Leo didn't mean to see it.
He hadn't even planned to be there. He was supposed to be meeting a client at the coffee shop across from the bookstore, but they'd rescheduled last minute. So he figured why not grab a cappuccino anyway?
That's when he saw her.
Tiana. Standing on the sidewalk under the café's string lights, laughing. Her coat was open just enough to show the bump, and she was talking to a tall guy with great posture and way-too-white sneakers. The guy leaned in slightly. Confident. Comfortable. Familiar.
Leo stood frozen on the other side of the street, coffee forgotten in his hand, steam rising into the cold air like smoke off a fuse.
The guy touched her elbow.
Leo's jaw clenched.
He wasn't close enough to hear what they were saying, but it didn't matter. The body language was clear a date obviously.
Tiana's smile faltered for a moment. She looked… tired. Guarded. But she was trying. For this guy. For whatever this was.
Leo turned away before he could see more. Before he could watch her say goodbye or lean in or god-forbid He stuffed his hands in his pockets and started walking, fast.
His thoughts were a storm: She can date whoever she wants. You never said anything. You pulled away.But another voice quieter and sharper cut through the noise: You waited too long.
He ended up at the lake. Just stood there, watching the waves slap against the shore, the wind biting at his face. He didn't have the right to be jealous. But that didn't stop him from feeling it. Not because of some fantasy about being her boyfriend, or even being perfect. But because he wanted to be chosen. Because somewhere between the doctor's office and
the couch and the breathing exercises, he'd stopped thinking of this as a co-parenting arrangement and started thinking of it as them.
And now… she is moving on. Or trying to.
His phone buzzed.
Tiana: Hey, if you're free Friday, I have another appointment. Ultrasound check-in. 10:30.
Leo stared at the message. It was neutral. Friendly. Like nothing had changed.
He texted back.
Leo: I'll be there.
Then added:
Leo: Thanks for still letting me be part of this. Even if I'm not always great at showing it.
Her reply came quickly:
Tiana: You're showing up. That's more than most.
He sat down on a bench, the cold seeping through his jeans, and realized: Maybe she hadn't picked anyone yet.
But time was running out.