Page 75 of Fair Catch

Until I hear her say those words, I won’t let them sink in. But I sure as shit will let them linger in my mind because they give me hope. More hope than I’ve had in a long time.

More hope than I have right now, sitting next to Maggie, who sits next to the other man in her life. We shook hands when he walked in but didn’t exchange names. I don’t know him and he doesn’t know me. I don’t even know where he came from. London, maybe? It’s not like we’re going to be friends, and if I have my way, I’ll never have to see him again after this.

Actually, I don’t know if he’s in Maggie’s life or not, but I don’t want to refer to him as the other man, because I’m not her man. At all. And I have zero intentions of being hers again. I’ve made myself very clear—if she’s pregnant with my child, I’ll be there for the child. I don’t want to be with someone I’m not in love with.

The three of us wait in an office, which I feel is overkill. Why couldn’t all of this be done with a phone call or a letter in the mail. This is what Maggie wanted—the dramatics of it all. Over the past few weeks, I’ve come to realize she loves the limelight and attention. The more dramatic, the better for her. I don’t know how I didn’t see it earlier, but it’s clear as day now. What I also never knew is she wanted me to look a certain way. The Maggie Gardner way with styled hair, clean shaven, and always in a suit and tie. The dirty looks she’s given me since I’ve walked in dressed in jeans and a hoodie, with a week’s worth of facial hair is testament to what I’ve discovered.

All of this makes me miss Kelsey more. I mean, Iknowwhy she likes my gray sweatpants, but she never told me to change or shave. She never commented on whether I gelled my hair or not. She just wanted to be with me, and I allowed my stupidity around Maggie to mess that up.

Finally, the doctor or whoever it is we’re waiting for comes in. She introduces herself but I don’t bother to let her name register in my mind. I’m already on edge. Nervous. As much as I want to be a parent—someday—it’s not with Maggie, and I don’t want this to ruin my chances with Kelsey. I shake my head when that thought runs through my mind because it makes me feel like a selfish prick. Children are a gift. I know this much from being an uncle. This just isn’t the ideal situation.

“I’ll cut to the chase,” the doctor says, with a beaming smile, as if this is fun. She looks at each of us.

“Can we get on with it?” I ask with a heavy sigh.

“This isn’t Maury,” Maggie says.

“Then why does it feel like that’s exactly what we’re doing?” I ask her. “I’m pretty damn sure that was your plan; bring us both onto national TV, yell and scream, and expect one of us to dance a jig when Maury says, ‘you’re not the father.’”

Maggie says nothing and tries to smile at the doctor.

“Can you tell me if I’m the father?” I ask the doctor.

“You’re not,” she says.

“Thank you.” I stand and take large strides to exit the room, not waiting to hear if the other guy is the father or not. I’m not and that’s all that matters. As soon as I’m in the parking garage I let out a huge bellow. People look at me oddly, but I don’t care. They have no idea what I just went through.

On the way to my truck, I text Noah.

NOT MINE!

Noah Westbury

Dude!

Congratulations

I’m sorry she put you through that.

Now what?

Now, I try to win Kelsey back.

I have a plan.

Noah Westbury

Peyton says let us know if we can help.

I will

And thanks for being my friend.

I really needed it these past few weeks.

Noah Westbury

That’s what I’m here for.