Page 32 of Secret Baby for Dr. Grump

“No.” The fever topic doesn’t seem to interest her anymore, which means it probably never came back. That’s good. Then I notice her open scrutiny. “Why are you visiting my mom?”

Right. Olivia and I practiced this.

“Just to hang out. And watch movies with you guys.”

“I like movies, too.” Then, “Do you like her?”

This, we did not practice. I scan my mind for the right answer because I know I can’t just gush about how much I like her mom on a completely different—and personal—level.

“I work with her, so of course, I like her.”

She wrinkles her nose. “I spend time with my friends at school every day, but I don’t like all of them.”

Immediately, my protective instinct roars. “Did someone hurt you?”

Riley blinks. It’s so similar to Olivia’s surprised expression that my heart jumps. She shakes her head. “No. What is this?”

I was waiting for her to elaborate, but she’s moved on again and is now inspecting the brown paper.

“It’s cake. Strawberry shortcake but in cupcake form. Your mom said it’s your favorite.”

Riley lights up. I’m not kidding, she truly lights up, her eyes filling with joy and her beam blinds me. I’m stunned by the sunshine she emits, but I’m even more overwhelmed by the urge to stand from the couch and hug her.

Too early.

Instead, I stay where I am, just basking in her excitement.

“Sweet! Mom, Mr. Luke brought cupcakes. Strawberry shortcake!”

“That’s nice, sweetie. You should thank him.”

“Thank you, Mr. Luke!”

I clear my throat. “You can call me Luke. Like what you called me the first time.”

“Okay. Luke.”

“Popcorn and lemonade,” Olivia announces as she wanders over with a tray. I help her until we’re settled down. “What do you want to watch, Riley?”

Her eyes widen. “Yay, I get to choose?”

I nod. “Go ahead. I’ll watch anything.”

I’m not surprised when Riley chooses an animated movie about two sisters and ice powers, which seems to be the general hit among kids in this decade. I try to get comfortable, but every time she speaks, I can’t help but pay attention to her expressions and reactions.

“You have to take your eyes off her at some point, you know.”

Olivia whispers it to my ear on my other side, her voice soft and amused. A shiver runs down my spine from her warm breath, but I tamp it down. Then I shake my head and whisper back.

“I just…she’s amazing.”

“She is.”

“Luke, did you see the snowman? Isn’t he so funny?”

I nod automatically at Riley. “Yes, he is.” Then I glance at Olivia. “Is she always this talkative to strangers?”

“You’re not a stranger. You’re her mom’s friend and work colleague. But in general, yeah.”

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