Chapter 15
Quentin
“Tu vas être papa!” Camille screams.
I came right here after my dinner with Teagan ended, and my mind’s been spinning ever since with a thousand questions and scenarios.
During my drive, I called my sister, seeing as it was only nine o’clock and she’s usually still up, and asked if I could come over. I needed to tell her and talk about it. While she may be my little sister, I still go to her for everything.
“I know,” I say, still feeling remnants of shock over the revelation. “J’arrive toujours pas à y croire.”
Ryker grips my shoulder and gives it a gentle squeeze. “I’m happy for you, man, congrats,” Ryker says with a smile as he returns to my sister’s side.
“Thanks. I’m happy too, in a weird way, I guess? It’s not how I imagined starting a family, but there’s no way I’m not going to be a part of my kid’s life,” I tell them.
“It may be an unconventional way to start a family, but there’s nothing wrong with it,” Camille replies, her less than usual chipper tone giving me the inclination that she has more to say.
I sigh. “But?”
“I just know how excited you were last time…and I don’t want you to get burned again.”
A pit forms in my stomach at the memory of what happened with Penelope.
Although I asked Teagan for a paternity test, I can’t imagine Teagan putting me through that again.
There’s something about her that seems genuine.
Maybe it’s the way she doesn’t care what people think and says exactly what’s on her mind.
Most people hide what they’re really thinking and live to please others, but not her.
“Teagan was very clear about wanting nothing more than a night of fun. She rejected me, so I’d be surprised if she was trying to trap me.”
“Ew.” Camille wrinkles her nose. “No sex talk, remember?”
I roll my eyes. “You’re the one who asked.”
“So, she’s different?”
“She is,” I say as my mind drifts to our dinner tonight. Not only did she look so beautiful that it took my breath away, but she’s strong, confident, and doesn’t put up with anyone’s shit, including my own. It’s nothing like I’ve ever experienced before.
Camille folds her lips together, then says, “I’m worried you’re going to fall in love with her, because you like to take care of people.
I don’t want you to romanticize something that has the potential to end really badly if it doesn’t work out.
If you guys try to make it work and it doesn’t, then you lose that friendship, which is so important to co-parent.
Of course you’ll put the baby first, but I imagine it makes things easier if things are good between you two. ”
“I appreciate the concern, sis, but it’s not like that at all. Am I attracted to her? Obviously.”
Camille mocks puking and I just laugh as I continue on.
“And of course I care for her because she’s the mother of my child.
I want her to be safe and healthy. But I hear what you’re saying, and don’t worry.
This is not going to become more than two people raising a baby together.
Romance is out of the question,” I finish, ignoring the voice in my head that is very aware of how much I already like being around her.
There’s something about her, a magnetic energy of sorts that draws me to her even in the short time we’ve spent together.
“I think that’s a great mindset to have. I know I’m usually the optimistic one, but I feel protective over you,” she says with her silvery blue eyes intent on mine.
“I know, and I’d be the same if roles were reversed.”
Camille still seems skeptical, but she softens at my reassurance. “Well, I for one can’t wait to meet her.” Camille smiles like the Cheshire Cat.
“I’d love that,” I tell her, hoping the two of them hit it off.
“What do you want? It sounds like you want to be there for more than doctor visits,” Ryker points out.
“I want to be involved as much as I can be. I want to experience everything with her. Like we’re a couple, without the couple part. For the sake of Blueberry.”
“And I’m sure you can. You two just have to talk and set boundaries,” Camille replies.
“Sorry, hold on, Blueberry?” Ryker raises a brow.
“It’s what she’s calling the baby,” I explain, my lips tugging upright as I pull my wallet out and show them the sonogram.
Camille moves toward me and pulls my wallet closer to her. A soft smile erupts and then she looks at me and says, “I can’t wait to see you be a dad.”
I blow out a breath that turns into a chuckle. “Not sure how great I’ll be, but thank you.”
“Q, you’ve taken care of me my entire life. I know you’ll be great at it,” she says, her eyes going glossy.
Fuck. I hate when my sister cries, because it’s the easiest way to make me tear up as well.
“If you two are going to cry, I’m going to cry. Please don’t,” Ryker pleads as he pinches the bridge of his nose.
“I love how soft she makes you,” I tease.
“I should make a joke about it that will make you want to puke like you’ve made me want to tonight, but I won’t,” Camille says, and I instantly catch on to where she’s going with this, making me feel sick.
“All right, I’m getting out of here. I know Liv starts school early tomorrow–which speaking of, please don’t tell her until we announce it.”
“Of course,” Ryker replies.
“Thank you, and thanks for having me over. I appreciate it,” I tell them, grateful to have them in my life.
“Not a problem, Q. Get some sleep, because once the baby is here, you won’t know what that is anymore,” Camille jokes.
I laugh as she walks me to the front door and we say good night.
Back in my bed at home, I toss and turn all night, unable to quiet my mind.
Because no matter how hard I try, I can’t stop thinking about her. Even though I know I shouldn’t be.