingles. My heart jumps into my throat as I glance over, and there she is, standing in the doorway, scanning the diner for me. She’s wearing jeans and a sweatshirt, her blonde hair tumbling over one shoulder, and my eyes flicker to her belly, feeling that protective streak flare inside me. Damn, she still manages to make the room feel smaller, the air thinner.

Her eyes land on me, and she smiles. It’s soft, hesitant, but it punches through my chest all the same.

I really need to keep it cool here. I’ve only ever had one long-term girlfriend and that was in kindergarten. I’m sure that doesn’t count, but as she walks closer, all I can think about is how she already belongs to me. My primal lizard brain can’t compute that we aren’t together. Well, it’s gonna have to learn, and fast. We’re friends, only. Just friends.Casual mates. Jesus, why did I say that in my head like a British person? I’m losing it.

Seb nudges me under the table. “That her?”

“Yeah,” I say, my voice quieter than I meant it to be. Swallowing my lingering feelings, I look at Daphne. “That’s her.”

“Well,” Indie whispers, her voice dripping with curiosity. “Ifthat’show you two look at each other as friends, I’d love to see what happens when it’s more than that.”

If they only knew.

Daphne walks toward the table, and I brace myself.

As she weaves her way through the crowded diner, my eyes stay on her. I’m aware of my friends watching me, probably trying to gauge the situation. She looks calm, even casual, but I know how much courage it must’ve taken for her to say yes to this, to walk in here with all eyes on her. I straighten up a little, glancing at the others as she gets closer. This is it.

Her eyes scan the group as she approaches. I stand up too. Have I made it weird by standing? Eh, fuck it, too late now. “Hey,” I say, keeping my voice as even as I can manage.

“Hey,” Daphne replies, her smile breaking through as she looks around. If I was her, I’d hate this. I’m suddenly feeling like we’re at a zoo and people are staring.

“So, you’re the new friend,” Miles says, leaning forward. “Blink twice if you’re here against your will.”

Daphne doesn’t miss a beat. “I’d blink, but Hudson promised me free food if I played along.”

The table erupts into laughter, and I take my first breath before collapsing back into my seat.

“I like her already,” Quinn says.

“Honestly, if you’re just here for the free fries, no judgment. Hudson’s charm only goes so far,” Indie says, but before I can defend myself, Daphne is slipping into the seat next to me, replacing the diner smell with her sweet scent. I try so freaking hard not to inhale deeply, because she smells so damn good, and I’ve totally forgotten what Indie even said.

“I’m Daphne,” she says with a wave.

Everyone introduces themselves, and it all feels completely normal…except for the fact that myfriendis having my baby and no one here knows yet. All completely fine and normal. No need to freak out.

“You know, you look familiar,” Seb says as he leans back with narrowed eyes. “Wait, you’re Coach’s daughter, right?”

Daphne nods, glancing at me briefly. “Yeah, he’s my dad. I haven’t been around too many games yet, though. My schedule is pretty packed.”

Quinn interjects. “Ohhh, do you know what you want to major in already?”

“I want to work in PR, so media, communications, and since I want to work for a women’s sports team, I’ll minor in women’s studies too.”

“That’s awesome,” Quinn replies. “Well, if you have time, I’d love for you to come to our scrapbook club.”

“You have a scrapbook club?” Daphne asks, turning to me as well. I’m about to answer, but Quinn interjects.

“Oh my god, you should see his scrapbook. It’s so cute.”

“And pink,” Indie adds with a grin.

Daphne faces me again. “Pink, huh?”

---