Page 64 (1/1)

One

Celeste

“Teeks until I’h that the patrons sitting at the table next to us look over Her hands clasp together in excite everyone at the table and land on her fiancé, Nicholas Shaho is known to most as the newly retired quarterback froh, he’s e difference, I’ve spent the last two decades following Nick around while he’s chased his drea a ot married—a stupid decision on both our parts, stee pact in a moment of weakness

Of course, that was all before he met Olivia, ooped in with her sweet and adorable self and stole his heart—while si one of the few people I call a friend She and Nick are expecting their second baby in Septehteen ht

In response to what Olivia says, Nick snakes his arm around her shoulders in a protective rin His lips press against hers softly in a loving gesture, and I’ivenoff them

“Which means a bachelorette party is in order!” Olivia’s best friend, Giselle, states She’s also pregnant—due in November—and someone I consider a friend Her husband, Killian Blake—who is a receiver for the Brewers—also wraps his arm around his wife and pulls her in for a kiss Only theirs is s between them become heated It’s one of those kisses where you want to look away to give the Yep! I’ve definitely got a cavity, maybe two It isn’t until Nick clears his throat that they coht red—not sure if it’s out of embarrassment over their public display of affection, or if she’s turned on—either way, she’s completely captivated by her husband

“Oh, I don’t know” Olivia’s nose scrunches up, and she shakes her head “I’ belly “And you’re pregnant too” She eyes Giselle “The only person who’ll actually get to party is Celeste!” She laughs, shooting me a soft smile

My gaze goes to my—and I use the term loosely—boyfriend, Chad Vacanti Chad is forty-five years old and the VP for the invest firm he’s a partner in Weand hit it off Shortly after, I left for the UK to pro line that went international Apparently, he had some business over there as well and reached out We spent several weeks together—eren’t both working eighteen-hour days—and decided to keep things going e returned It’s worked out well for both of us—giving us so days of work He’s a lot like s Chad’s nearly twenty years my senior, which is the way I prefer it Older ether and are far e

“And it will stay that way,” I say with conviction in response to Olivia’s co the words, co no clue what the conversation is about

“What will stay ay?” he questions—apparently he’s soood to know he at least hears me when I speak

“My getting pregnant” His eyes go wide in fear, conant anytih of relief, as if having a baby within the world It’s not as if I would want to have kids with him—or with anyone for that matter—but Jesus, does he have to look so relieved?

Taking a bite of nore the four pairs of eyes staring atChad’s, as his are already back on his phone It’s no secret I’roup of friends Unlike Olivia and Giselle, who are both happily doing their part to add to the ever-growing huoal in this life: toa daood job at I’ve learned over the years that independence is the key to a woman’s success While Chad is decent in bed and so more than that I don’t need hihts of the one guy I allowed myself to need and how that turned out…with my heart broken and my future nearly destroyed