“But did you hear what he said? His fiancée won’t be getting anywhere near the baby. I give that engagement two more weeks tops. He’s committed to this daddy gig, and she’s committed to the runway.” Giselle plops down on the couch next to me.
“And if they split up, that will be their issue. It has nothing to do with me.”
“So, you haven’t thought about what it would be like to give Reed a mommy and a daddy?”
“I am giving him one of each.” Setting the bottle down, I lift Reed up against my shoulder and pat his back until he lets out a loud belch.
“You know what I mean.”
“In the beginning…when I first found out I was pregnant, all the time. Then when I spotted him playing football, the thought ran through my head…until he spoke.” Giselle laughs. “We have nothing in common other than one night of hot sex.”
“Explain.”
“He’s a freaking pro football player who’s engaged to a gorgeous, successful supermodel. I bet they jet off on his days off to the Caribbean or some shit. Nick probably lives an extravagant, over-the-top life while I prefer mine to be more…low key. Sure, right now he says he wants to be a better parent to Reed than his were to him, but that’s only because Reed is like a shiny new toy. Once Nick gets bored of playing dad, I’ll be the one who is left to pick up the pieces of our son’s heart when I have to explain to him why his father doesn’t want him.”
Giselle gives me a pointed look. “Your mom was a model, in case you forgot, and your dad played football before he became a coach.” My heart tightens at the mention of my mom.
“Are you defending them? Because she’s nothing like my mom, and he’s definitely not like my dad.”
“No, I’m simply pointing out that you’re making a lot of assumptions and judgements without knowing all the facts. In case you forgot, you’re rich. You could out-vacation both of them.”
“Whatever…”
“Don’t ‘whatever’ me. What if Celeste wasn’t in the picture? Could you see yourself with Nick?”
“No way. My life might’ve taken a detour, but I’m not giving up on true love. I want what my parents had. I want a man who is in love with me.”
“You had to have seen something in Nick to bring him back to your hotel room that night…”
“Victor had just broken my heart, and Nick was nothing more than a hot guy who helped me get over him.” But even as I say the words, I know they aren’t completely true. That night with Nick felt like more than just a one-night stand. It felt raw and real, like we connected on a whole other level—something I never felt with Victor. It scared me, and I ran.
“Judging by your expression, I think I’ve made my point.” She puts her hands out wanting to hold Reed, so I hand him to her. “What your mom and dad had was beautiful and magical, but you’re never going to find your happily-ever-after if you keep comparing every guy to your dad, and every relationship to the one your parents had. What they had was theirs…maybe it’s time you find your own.”
“Enough about me. I’m sorry Christian ended up being a cheater,” I say, changing the subject.
“It’s not your fault, but I can tell you one thing. I’m never dating another musician again. And while I’m at it, I’m banning all athletes too! Who else travels?”
“Pilot,” I say, going along with her rant.
“No pilots! Who else?”
“Umm…Military guys travel, right?” I ask.
“Yeah, but don’t they go to like Afghanistan? Do you think they cheat with Afghani women?”
“I’m not sure,” I say. “We could look it up.”
“Well, to be on the safe side, I’m banning all men in the service! Oh! And truck drivers too!” I bite my bottom lip to stop from smiling, but when Giselle cracks a smile, I can’t help but giggle.
“You’re banning everyone!” I say through my laughter, and she throws her head back in a fit of giggles. “There’s going to be nobody left.”
“Maybe I’ll turn lesbian like my sister!” She laughs.
“What? Since when is Adrianna gay?”
“Since she called me last night and told me she wants me to meet her girlfriend!”
“My goodness. This New Year’s is jam packed full of surprises!” I say. “Speaking of your sister. How is she doing? Aside from her switching teams?” I wink dramatically, and Giselle laughs.
“She’s good. Living and enjoying the college life. She was accepted into some sorority, so she’s ecstatic.”
“And how’s your mom doing?”
Giselle sighs. “It’s a good thing we came back. My mom has gotten worse, and my dad is almost never home. I’ve been visiting her, trying to help around the house, but she’s just too much to be around sometimes. I asked my dad about getting her help, but he doesn’t want to deal with it. Every psychiatrist she sees says the same thing. She’s depressed.”