Page 65 of Sticking Out

“I didn’t think she was a bunny, though?”

“I don’t know what she is or was.” I open the fridge and pull out a tray of small sandwiches. I set them on the counter, and pull out a couple more trays filled with finger food. We gather them up, and make our way back to the party, but the second I walk into the room and spot Conner in the corner, in deep conversation with Summer, the trays in my hands wobble.

I have no idea what they’re talking about, but judging from their body language it’s something very serious. Was I wrong thinking those two were done, and that Conner and I had a future together?

24

Conner

I head to the locker room after a fun practice with the kids. I usually enjoy the camps more than I did today. I tried to put on a happy face, though it was hard with so much shit on my mind. Mainly, Summer’s laugh. Had I blocked it out all these years, after hearing it the day my brother called to take Dani to the hospital? Was there a part of me that just wouldn’t allow myself to think that Alec wasn’t only betraying Dani but was also betraying me—with Summer? Not to mention that Summer was betraying both of us as well.

Jesus Christ, what is going on with my life?

But that laugh. Now that I’ve heard it again, it untangled something in the back of my mind and took me right back to the day Alec called me, the day I called him back, demanding he get home…the day he died.

Why…why the fuck did he have to want what I had?

Did he not realize he had it all, including the most amazing woman in the world, one who I never thought I’d be good enough for? Neither one of us deserved what he did to us, and no matter what, Dani can never know. I can’t hurt her like that.

But seeing Summer with that young boy at the nursing home has left me unsettled, and trying not to be distracted this past week has been nothing short of impossible. Dani must know something is off. She’s astute and I’m not that great of an actor. It’s true, the party at my house was not the time to corner and question Summer. I hadn’t meant to, but the second I saw her standing alone, I pounced. Not my greatest move, I know.

She was the last person I expected to show up at my house. Although I don’t know why I didn’t expect it. She’s dating Knox and naturally he was invited to the party. It’s not like she saw me at the nursing home. She had her back to me and after I saw the boy, I bailed. There was no saying the child was even hers, which is why I let it go, until I couldn’t hold the question back anymore, because yeah, his eyes are the same shade of blue as mine.

Do I have a child?

She never answered me when I asked the question at my place. My voice no doubt held a shit ton of accusation, and took her by surprise. She became flustered and tongue tied, and when she glanced over my shoulder, I knew Dani had returned to the room. I ended the conversation, but it’s not over. No, it’s far from over. I don’t know when I’ll see her next, only that we have to talk. It’s not like I can do it around the guys, or Dani. Does she still have the same contact information?

I snatch my phone up, and scroll through it, finding Summer’s number. I should send a text off, see if she answers. I go to my texts, and punch out a message to Summer, telling her we need to talk. I’m not sure if it’s still her number or not, but what else can I do?

I hit send and smile when I see the last person I was messaging was Dani. She naturally questioned me the night of the party, and I simply told her I was surprised that Summer showed up at my place. While that is true, it’s not the entire truth. Fuck, how was I supposed to tell her I might be a father, when we’ve been trying so hard to have a baby? She hasn’t said anything, but it’s clear she’s worried she’ll never get pregnant again.

“Something on your mind?” Noah asks, coming in and dropping down onto the bench beside me.

“What?” I turn to him, my attention scattered.

He nudges me as he takes off his skates. “Whoa, dude, what’s going on with you?”

“Nothing…just…it was weird that Summer was at my place.” I’m not sure if I’m making a statement or asking a question.

“I’m afraid you’re going to have to get used to seeing her around. She’s with Knox.” He eyes me. “You don’t still have a thing for her, do you?”

“Fuck no,” I answer quickly and adamantly. “That was over, before it was officially over.”

He nods. “You and Dani, that’s where it’s at, Conner.”

I meet his eyes, and take in the seriousness. “I know that.”

He pats my shoulder. “Don’t fuck it up.”

I snort out a laugh, afraid that I might do just that. “I have to run. The kids want to head to the park and get ice cream. Join us if you want.”

I smile, as I imagine that life. It’s the life I want, with Dani. But now there might be another child in the picture and dammit, if the child is mine, I want to be a part of his life. How could Summer have kept this from me? Does she not want me in his life?

Okay, slow down, Conner. You’re getting ahead of yourself.

“Rain check. I have some things to do,” I finally answer when I realize Noah is standing at his locker waiting for a response.

“Sounds good.” He closes his locker and gives me a nod before leaving.

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