Hooked (TKO 2)

Raegan fidgets in her seat. It’s driving her completely nuts, and I’m sort of reveling in her misfortune.

“What are ya’ll talking about?” she asks sweetly. I gawk at her like she wasn’t just showing two heads a moment ago. She’s suddenly back to herself. I glance at Garrett and he just shrugs his shoulders, basically telling me to go with it.

“I’m gonna tell her, man,” I decide.

“I swear I’m going to go crazy if someone doesn’t tell me what’s going on.” The annoyance in her voice is back. I’m beginning to feel sorry for Garrett, but he’s the one who knocked her up.

“Chill, woman, I’m telling you. You have to promise not to freak out, and please don’t call Hilary and make a big deal about this because hardly anyone knows.”

“Garrett knows,” she says, turning to stick her tongue out at him.

“Hilary is pregnant with Travis’s baby.”

Her eyes widen so much I think one of them may actually pop out of the socket. “She did not tell me this. I’m so sorry, Lance, I feel like I set you up for failure.” Her eyes begin to fill with tears but I put my hand up.

“No crying. He doesn’t know about the baby, okay? I got a hotel room for us last night and helped her go talk to her parents. I told her I’ll take responsibility for her and the baby even though I don’t have to.”

“You did what? Lance, are you sure?”

“You sound just like her parents.” I smirk.

“That’s just a huge responsibility. Are you sure she isn’t going to tell him he’s the father and go back to him?”

The question sits in the back of my mind. I don’t want to admit I’m afraid of that.

“She said she wants nothing more to do with him. He really did a number on her, Raegan.”

Raegan’s eyes fill with tears, and this time they don’t stop. I know she’s hormonal and I probably shouldn’t have had this conversation with her right now, but she was going to find out one day. “Where is Hilary now?”

“She’s at home. I told her I’d see her tomorrow.”

“I’m happy for you. Look, our babies can grow up together! My little Lance is growing up.”

Everyone seems to be saying I’m growing up. I’ve been grown up, I’m just maturing more.

“I think you’ve officially lost your mind, Raegan.” I laugh. She doesn’t find it too funny. In fact, she scoffs and crosses her arms over her chest. Garrett glares at me for my comment. I want to laugh because I’ll be leaving after a few, and he’ll be stuck here to deal with my aftermath. “I’m kidding, chill out. But that is what’s going on right now so if you see her, please just act normal and don’t go all baby mama.”

“What do you mean all baby mama?”

“Don’t start gushing about my decision to take care of her baby. Let her tell you when she’s ready.”

“Of course. Do I look crazy?”

I don’t answer her, because I don’t think she’s going to like my answer at all. I wonder if Garrett and I will be good fathers, like Howard is to Randi Lynn? Will Raegan and Hilary be good mothers?

A child’s life will be in our hands. Not too long ago, I wasn’t even sure I could take care of myself, let alone another human being. I also didn’t think I would ever change for a woman, but I’ve certainly proved myself wrong on that one.

Chapter 19

Lance

I didn’t stay too long at Garrett and Raegan’s apartment last night. By the time I got home, Dad was asleep, so I took another quick shower and decided to lie in my bed. I tossed and turned all night thinking about Hilary. The last text I got from her was before she fell asleep, and I knew I could have texted her but she needs her rest and I didn’t want to wake her. I really just wanted to see if she was okay.

Every time my phone goes off, I dive for it but it’s always nothing. Maybe she’s not awake yet. That’s what I’m telling myself. I don’t want to think about the possibility she could still give up on me. I can’t take another le

tdown.

I glance over at my clock. If I don’t get moving soon, I’ll be late for practice. I don’t want to hear Howard yelling at me. I drag my ass out of bed and throw some clothes on. I brush my teeth and grab my wallet and keys. Dad is already gone for the day. I’m feeling guilty. I should have come home sooner last night and talked to him. I decide I’m going to sit with him later on, and let him know about the recent events in my life.