Page 77 of Huge Pucking Play

"I know." More tears come, and I don't bother fighting them.

“Are you...I mean, what are you thinking of doing?"

"I'm keeping it." My free hand moves to my still-flat stomach. "I want this baby."

Adam nods slowly. "I support you one hundred percent."

"I'm in love with Garrett," I whisper, admitting it aloud for the first time. "It's not just physical or casual or whatever Marjorie thinks. I love him."

Adam smiles. "I figured as much. You've been different lately. Happier."

"I have been." I wipe tears from my cheeks. "He makes me feel...seen. In a way I've never experienced before."

"Then tell him that." Adam shrugs. "What's the worst that could happen?"

"He could run screaming in the other direction."

"Do you seriously think he'd do that?"

I think about Garrett. The way he asks about my day and actually listens to the answer. How he looks at me in quiet moments, like he's memorizing my face. The way we laugh together about the silliest things.

"No," I admit. "I don't."

"Then give the man some credit." Adam stands up, pulling me to my feet. "Now, here's what you’re going to do. First, you're going to wash your face. Then you’re going to call a meeting with HR before Marjorie can. You and Hughes can explain the situation professionally, as two adults who are in a consensual relationship."

"And the pregnancy?"

"That's nobody's business right now except yours and Hughes'."

I nod, feeling a tiny spark of hope.

I throw my arms around Adam, hugging him tight. "Thank you."

"What are friends for, if not helping you navigate workplace drama and accidental pregnancies?" He hugs me back, then steps away. "Now go fix your face, girl."

As I walk to the small bathroom attached to the training room, my phone buzzes in my pocket.

Garrett: Everything okay? Heard something went down with Marjorie.

News travels fast in this place. I stare at the screen, thumb hovering over the keyboard.

Me: You’re not going to believe it. Can we talk after practice?

His reply comes immediately.

Garrett: My office, 2pm?

Me: Perfect.

I look in the mirror. My eyes are red, my face is splotchy. I look like a mess, but underneath the fear and the tears, I feel certain that this can all be fixed.

I love Garrett Hughes. I'm having his baby. And whatever Marjorie throws at us, whatever challenges come next, I'm not facing them alone.

I fix my ponytail, splash cold water on my face, and straighten my shoulders. Time to fight for what matters.

Chapter 22

Garrett

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