All I Need: Rod & Daisy (All Of Me Duet Book 2) by A.D. Justice (books to read to improve english TXT) 📗

you do with my best friend? This isn’t like you at all, and you’re freaking me out. You’re all peppy and optimistic about something that would make you fling yourself off the nearest cliff if it happened to you.”

“But it’s not me, so I can enjoy your happiness.” She shrugs nonchalantly, as if her rationale makes all the sense in the world.

Before I can respond with a witty comeback, the door opens and Marlee comes sashaying in with a smug grin on her face. Then she leans her back against the closed door and arches one eyebrow in my direction. Why do I get the feeling she knows something she shouldn’t know yet?

“Something on your mind, Marlee?” I look away as soon as the words are out of my mouth. It seems as though my secret is only a mystery to one person in this house as it is.

“Yes, as a matter of fact, I have a few things on my mind. But one thing in particular has been bugging me, but I couldn’t put my finger on it until just now.”

Was she in the hall listening to my conversation?

“Yeah? What’s that?” My heart is thumping against my chest so hard I’m surprised she can’t hear it from where she stands.

“We were just watching a movie. The main female character tries to hide major news from everyone while she’s visiting family. They pick up on small clues until, one by one, all but one figures out her secret. But eventually, she has to stop hiding and have her big reveal scene. Life imitates art, right? Now I know your secret, but I don’t know why you’d hide it in the first place.”

My back is turned to her, but I still close my eyes and take a deep breath. Too many people know before I’ve had a chance to tell Rod. Someone is bound to let it slip early and ruin everything.

“So, since Kevin and Rod just announced it to the entire house, I guess congratulations are in order.”

I whirl around to face her, my bottom jaw touching the floor from shock. “What do you mean they announced it to the whole house? What did they say, exactly?”

“They said Tracy’s pregnant, of course. What else would they say?”

“Marlee, you need to start from the beginning and explain, please.” Tracy’s anger is cleverly disguised by her calm, even tone. But the bright red tinge coloring her cheeks is a stark contradiction.

“From what I gather, Rod accidentally found your pregnancy test lying on Kevin’s toiletry bag. He thought Kevin already knew, since he saw it laying out in the open. Someone else in the family overheard the two of them talking about it, and within minutes, everyone knew. Then, Kevin stepped up and confirmed he’s going to be a father. So, congratulations, Tracy!”

“Thank you, Marlee. But now I have to go murder my boyfriend. Please excuse me.”

Tracy charges toward the door, prompting Marlee to jump out of the way just before Tracy grabs the doorknob. She leaves us alone with the slamming of the door behind her.

“Wow. I didn’t expect that reaction out of her. Guess she’s mad because Kevin told everyone without her. Oh, no—I bet she was saving the news for a Christmas present and we all just spoiled it for her. Now I feel terrible.” Marlee rambles on about spoiling Christmas for Tracy and Kevin, completely oblivious to the panic attack I’m trying to control.

Tracy has to tell him the truth, revealing the test was mine and Rod’s the father. That means Kevin will tell Rod since they’re best friends. How can I ask him to go along with this charade, even if I’m only trying to spare Rod and let him enjoy the large family Christmas he’s never had? I never dreamed this would get so far out of hand this quickly.

“Whoa, Daisy, you don’t look so good. You’d better sit down. What’s wrong?” Marlee helps me to the chair, then kneels in front of me. She presses the back of her hand to my forehead. “No fever. Talk to me, little sis.”

“Marlee, this is all about to blow up in my face. I’m not exaggerating or being dramatic. Just when we’re finally got on the same page and moving forward with our relationship.”

“What are you talking about, Daisy?” She searches my face for the answer I’m ashamed to give.

“The test wasn’t Tracy’s.” I wait for the judgment that’s sure to come.

“Oh, sweetheart. I wish I’d known before barging in here and upsetting you both. I guess the congratulations are in order for you, then. Why haven’t you told Rod?”

Because I can really use the advice, I break down and tell Marlee our entire story, from when we met until now, leaving nothing out. She needs to understand why our bond is simultaneously so tenuous and strong. By the end of my narrative, she’s wiping tears off both our faces.

“Daisy, I don’t know if I should kick your ass or hug Rod’s neck. All these years, you’ve hidden what happened to you in college. That guy would be safer in prison, because I’ll kill him if I ever find him.”

“You’ll have to get in line.”

“Now you’re afraid to tell Rod you’re the one who’s pregnant, and he’s the father-to-be.”

“I’m not sure how he’ll take the news, so I don’t want to tell him until after the holidays.” I shrug one shoulder, not completely convinced my own plan will work. “Plus, we have a big decision to make about the pregnancy. One that affects Juliana’s treatment options. It could mean life or death for her.”

“He’s a grown man, Daisy. He can handle the truth, and it’ll definitely be better coming from you than from anyone else. You’re not giving him enough credit.”

After we finish wrapping the rest of the presents, Marlee and I head downstairs to put them under the tree. Every step toward the den feels like I’m driving a new nail in my coffin. Have Tracy and Kevin