Page 107 of The Betrayal

Slipping my phone out of my pocket, I open my music app and play you're on your own kid - taylor swift, and never have I resonated more with a song than this one.

Because I was well and truly on my own.

And worse of all, I only had myself to blame.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

ARIZONA

The last couple of days passed in a blur, even when Reese and Connie showed I pretty much blanked the whole thing out. I needed to get back into my routine, and that's exactly what I was going to do tonight. I was back to work this afternoon and I wasn't going to let my heartache and pregnancy get in the way. I was going to show up, get to work and come home. I even texted Sage about taking extra shifts because I need as much money as I can get. I hadn't even started looking at things to buy yet and I know how expensive one baby is, let alone two. Keaton would help with all of that, I know he would, but I wouldn't expect him to. It's not his responsibility, I mean, it could be, but honestly, I just have this feeling in my gut that the twins aren't his.

Sighing, I finish packing my work bag and lock the door behind me.

It wasn't long before I was walking into the club, and as soon as my feet hit the locker room, it was like I had never been away.

The first half of my floor work was done and I tucked myself away in the staff room to eat my sandwich, chicken, rocket and hummus. Couldn't get enough of it. I wasn't alone long when Lucy slumped down beside me, eyes on my stomach before they were on my eyes.

“Why didn't you tell me?” She sighs, leaning her head on my shoulder and it hits me in that moment how much I have missed her.

“Didn't know how to,” I manage after a mouthful of food.

“How about, 'Hey luce, wanna meet for a coffee? Got some news', I mean, anything would have been better than you just walking in. You've been gone weeks and you come back sporting a small, round tummy. I mean, it looks like bloat to me, but I see it so much more now I know you're actually pregnant.”

Now it's my turn to sigh.

“I don't know, I just felt a little out of sorts with it all to be honest. Pregnancy was not on my bucket list this year but here I am. Single and pregnant.”

“Who's the dad?” the burning question on everyone’s tongue and my heart aches.

Wish I knew. Your guess is as good as mine is what I wanted to say, but instead I say, “A guy I met at the private club...” I pause and I know she is letting her mind drift back to the night I walked in numb and let them take care of me after I had the private night with my mystery man.

“Does he know?” her head is off my shoulder now, eyes full of concern and all I do is place my hand on my tummy and let my head fall before I softly shake my head from side to side.

“Shit.”

“Yeah, shit,” I scoff.

“We're your family, we will all help out where we can,” and I can hear the kind sentiment in her voice and my heart throbs in my chest. Placing my hand that was once on my stomach on her hand, I blink back the tears.

“Thanks Luce, that means the world to me,” I swallow down the burning lump in my throat and ignore the sting behind my eyes that threatens to unleash my tears.

“Not a problem, I mean it.”

“I know,” I whisper, “I know.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

KEATON

It had been four days.

Four days since she walked out the door and took my heart with her. I tighten my palm around the gold band that she threw at me in anger. Hated that she took it off.

Hated it.

I didn't want to love her. I really didn't, but I somehow ended up falling head over fucking heels for her. So stupid to think that this would have actually worked. Everything I touch turns to poison.

Wish I was lying.