Page 56 of Sebastian

“This is so pretty. Did you do all this for me?” Veronica unexpectedly says, leaning against me as she marvels at the display.

If I were to be honest, I didn’t know anything about it. Chloe had said she had a surprise for all the guests at the end of the party—a signature send-off. But this colossal fuck-up times perfectly with my colossal fuck-up resting her head against my shoulder.

“How did you even get in?” I ask in exasperation, running a hand through my hair to release some stress. “You weren’t invited.”

She snorts, glancing from me to the display until I step back to put space between us.

“I said I was one of your employees.”

So much for having security at the party.

“What was so urgent that you had to crash my party?”

I plant my hands on my hips, hoping to intimidate her to go home.

“I’m late.”

She glances at me with a hint of anxiety in her eyes.

“Late?”

I’m confused. How can she be late to my party when I didn’t invite her in the first place?

“You can’t be late if you weren’t invited.”

She straightens, standing taller and reaching out to lay her hands on my chest, which I instantly detest.

“No, I’mlate.Meaning I haven’t gotten my period. I think I’m pregnant.”

Pregnant? My mind races as she drops this bombshell on me. Panic surges through my veins. I don’t want kids. Kids mean responsibility, commitment, and changing diapers. None of which I’m prepared for. Hell, I can barely take care of myself. That’s what Jiles is for—he’s the one who keeps my life together.

I run a hand through my hair again, feeling the stress building. This is the last thing I expected to deal with tonight. One minute, I’m fantasizing about Chloe in red lipstick and lingerie, and then next, I’m talking about pregnancy and kids with Veronica.

Fuck.

Her hands are still on my chest, making my skin crawl. I can sense the desperation in her gaze and the uncertainty in her eyes. Her expression brightens when I clasp my hands over hers until I drag them off me. I can’t stand her touching me, especially while freaking out about possibly becoming a papa.

“Are you sure?”

I wave my hand in the air, trying to think of what to ask when I desperately want to blurt out that I don’t want kids, I don’t wantherkids, and I’m still a kid myself.

“Have you taken a test yet?”

She bites her lip, tears welling in her eyes.

“Well, no.”

“Fuck, Veronica.”

I look at my ex-girlfriend, trying to figure out how this can be possible. I thought I was rid of her when we broke up last month. Felt relieved that she was gone. But now, she’s a complication in an entirely different way and for much longer than a couple of months. I could be chained to her for eighteen long years.She leans in closer, raising her voice over the boom and crackle of the too early fireworks show.

“I don’t want to do it alone. I want us to do it together.”

This couldn’t get any worse. I get that she needs support, and it’s also my responsibility if she’s pregnant, but the asshole in me doesn’t want any part of this. Not that I’d abandon my child if I were to have one, I wouldn’t. I’m not a monster, but having a kid right now at my age would be a nightmare coming true.

Tears start flowing from her eyes. As much as I don’t want to deal with this, I reach for my handkerchief in my pocket to hand to her while she wraps her arms around my waist. I console her as she sobs, trying not to be a completesegaiolo,or wanker, as Jiles calls me occasionally.

“I understand.”

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