I nod, even though he can’t see it.
“I tried calling you multiple times. I obviously didn’t want to tell you over a voice message, but you didn’t really give me much choice.” There is a burn to my words, little morsels of resentment peeking through.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” His voice is flat, devoid of his usual life and charm. Perhaps I only saw those things when I thought I was helplessly in love with him. What a joke. He was pulling the wool over my eyes the entire time, putting the charm on for me like he did with every other girl. I’m just sorry it took me so long to notice it.
“I know this is a lot to handle. I’m still processing everything myself, but we need to be adults about this and put our feelings for one another, no matter how bad, aside. We have a child coming end of March and even though we are not together, we have a lot to talk about.”
He’s silent on the other end, and my patience wears thin. “Hello?”
“I’m sorry, Lottie.” His voice comes through weak, small. And despite saying nothing at all, he tells me the one thing I need to know.
“No,” I respond instantly. “No, Beck. You don’t get to do this. This child needs a father. You need to pull your shit together and be there for them. I don’t care how I feel about you—I will do anything to make sure this baby has everything it needs.”
“You don’t need two parents in life, Lottie. Especially not a dad like me. I’ve had weeks to think about it and my mind is made up. There is still so much I want to do. I can’t have a kid—I’m only twenty-eight.”
“Are you fucking kidding me? You’re only twenty-eight? I’m twenty-five, you dickhead. Do you think a child was part of my plan? Fuck no, but it’s here and it’s happening, so you need to pull your shit together.”
“I’m sorry, Lottie. I’ve made up my mind, and I’m not going to change it. Trust me when I say you’ll be better off without me.”
My breath is choppy as I process what he’s telling me. In all the scenarios I imagined, never once did I think he wouldn’t show up for his own child. This information only solidifies the fact I never really knew him at all.
“Have you told her yet?” a female voice whispers in the background of Beck’s call. I can tell from the rustling that he pulls the phone away, but the idiot isn’t smart enough to mute it.
“I’m doing it now, Francesca. Just give me a minute,” he whispers back, the dickhead forgetting to cover his microphone.
Francesca.
At the mention of her name, my spine straightens and my skin goes cold. I mean, who wouldn’t feel this way when they find out their ex is with the girl he cheated on them with?
“You stupid fucking prick,” I say on impulse, each word low and cold.
A warm hand covers my own, my attention snapping to Owen. He gives me a reassuring smile and I try not to cry at the warmth from it.
“Fuck, shit, Lottie,” he pleads, “I didn’t mean for you to hear her. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.” He almost whines, like a small child who isn’t getting a dozen new toys for Christmas. Images of Dudley from Harry Potter crowds my mind.
“I’m sorry my pregnancy is an inconvenience to you, Beck, but it’s also my reality. Yet upon reflection, you’re right. We don’t need you, because there are millions of single mums in the world. In fact, one of the best people I know was raised by one.” I pause, looking over at Owen. “So, you’re right. We don’t need you. I fear you’d only complicate it. Don’t call me again—you had your chance.” As I hang up, I realize whom I’ve been talking to all along: a coward.
With an extra pep in my movements, I slam my finger against the End button, then return my attention to the man next to me.
“I think that went well,” I manage to get out before bursting into tears. As usual, Owen is there to catch me as I fall. He pulls me into him and rubs my back in silence, offering me the comfort that Beck should have given.
“Guy’s a dickhead, Lo. As you said, I’m proof a single mum can raise good humans.”
I look up at him through watery vision as he gives me his million-dollar smile. I can’t help but laugh, wiping away the mess on my face.
“A total dickhead,” I confirm, desperately wishing I could have a glass of wine right now.
Sitting up, I pull out of Owen’s embrace, not wanting to accidentally cross any lines between the two of us. Things are already so complicated, and I don’t have it in me to deal with more.
“Fuck, puppy. What the hell am I going to do? I’m single and twenty-five with a baby on the way. I’m going to lose my job and won’t be able to support the baby or myself. I’m going to be a huge joke, and everyone will know.” I hiccup, using the end of my jumper to wipe my face.
“Hey.” His voice cuts through my small sobs, his hand finding my face and turning it toward him. “You’re no joke. You’re intelligent, kind, funny, and beautiful. I have no doubts that all of that will contribute to you being an amazing mother. I’m not saying we can work this out in a night—it will take time—but I promise we will.”
I turn my entire body to face him, his hand leaving my face in the process.
“Why are you even here, Owen? I mean, this baby doesn’t belong to you and you barely know me. Why are you being so kind and helpful? I’m not some damsel who needs saving. I can do this. I’m perfectly capable.”
He looks
