Page 125 of Whispered Sins

“Well, since everything went down with Danielle, I feel like I’ve had a really hard time trusting people,” I said.

“Rightfully so,” said Brody.

“I thought I had blocked that part of my life out, but I think deep down it’s always been there. Maybe that’s why I haven’t settled down yet. Maybe I used this whole playboy lifestyle as a way to protect myself. You know, never letting anyone get too close.” I shrugged.

“Then what’s my excuse?” Brody smirked.

“You’re young. It’s what you’re supposed to do.”

“And you’re, what? A grandpa?”

I hesitated a moment before speaking again. “No, but I was going to be a dad… for real.”

“What?” asked Brody skeptically.

“I was involved with someone for a few months. It started off as a one-night stand, but then she got pregnant.”

“What are you talking about? When was this?” asked Brody, his voice jumping an octave.

“A few months ago. I never told anyone. Well, except Freddy.”

“Freddy?!” Brody’s voice raised an octave. “You told Freddy and not me?”

“I know. I just got scared. I’m your older brother. I should be a good influence…”

“Ha. Hardly.” Brody laughed. “So, what happened?”

“I was scared at first. Scared shitless. Once I got past that, I felt like we could be the real deal. You know, the whole shebang. I was really starting to see myself as a dad.”

“And you believed her? After everything…”

“Yeah, for some reason I did. I still do. But I messed it all up.”

“Okay, then fix it.”

“I can’t. She overheard something I said that was misconstrued. It was bad. And then all this stuff with Kiera came out.”

“So, that’s why you were so pissed,” said Brody, putting it all together.

I nodded.

“Well, I can explain it to her…”

“No,” I shook my head. “It doesn’t matter now. The baby is gone.”

“What do you mean, gone?”

“I don’t know. She either lost it or… took care of it.”

“Wow…” said Brody softly.

“I’ve been really torn up about it.”

“Well, it all makes sense now. Fuck. I’m so sorry, bro.”

He put his hand on my back and we sat in silence for a moment.

“Baby or no baby, it sounds like you have feelings for this woman.”

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