Chapter 17: Chapter 17

ODETTE

My siblings and I met up at my brother Beau’s bar for dinner. The goal for tonight was to tell them I was pregnant and living with Reece.

Most of my brothers would be slightly shocked, but okay. Wren, however, would be livid. He might even try to kill Reece.

Beau’s bar was packed. I knew he had a good business, but I hadn’t realized it was this popular.

I was proud of him. We had all been worried when he announced his decision to quit his corporate job and open a bar, but he had done it, and he was successful.

“Hi, my name is Emily, and I’ll be taking care of your table today. Can I start you off with anything?”

We took turns ordering drinks around the table. I was the only one to order water.

“Thanks, Em.” I noticed Beau’s eyes linger on Emily a little too long.

“What was that about?” I asked, nudging him with my elbow.

“What do you mean?” he asked, playing dumb.

“Is there something going on between you two?”

“No, she’s an employee,” Beau wouldn’t look at me when he answered. I could tell from that he had feelings for her.

“So?” I asked, trying to get him to tell me more.

“So, that complicates things. I don’t date employees.”

“Hmm, I think you would make an exception.”

“Whatever,” he mumbled.

“Too bad Theo left early,” Winston stated.

“Yeah, he’s never been one to stay put. At least he’s living life,” Sterling added, taking a seat next to me.

“Pretty soon, Etta will be leaving us,” Beau stated.

“Actually, Beau, I’m not.”

I was pretty sure Beau was the only one who didn’t know I was staying.

“I’m staying. I took a job transfer to a branch they have here. I wanted to have this dinner so I could tell you all some stuff.”

Sterling grabbed my hand and squeezed it.

“I took the job transfer so I could get away from Tyler. He was abusive, both verbally and physically, and I saw this as my way out.” I looked up at Beau, and he had a look on his face that I’d never seen before.

“I swear, Odette, if I see him again, I will kill him. Why didn’t you tell us? How did we not see this?” Beau said angrily.

“I hid it, and he can be charming. I didn’t tell you guys because I was ashamed. I did tell friends back in Maine, but they didn’t believe me. My boss believed me, and he made sure I packed what I could and left without any issues.”

I took a deep breath. “But things are looking up. I’m happy, and I’m back with my family, but I have a few more surprises…I’m pregnant, and I’m kind of dating Reece…oh, and I’m temporarily living with him.”

Everyone except Sterling looked surprised. I figured I should clarify the pregnancy. “The baby is Tyler’s, and Reece is okay with that. He’s been wonderful.” I looked over at Wren. “I know you hate it, and I’m sorry that you feel like you have to choose between us, but you don’t. I won’t allow that to happen. If we don’t work out, I promise you won’t have anything to worry about.”

Wren let out a sigh. “I don’t want to see you hurt. He hasn’t had the best track record with long-term relationships,” Wren added.

“I know that, but I think he’s serious about this. He said he wanted to be with me, regardless of the baby. His law firm is helping me with custody. My goal is to get sole custody of this child, and Reece supports that.”

“If you need anything, please let us know,” Winston stated.

“I will. I’m done keeping things from you guys.”

“Since we are all being honest and shit,” Winston said, waving his hand at us, “I’m bisexual, and I’ve been seeing a guy for the past few months.”

“How did you figure this out?” Wren sounded genuinely interested.

“It just kind of happened. We met through a mutual friend, and one thing led to another. I always looked at guys, but I never wanted to be intimate with one until I met Kolten.”

“If he makes you happy, then that’s the only thing that matters,” Beau stated.

“I agree with Beau; we love you and can’t wait to meet him.” I leaned over and hugged him.

***

When I got back to Reece’s, it was already eight in the evening. I was looking forward to kicking off my shoes and lounging on the couch before bed.

I was surprised to find Reece lounging on the couch in sweatpants and a black T-shirt, engrossed in a book. I had assumed he would be unwinding in front of the TV or perhaps even doing some work.

“How was the dinner?” Reece asked.

“It went well. I think Wren isn’t mad anymore.”

“He texted me not too long ago, apologizing and then threatening to kill me if I hurt you.”

“I doubt he could actually hurt you.”

“If I end up hurting you, I will let him beat me up,” Reece said.

“I’ll hold you to it. I brought you some food. I didn’t know what your eating habits are…” Instead of finishing the sentence, I decided to hand him the food.

I handed him the bag. “It’s fajitas. I knew they would keep in case you weren’t hungry right now.”

“Thank you; I’ll pack this for lunch tomorrow.”

“So…I have a doctor appointment on Friday to check on this little nugget.” I pointed to my stomach. “And I was wondering if you wanted to go. You don’t have to, but I thought I would ask. I know you’re busy and probably have better things to do,” I said, mumbling and talking way too fast.

“Etta?”

“Yeah.”

“Breathe. I’ll be there; what time?”

“One in the afternoon.”

“I’ll pick you up from work, and we’ll ride together,” Reece said.

“Thank you. I’ll put this in the fridge.”

I put the food away and got a glass of water. “I’m going to get ready for bed.”

“Come here for a second,” Reece demanded.

“Okay…”

I walked over to him, and he stood up. Reece pulled me to him, and he kissed me briefly before pulling back. He tucked my hair behind my ear and kissed me again.

“Goodnight, Odette.”