Page 138 of Messy Strokes (Wrecked Roommates)

If I can keep it together for one more night, I can tell Milo about Penny tomorrow, and I’ll reach out to Marty’s dad and expose Marty for manipulating him. It’ll be fine.

I simply need to make it through one more night.

Wiping beneath my eyes, I release another slow, shaky breath, unlock my phone, and type my response.

Me: After tonight, we’re through. Got it?

Marty: We’ve already discussed this, Princess. See you at 7. Don’t be late.

Unable to even look at myself in the mirror, I grab my clutch from the counter, shove my phone into it, and head to the first floor.

Everyone is chatting, congratulating Milo on what a badass he is as I round the corner to find him bouncing Penny in his arms. Her little hand is curled on his chest as she smiles up at him, showcasing tiny dimples in her cheek. They match his perfectly. He’s only half-listening to the compliments from my parents, who hadn’t forgotten about the show tonight. He’s too busy loving on his baby girl. Making silly faces and digging his tattooed fingers into her sides until she squeals with laughter.

He looks so happy.

She looks so happy.

And if I didn’t have to wonder aboutwhat-ifsandwhat could’ve beens, I’d be happy too. Hell, I’d be on cloud nine for the rest of my life, committing simple, everyday moments like this one to memory.

But it isn’t how this works. Not with the lies I’ve woven together. The lies I’ve tangled myself in. The lies now holding me back from being accepted. From being loved. Truly. Unconditionally. Loved.

And it sucks.

“Hey, Mads. Ready to go?” Milo asks when he catches me staring. His mouth curves up in the corners as his gaze slides down my body, appreciating my curves which have yet to disappear since having Penny. Honestly, I’m not sure they ever will. But with the way he’s looking at me right now, I’m not sure if I even care. I soak up the moment with the knowledge it could be the last time he looks at me like this. Without malice or hate. Simply…adoration and love.

“Hey, honey,” my mom interrupts, pulling me into a hug. It’s almost enough to distract me from the impending doom waiting for me at 7 pm.

My dad joins in and adds, “Hey, sweetheart. You look great.”

“Thank you.” I force a smile, even though I’m seconds from losing my damn mind. “And yes, I’m ready to go,” I add to Milo. “I was thinking I’d drive separately, though. Is, uh”––I swallow thickly––“is that all right?”

“Why?”

“In case Penny gets fussy. I’m sure she’ll be fine, but…”

“You can ride with us,” my dad offers.

“Your hotel’s in the opposite direction,” I remind him, then turn back to Milo. “Seriously. I can drive, and I’ll meet you at the exhibit.”

“You sure you don’t want to drive together?” Milo asks.

“I want to, but you’re the man of honor. And she’s”––my gaze drops to Penny in his arms––“a wild card.”

“Good point,” he concedes, blowing a raspberry against Penny’s cheek. “You’re a ticking time bomb. Aren’t ya, my little Peanut?”

She giggles in response and weaves her tiny fingers into his short, scruffy beard, tugging at it and almost bringing the grown man to his knees.

“Ouch, kiddo.” Grabbing her wrists, he gently pulls her little hands from torturing him anymore. “You’re getting so strong.”

“Where are Jake and Bree?” I ask, unable to take their adorableness another second. Not when I’m afraid I’m about to throw it all away under the guise of protecting it. Protectingthem.

“They already left,” he informs me. “Jake’s still pissed at me and wanted to get out of here.”

“Oh.”

“We should probably get going too,” my mom reminds us as she checks the time on her delicate gold watch. “We’ll meet you there.”

“O-okay.” I fold my arms in hopes of hiding their trembling as my parents head out the front door, leaving a suffocating silence. Rocking back on my heels, I murmur, “Shall we?”

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