Page 24 of Bleed for You
“You were dealing with him.” Their food arrived and once they were alone, Craig said, “I’ll go with you. To the parents.”
“You will? I don’t want to drag you into my problems.”
“What are big brothers for? Eat what you can, Cat. You’re eating for two now.”
“I love you.”
Craig mimed throwing up and Cat threw some lettuce at him. Chuckling, he said, “I love you too.” He used his fork to point at her plate. “Eat.”
They ate in relative silence, and it wasn’t long before they’d paid and were leaving. “I’ll follow you.” Cat swallowed and breathed out.
“I’ll be there. Mom and Dad will be…” Craig sighed. “Let’s do this.”
Craig drove to their parents’ and twenty minutes later parked in the driveway and waited for Cat. Cat parked behind him and got out, tucking her hair behind her ear, and biting her bottom lip. Craig walked over to her and hugged her. “Thanks,” she whispered.
Going to the front door, Craig knocked on then opened it. “Mom! Dad! It’s me and Cat.”
“Come in, Craig,” his mom, Charlotte, shouted. “We’re in the kitchen.”
Craig glanced at Cat, seeing her pale skin, and took her hand, giving it a tight squeeze. “We can do this,” he murmured.
In the kitchen, Craig found Charlotte and Bruce sitting at the table. “Hey.”
“It’s lovely to see you both.” Charlotte hugged both Craig and Cat. “What brings you both here?”
“I’m pregnant,” Cat blurted, then stood still, her eyes wide.
“What?” Bruce turned in his chair and stared at Cat. “You’re having a baby?”
“Yes, and it’s his before you ask and no, he wants nothing to do with it.” Cat placed a hand on her abdomen. “But I’m keeping it.”
Craig winced. He hadn’t expected Cat to blurt it out like that and seeing the look of shock on their parents showed they had not expected it either. He had no idea what to say to break the silence in the room. “I’m going to be an uncle. I think I will make a great uncle.”
“I’m going to be a grandmother?” Charlotte asked. “And he will have nothing to do with the baby?”
“I’ll have him sign away parental responsibility.”
“Good. We don’t want him around.”
“No one ever says his name.” Cat blew out her breath. “Are you okay? I know you weren’t expecting this.”
“It will take some time to get used to but…” Bruce looked at Charlotte, “think we’ll be okay. How are you?”
“Other than the obvious, I’m good.”
“Why are you both still standing? Sit down and let me get you both a drink and then we need to make a list of what you’ll need.”
Craig sat and the four of them spent the next hour planning for the new addition to the family. Craig couldn’t wait to be an uncle, and he knew Jinx would be amazing as well. He sent him a quick message telling him what had happened and how well it had gone. He wasn’t surprised when he didn’t get a response. He knew Jinx was working, but he would respond when he could.
When they left, Craig hugged Cat, who shook her head. “I really thought they would lose their shit, but they were great. Just when I think I know our parents, they surprise me.”
“And me. I think as long as he isn’t involved, they’ll be more than happy for you to have this baby. They despised him.”
“Ever noticed how none of us say his name?” Cat stood back and ran a hand over her belly. “I’m going to be the best mom and you’re going to be the best uncle.” She hugged Craig again, then went to her car. “Craig? Thank you for today.”
“I’m here whenever you need me.” Craig waited for Cat to get in her car and drive away before getting into his own and checking his phone. Still nothing from Jinx. He rubbed his lips and put his phone on the passenger seat. He was overreacting. Jinx was at work and could be busy, but it had been a day now, and they never went this long without some form of contact.
Chapter Fifteen
