Page 75 of Pieces

She shakes her head and reaches for another fry. But this time, she keeps her eyes on me. “I’m not scared of you.”

I snap at her again with my teeth, earning a laugh that fills the cabin of my car.

I like her like this. Her walls are nowhere to be seen, and the smiles she’s been throwing my way all day have knocked me on my ass.

She’s got a grain of salt on her chin, a stray fry crumb tangled in her hair, and she’s slurping her chocolate milkshake with a ridiculous, satisfied moan. And honestly? She’s never looked more beautiful.

Chapter thirty-two

Hudson

“Sotodayistheday, huh?” Jay asks as he watches me clean my face. I’m about to apply moisturizer when my phone buzzes next to him.

“Today’s the day.” I nod toward my phone. “Can you grab that for me?”

Jay looks down at the screen. “It’s Daphne. And Door Dash.” He pauses, brows drawn. “Since when do you do that, man?”

Quickly rubbing in the remainder of the cream to my face, I wipe my hands and take it from him.

“Since I’ve got a baby on the way, and I need all the extra cash I can get,” I say, swiping to open her message first. “I’m working late tonight.”

Daphne

So, what does one wear to a baby scan, exactly? A dress for easy access? Leggings? Jeans? Is there a protocol I need to follow here? Please tell me there’s not a protocol that I don’t know about.

I grin at her overthinking, shaking my head, when another message pops up.

Daphne

Actually, why am I asking you? Like you’ve done this before. Sorry, ignore me. I’ll call Liv. I’ll be ready in five. x

Hudson

Go with something comfy, and it’s cold and raining, so dress warm. Just wear whatever makes you feel good. Xx

Then I add another question.

Hudson

Have you spoken to your parents?

Daphne

Mom just called me, she wants pictures of the scan

I’m glad that her mom has called her. But with no mention of her dad still, I’m not sure if it’s something I need to hash out with my coach or something she needs to figure out on her own time. I just want to be there for her whatever happens.

When I look up, Jay has a smirk on his face as he crosses his arms over his chest, studying me.

“What?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.

“You’re not freaking out at all?” he asks, head tilted.

“Dude, I freak out a lot, it’s just all internal. Daphne is freaked out too, so I don’t want to make things worse for her.”

Jay’s face softens. “You’re a good guy, Huds.”

“You’re only figuring this out now? After how many years of friendship?” I scoff, clutching my chest mockingly.

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