“Alright.” He takes a quick sip of his beer then holds my gaze. “I think you two are treading a fine line that’s become too blurred to realize the ‘friendship’ you two have is inappropriate. If the roles were reversed and Lennon was your girl first, how would that feel knowing your best friend is swooping in?”
My jaw clenches, frustration building inside me as I resist the urge to deck his pretty boy face.
“For starters, if the roles were reversed, it wouldn’t matter because I’d be the dead one. However, I’d trust my best friend with my life, so whether he was being there for her during a really fucking rough time or if he was swooping in because he’d always had feelings for her, it wouldn’t matter. All that would matter is her happiness. If he made her happy, that’s all I’d ever want. Why the fuck do you think I stood on the sidelines this whole goddamn time? If I were the asshole you’re trying to paint me to be, I would’ve stepped in a long time ago when Brandon was still alive. So instead of running your mouth, maybe try to realize that we’ve leaned on each other during this shit time, and even if she only wants me as a friend, that’ll be enough for me. And I don’t need your blessing for that.”
Mason’s tense as a board next to me while Liam’s stance doesn’t waver. I know he’s tough as nails, always has a point to prove, but I’ve had enough defending what Lennon and I have. Whether it’s a friendship or it becomes more, I shouldn’t have to constantly be armed.
“You’re right.” Mason breaks the awkward silence with a pat on my shoulder. “She needs someone like you in her life through this, and only you understand what’s happening between you two.”
“Then why all the secrets, man?” Liam finally speaks.
“Because I knew how you’d react. You think I have an ulterior motive in all of this because you know how I’ve always felt about her, but that was never the case. Since the moment Brandon died, I’ve only ever wanted to just be a shoulder for her to cry on. I didn’t expect things to escalate the way they did.”
“Sophie and Maddie told us about their parents,” Liam says.
“Are they as evil as they sound?” Mason asks.
I shrug. “They were actually really nice, which was a surprise. However, their expectations and old-fashioned values were crystal clear. Lennon’s worries were merited once I heard the way they talked about doing things in order. Even though, deep down, I think Lennon always planned to get married and then have kids because she knew they’d never accept anything else. Especially not living with Brandon and getting pregnant before marriage. This little white lie keeps them in her life and the baby’s.”
“For how long?” Liam asks.
Shrugging, I look down at my food that’s getting cold. “That’s the million-dollar question.”
Chapter Twelve
Lennon
The first week back to work is all conferences and getting my classroom set up. Students arrive next Monday, and I’m still not sure where my head is at being back here. I know it’s only been a few months, but it brings back so many memories of how things were before summer break. Luckily, I’ll have these next five days to transition me back to what was once my happy place.
“Lennon?” I turn around at the sound of my name and see Brenna, the art teacher. “So glad to see you!” She walks in and immediately gives me a hug. When she pulls back, I smile.
“Great to see you too. How was your summer?” I ask politely.
“Wonderful. Too short as usual,” she says with a chuckle. “How about you?” Her expression softens. “I mean, I hope you were able to have some much-needed time to deal with everything.”
And there it is.
“I did, thanks. Doesn’t make it any easier, of course, but due to some great friends, I made it through.” I purposely rest a hand on my stomach, knowing the word will eventually get out anyway. The blouse is flowy so unless I bring attention to it, you can’t really see it.
Her eyes follow, and it takes her a second to realize I have a bump. “Are you…pregnant?” She whispers the last word as if it’s a curse word.
“I am,” I say with a smile. “Found out only a few months ago.”
“Oh my gosh, Lennon,” she whisper-squeals, then pulls me in for another hug. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you,” I say appreciatively. “It was hard at first to come to terms with it all, but I’m happy to be carrying his baby.”
“We have to throw you a shower when it gets closer!” Her eyes widen in excitement, her hands on my shoulders as she waits for my approval.
“Oh, um…”
“Lennon, please. You know we like any excuse to eat cake and sweets, so let us do this for you.”