Me: You will, just not right now.
Liam: Is he gone? Something’s up and you need to tell me what it is.
Me: No, he’s not gone.
Liam: Is he married?
Me: No, you asshole. I wouldn’t sleep with a married man.
Liam: WTF is it, Charlie? Tell me.
Me: There’s nothing to tell.
Liam: Then who is he?
Me: That’s my business.
Liam: Do you not know who the father is?
Me: FUCK YOU.
My brother could get me going like no one else. He expected to get his way and could be a pain in the ass when he didn’t. I was ready for a fight when the next text came in.
Bennett: Did u watch?
Oh. I smiled at my phone, pleasantly surprised.
Me: Yes. Great game.
Bennett: I can’t stop thinking about you.
Liam: Since when do we hide shit from each other? You know all my dirty laundry.
Me: You only want to know so you can kick his ass. Grow up.
Bennett: ??
Me: Sorry, that was for Liam. He’s on me to tell him who the father of the baby is.
Bennett: He’s pissed off and looking for a fight. Don’t let him get to you.
Me: You’re still coming tomorrow night, right?
Bennett: We both are, baby. Several times. ;)
Me: I can’t wait.
Bennett: Have to hit the shower. See u tomorrow.
Me: Okay.
I sent Liam the message I’d intended for him. I saw that he read it, but he didn’t respond. That was an accomplishment. Liam usually pushed me until we were at each other’s throats, and he always wanted to get the last word.
But he was my brother, and I loved him dearly. I needed to tell him the truth, but how? I wouldn’t mind him being pissed at me, but it was Bennett who would bear the brunt of Liam’s fury. I wasn’t ready to bring that down on him.
“This is quite the situation we have, kid,” I said softly, rubbing my hand in a slow circle on my belly. “What should I do?”
I took in the silence for a few seconds.