Page 59 of Sebastian

That’s a better way of saying it.

“I don’t know. I’m way too sober to be having this conversation.”

I stand, walk to the liquor cabinet, and hunt through the old collection that used to be my father’s. I haven’t touched any of this stuff, preferring my Scotch, but since that’s not in here, desperate time calls for desperate measures. I crack open a vintage whiskey and pour myself three fingers before raising a glass to them in an offering. Both politely decline. As they should because Paolo didn’t accidently knock up Taylor. Hell, with her age, she probably can’t have kids.

I’m so fucked.

“Getting sloshed isn’t going to help the situation,” Paolo scolds but remains beside Taylor until he snaps his fingers and looks at his watch. He walks closer to me, his eyes sparking with more life than what’s in me.

“Taylor might be onto something. She should be very late by now if you last had sex with her in Cabo.”

He’s asking like the forensic accountant that he is, deducting all this to facts and logic, whereas I just want to get drunk. I sigh, sipping the whiskey and enjoying the bitter smokey flavor.

“I don’t know. I was so shitfaced. I don’t remember much of the trip.”

Taylor frowns deeply, her eyes zeroing in on the drink in my hand. Yeah, I probably drink too much, but since Chloe has been here, I haven’t consumed nearly as much—another benefit of being with her.

“It depends on cycles and timing. Typically, one would know by now, but not always. I’m assuming you didn’t use any birth control?”

She looks at me, and I look away. Veronica was on the pill, or so she said.

“Got it. Why don’t Paolo and I slip out and find a nearby pharmacy? Then you can know tonight.”

Paolo nods, his hand cupping Taylor’s elbow in support.

“What if she won’t take it here?” I ask, doubting I can convince her to do anything, not that we’re broken up. “Considering the party and all?”

We both look to Taylor, who understands the situation better than us.

“Well, she might balk at it, but then again, she intentionally crashed your party to drop this on you, so why not take the test here? Then you can either celebrate that you’ll be a father or find peace in knowing the truth.”

I nod but completely disagree with her about celebrating if I’m to be a father—more like getting trashed and peeing in the pool again.

“Yeah, okay.”

I drain my drink, feeling the sparks of my buzz getting stronger.

“I assume Chloe overheard all this?” She frowns when she says it.

“Luckily, no. This all went down after,” I respond and then pause. “Wait, I figured she was with you, but now I realize . . . I fucked it all up with her, didn’t I?”

Taylor’s slow to respond, and Paolo seems hesitant to answer. Finally, Taylor asks, “Did something happen?”

I take a deep breath, then recount the events involving Chloe, not leaving out any detail. As I speak, I can’t help but feel guilty as hell for choosing Veronica over Chloe. I was caught off guard and assumed she would be fine with me dealing with my ex, but the second she got away, I knew I fucked up.Paolo whistlesslowly, which makes me feel worse. Taylor’s expression shifts from curiosity to sympathy.

“Sebastian, you need to focus on what’s best for everyone in this situation, whatever it may be. And Chloe . . . well, if it’s meant to be, it’ll work out, but that depends on the outcome of the test.”

I nod, hearing the message in Taylor’s tone that I might have to say goodbye to Chloe if I’m to be a father. I finish my drink, desperate to pour another, but refrain for now.

“Don’t just get one test. Get ten.”

I try to joke, but the joke falls flat, given the seriousness of the situation. I reach for my wallet when Paolo crosses the room to clap me on the back.

“Your money’s no good here. We got this. It’s the least we can do if you’re going to be a papa. Just remember, I get first dibs on being the godfather.”

He chuckles, and even though I shove him away, I’m grateful to have him.

“Paolo! Don’t joke about such things,” Taylor scolds, slipping her hand in his as he rights himself from almost falling.

---