It goes both ways, she said simply.

Thirty minutes later, Ryan walked into the bar with Janice behind him. He spotted me then approached my table. When he was close, he gave me a hard look, examining my features everywhere. The concern was in his eyes. You okay, man?

I nodded.

He kept staring at me. Why are you avoiding me?

I just dont feel like talking But youre talking to Hazel. He looked hurt. Are you mad at me for telling you? Im sorry, but I thought it was the best decision at the time. I couldnt hide it from you. I did what I thought was right.

I could tell he was really upset about this. Im not mad at you. Im sorry for ignoring you.

Then whats up? Why wont you talk to me?

I guess I needed space.

Scarlet is tired of giving you space. And frankly, so am I. So youre coming to the house for dinner. Scarlet commanded me to grab you and drag you back.

I knew it was pointless to fight this.

Now get your ass up.

I left the booth and Hazel did too.

Lets go, Ryan said.

When we walked inside the house, Scarlet was the first one to embrace me. Her warm arms wrapped around me and made me feel safe. I let her hold me, thinking about nothing, just feeling her.

Everyone stared at us, waiting for me to explain what was going on.

Ryan had his arms by his sides but I could see his impatience. Janice had her arm hooked through his, holding him back.

Scarlet pulled away. What happened?

I sighed, knowing I couldnt hide it anymore. I talked to Monnique. She didnt cheat on me. The guy hooked up with a girl that looks similar to her.

Scarlet breathed a sigh of relief. She touched her chest, the stress evaporating from her eyes.

Ryans shoulders tensed. Im glad I was wrong.

Then whats the problem? Sean asked. Why are you avoiding everyone?

We broke up, I said simply.

Ryans eyes darkened in sadness.

Scarlet looked more depressed than I was. Why?

Theres a lot of shit thats been going on between us for a while. Shes changed ever since she started working at the magazine, and weve been struggling to keep it together. She finally quit her job so we can work on our relationship, but then Ryan dropped that bomb on me. It made me realize I didnt want to be with someone where I had to actually consider the possibility that she might cheat on me. I just feel like Im falling apart and I told her I needed a break before I can come back to her.

Scarlet hugged me again, wrapping her arms around my waist. Im so sorry Its okay. Well work through it. I just think its best if were friends for now.

I understand.

Ryan came up to me then hugged me, pushing Scarlet out of the way. Itll be alright, man.

I know. We didnt hug very often, so I knew he was really concerned about me. He pulled away. You must really love this girl if youre still willing to try.

You have no idea how much I love her, I said simply.

What can we do to help? Scarlet asked.

Dont pity me. Treat me like you normally would. When you look at me like Im depressed, I feel depressed.

Okay, she whispered.

Im fine, you guys, I said. Really. This isnt like last time.

Okay, Ryan said. You got it. Well treat you like normal.

Thanks, I said.

Silence fell on the group. Everyone still stared at me.

Wheres Mike? I asked, trying to change the subject.

He and Cassandra will be here soon, Scarlet said.

Cassandra? I asked. They got back together?

You would have known if you didnt ignore me, Ryan snapped.

When? I asked.

About a week ago, Scarlet said. We arent sure how it happened.

Well, good for him, I said. I knew he bummed hard over that break up.

Were all happy for him, Scarlet said.

The door opened and Mike walked inside, Cassandra behind him. His arm immediately hooked around her waist. She wore jeans and a loose collared shirt.

Were here, Mike said. Now we can party.

I clapped him on the shoulder. I just heard the news.

What? His eyes were wide. What news? He squeezed her tighter.

That you got back together, I said.

Oh. He took a deep breath. Yeah, its been great.

Judging by his lack of questions, I assumed he didnt know what happened with Monique and I. I decided not to bring it up. It was in the past anyway. Im happy for you guys.

Thanks. He clapped me on the shoulder. I told her if she didnt come back to me, Id kill her. He shrugged. And it worked.

Cassandra rolled her eyes. Isnt he romantic?

I laughed then moved into the living room. Every one sat down. Hazel sat beside me like she usually did.

Wheres Flynn? Ryan asked.

Hes at home, Hazel said. I was just hanging out with Cortland.

You should have brought him. I like that guy, Ryan said.

I have competition, I teased.

You wouldnt if you picked up your phone, he snapped.

I sighed. Im not going to hear the end of this, am I?

Nope.

We talked about work and Sean and Scarlets attempt to make a baby.

Ive had sex with her at least a hundred times and I still cant knock her up. Sean drank from his beer. Its like shes a cum dumpster.

She hit his shoulder. Sean!

Ryan cringed. Dude, thats so gross.

Speaking of cum dumpsters Mike rubbed his nose against Cassandras then turned back to us. I have some news.

We all waited for him to speak, on the edge of our seats.

Cassandra and I are having a baby. The joy in Mikes voice was unmistakable. His smile was wide and his eyes were bright with emotion. He squeezed her hand and gave her a serious look.

Everyone was shocked.

What? Scarlet said. When?

That night we hooked up, Mike explained. Who knew that was why we would get back together. Thats when she knew she couldnt live without me, and when she told me she was pregnant, I forgot about everything and took her back without further thought.

Scarlet stood up and covered her face. Youre really pregnant?

Yep, Cassandra said. Hence, all the baggy clothes.

Oh my god, Janice said. Thats so wonderful.

Scarlets eyes watered with tears. That so.justwow.

Sean looked at his brother fondly. A smile was on his lips. He stood up then approached his brother. You knocked her up?

Fuck yeah, Mike said proudly. He stood up, pride in his stance.

Sean pulled him in for a hug. Congratulations, man.

Thanks. Mike held him for a second. Im really excited.

Im going to be an aunt! Scarlet was hopping up and down, too excited to stand still.

When Mike and Sean broke apart, I hugged Mike. Congrats.

Thanks. Mike shook hands with Ryan. Im gonna be a dad.

You better not have their birthday party at the strip club, I teased.

Thats an idea, he said with a smile. Ill teach my son to be a man before hes a toddler.

Cassandra glared at him.

I mean, I would never do that, Mike said quickly. He put his hand on her stomach, showing the slight bulge through the shirt. Dude, this is like the hottest thing in the world.

I know exactly what you mean, Sean said as he grabbed Scarlets hand.

I felt bad that Scarlet and Sean didnt have their baby, but they didnt seem to be jealous or upset. They were genuinely happy for Mike and Cassandra.

Does Dad know? Sean asked.

He was the first person I told, Mike said.

Sean nodded. Good. Im sure he was thrilled.

Hes very excited to be a grandpa, Mike said. Hell be at the strip club for the birthday party.

Cassandra hit him on the shoulder. If you keep saying that, Im not going to think youre joking.

Who said anything about joking? he said.

She hit his shoulder again. I can raise this baby on my own I dont think so. The two of you are mine. Ill hold you down if I have to.

Thats disturbing Sean said.

Mike glared at him. My baby likes it when I hold her down. And I can actually get her pregnant.

Well see about that, Sean said.

Everyone was excited about the baby on the way. Even though I still felt the stress weigh on my heart, I felt happy because of the news. Despite the hard times we faced, we always got through it. As long as we had each other, everything would be okay.