Page 38 of Love is Grand

“Hi, baby,” my dad said, forcing me to look up. “Adam’s brother is here.” My dad smiled, like he’d suddenly fallen in love with Cal.

“I–I see that.”

“He wants to get in on the expansion with Adam. Thinks we can export to the States and other islands. Mom-and-pop businesses are popular.”

I cocked an eyebrow at Cal. “Is that so?”

He smirked. “Sure is. I could get it a placement on Real Housewives.”

Waving my hand in the air, I said, “I’ve had enough of this silliness. Seriously. Enough.”

Heading straight to the back, I went to the fridge and took out a Coke. Holding the glass bottle to my forehead, I breathed in and out, counting to five with every inhale and exhale. Dad followed me, frowning.

“Don’t be rude,” my dad said low. “They’re trying to help. The Stern brothers are the answer to having something of your own.”

If he only knew.

I didn’t have a chance to answer because Cal also appeared in the back too, saying he was going to head out.

“Do you have a car here?” he asked me, and I nodded. “Any chance you could give me a ride to the Grand? Jack had to do an airport run.”

Frowning, I said, “You could have rented a car,” but when my dad pointedly cleared his throat at my rudeness, I quickly changed my tune. “No problem. Let’s go.”

Between being scolded by my father and Cal bossing me around, I felt like my cheeks were on fire. After downing my Coke, I tossed the bottle in a recycling bin before walking toward the door. Once we were outside, I wished my hair wasn’t in a bun but down to shield my face and hide my emotions.

“Where are you parked?” Cal asked like we were a couple out on a jaunt.

“Around the corner. Come on. I have to get Weez from school, and then I work at Camila’s tonight. My mom is watching her.”

“Shell, quit that shitty job. I’ll pay the difference.”

I shook my head just as we arrived at my little car. “I know it’s not a fancy Jeep like you’re used to. Hope this will do,” I said snidely, finding myself in a fighting mood.

Ignoring me, Cal walked toward the driver’s door. “I’ll drive.”

“What?”

“I said I’ll drive. Have to keep up with my skills. I’m going to be here often.”

“Hope you survive being behind the wheel of a jalopy,” I muttered as I slapped the keys in his waiting hand.

“Hush, Shell,” he said, folding himself in the driver’s side.

I slid into the passenger seat and refused to look at him. Cal’s profile was handsome enough, and being near him did things to my libido. I told myself it was the pregnancy hormones.

As Cal steered us toward the Grand, he then dove right in. “Did you call the doc?”

“It doesn’t work that way. I have another appointment in a few weeks. I can’t just call and demand to be seen. It costs money.”

“Good, then I’ll pay like Adam did.”

“What?” I whipped my head toward him.

“Shit,” Cal mumbled, not meeting my eyes for a second. Sighing, he gave in and spilled it. “Okay, so Rylan’s pregnant. It’s very early, so Adam paid to hear the heartbeat, and then he refused to leave for London until they heard it again. They haven’t told anyone.”

Both thrilled for them and furious at Rylan for keeping the secret from me, I blew out a breath. “That’s why he was so cagey ... the little shits.”

“I don’t know what you’re going on about, but I guess it doesn’t matter. I want to hear our baby, and then I want to take you to dinner in front of everyone and let it be known you’re with me.”

---