“I don’t want that for our baby, Riley. I want it to have a home. And speaking of that, I think I should move in with you. My place is shitty, and I don’t think Riley Johnson would want his baby growing up in such a place.”
“I’ve never seen where you live. I really don’t know anything about you. Do you have a job?” How is it possible that I got a girl pregnant who I know nothing about? Especially when the only girl I ever wanted to get pregnant is finally back in my life.
“Of course I have a job. I’m a cocktail waitress. That’s how we met.”
“No, we met when you sat down next to me at a bar.”
“It wasn’t very busy that night, so they let me off early. Melanie, who’s a bitch, was bragging that she was waiting on you and Knox Daniels and how she was gonna get a big tip. I told her big deal, that I was going home with you. And I did. To Paris. It was the most amazing first date ever.”
While she’s rambling, I’m worrying about what Ariela may have heard. I’ve got to call her back.
“So, let’s worry about the details later. I need to make a business call,” I lie, “and need some privacy. I’ll call you later this week after I’ve had some time to digest this.”
And call my lawyer, I think to myself.
“Oh, that’s okay. I won’t bother you. I brought my stuff. It’s all downstairs. While you make your call, I’ll get myself settled.”
“Shelby, you are not moving in with me.”
No fucking way.
“If you saw my place, you wouldn’t say that.”
“Then I’ll go see your place soon—after we have a paternity test.”
“A paternity test? Seriously?”
“Yes, seriously.”
“You’re the only person I’ve slept with, I swear. I love you.”
“Okay, time to go,” I say, ushering her to the elevator. She’s the last person I want to hear those three little words from.
“But I don’t want to go,” she pouts. Honestly, I’m a little shocked at her pouting.
“Shelby, I’m in shock over all this. Give me a few days to think about things, and I will get back to you.” I expect her to drop to her knees, like she usually does when she doesn’t get her way. In the past, she was very good at convincing me to do whatever she wanted when my dick was in her mouth. The fact that she doesn’t worries me. That’s how she managed to attend all three premieres rather than just the Paris one.
She starts bawling.
“I don’t want to be pregnant and alone. We used condoms, Riley. I didn’t want to get pregnant. It just happened. But now that I am, I’m so happy it’s your baby. We’ll have a beautiful life together. I’ve seen the pictures here of you with your family. Please don’t abandon me. Please don’t make me go through this alone.”
I sigh. “I won’t. I promise. And if your place is shitty, I’ll find you somewhere beautiful to live.”
Her eyes brighten, and she throws her arms around me. “Really?”
“Yes, just go home now, and we’ll get things figured out this week.”
Apparently, this has appeased her for the time being, because she allows me to escort her downstairs and send her home with all of her belongings.
I go back up the elevator, sit myself down on the sofa, and bury my face in my hands.
Pregnant?
What a fucking nightmare.
I take my phone out of my pocket and stare at it, knowing I need to call Ariela back.
But I can’t right now.
I don’t know what the fuck to say.
So I text her with a lame excuse.
Asher Vineyards — Sonoma County
ARIELA
Riley: Hey, I have some business to deal with here and I’ll call you later.
Business? I think.
How can leather-strap, threesome Shelby be classified as business?
Dawson’s beach house - Malibu
VANESSA
“It’s time for bed,” Dawson says to the girls, who are already dressed in pajamas and in their shared bedroom.
“Thanks for letting me go to the pumpkin patch with you today,” I say, giving them each a hug.
“But I’m not tired!” Harlow insists, even though her eyes tell a different story.
“You have a big day tomorrow,” Dawson says. “You need to get a good night’s sleep.”
“I’m excited to visit the school,” Ava says, looking up from her phone.
“Who are you texting?” he asks.
“Everyone.”
“Like who?”
“Mostly, I’m talking to Grandma and Fallon. Fallon is telling me all about the kids in her class. She likes a fifth grade boy named Keegan, but her friend likes him too. She says all the cute boys are in fifth grade.”
“You’re only in fourth grade, besides, I think you’re a little young to be worrying about that.”
“Daddy.” She audibly sighs and gives him a huge eye roll. “I’ve had boyfriends before.”
He runs his hand roughly through his hair, looking stressed.
“Chill out, Dad,” she says. “I won’t get serious with a boy until at least middle school.”
“More like college, if I have any say in it,” he mutters.
“Miss Vanessa, will you tuck us in?” she asks, obviously wanting to end their boy conversation.
“Sure. I’d love to.”
Dawson gives each girl a kiss, tells them goodnight, and then leaves.