Page 59 of One Timer With A Wingman

Aaron:Exactly. We can trust the guys and Ruby and Charlie. Can you say the same for your roommates?

Damn, he has me there.

Me:We would need to tell them about the pregnancy.

It would no longer be our secret. Having everyone know would make it more real than it already is. Until now, I’ve been living in the shadows, hiding out in my room and going to class or the gym.

My cell rings and Aaron’s name lights up the screen.

“Hello.”

“I really hate texting. It’s so impersonal. We’re talking about something serious. I needed to hear your voice,” he says, and it is terrible how his words bring a smile to my face.

“I’m eleven weeks. I thought we had two weeks before we shared,” I counter.

“You said you can’t trust your roommates. We both know what’s going to happen when word gets out,” he says. We do know. Aaron is a campus heartthrob. Every girl wants him. Finding out he is going to be a daddy is going to break a lot of hearts, even if we aren’t together. There’s also the issue of girls being mean.

“Gah, you’re right. I’ll give Mom your address and head over to you now,” I say to him.

“Have you eaten breakfast?” he asks.

“No, but you don’t need to feed me,” I remind him, since he keeps trying to.

“I know, but I want to,” he answers. I’m not only frustrated about Mom coming to town to take my car; I am now also frustrated that Aaron is so sweet.

“I’ll see you soon. Are Charlie, Ruby, and Annie there?” I can’t tell Aaron’s friends before my own. Especially when they are in serious relationships together.

“Everyone’s here. They’re all still in bed,” he says.

“Okay, I’ll see you soon,” I tell him.

My stomach feels like it’s bottoming out as I drive to the hockey house. My friends have always been supportive, but this is something bigger than any of us have dealt with. When I pull into the driveway, I see Aaron pulling in behind me. He’s driving Cade’s car. I park the car and head outside. It’s a warm day for March so I only put on a light jacket.

“I went to get some fresh bagels and cream cheese from that place on campus,” he explains, holding a paper bag. He pecks my cheek and walks past me. He must feel that I’m not following him because he turns around. “Are you coming in?”

“I’m scared.” I stand frozen in my spot.

“These are our best friends. They’re going to support us,” he assures.

“I’m scared of everything, Aaron. Of you trying to take care of me. Of my friends supporting me. I don’t like accepting help.” I’m having a meltdown and Mom is probably going to be in town in the next half hour.

Aaron watches me sympathetically. “I’m not going anywhere, Briar. You’re stuck with me taking care of you.”

Until he gets a girlfriend. The thought causes me to tear.

“What happens when you meet someone and get married? Or even now. Where will Nugget live?” I’m panicking and I can’t hide it.

“Okay, relax. This is overwhelming, but let’s take this one step at a time. No matter what, I will be here for you. I can’t speak for our friends, but you have me for life.” He takes my hand and places it on his heart. I want to believe him. I really do.

I blow out a breath while internally chiding myself to get my shit together. Mom is coming to town, and I have to be strong because she’ll dish more rejection my way, and I can’t let her bring me down.

“Is this about your mom?” Aaron asks.

“Maybe.” I wince.

“Come inside. I need to feed you, and we have to be open with our friends,” he urges.

“You’re right.” He takes me by the hand and leads me to the house. I follow, hoping I am not setting myself up to be completely obliterated because I am falling for Aaron hard, and if he doesn’t keep that promise, I don’t know what I’ll do.

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