Page 32 of The Undercover Billionaire's Baby

“Practicing for the fun run.”

“So, having practice fun.” He hitched up his cooler. “You kids be good. Tell Mrs. Schneiderman hello.”

Brad and I waited till Chester was out of earshot, then turned to each other.

“You kids be good.” We said it together and both burst out laughing, like a couple of actual kids fooling around out of school.

We ran the next day as well, and the day after that. Then Cambie somehow got hold of Brad’s number and summoned him out to do some repairs. I didn’t feel much like jogging just by myself, so I gave the kitchen a deep clean, then did the same for the fridge. Then I headed for the market to restock what I’d tossed.

I started out like I always did, checking my coupons. Swinging by the deli to check the day’s specials. I could get enough lunchmeat to last us the week, plus two loaves of bread, for under ten dollars. Brad had mentioned liking horseradish, so I picked that up too, but only a small pot, as it was pricey.

I was debating whether to get pasta or wait for a sale when a shadow passed over me and fell on my cart.

“Lana, good to see you.”

I turned and smiled. “Cathy. How’s Chester?”

“Out fishing with Rex again. Those two, same as always.” She peered around me, into my cart. “Horseradish, really? I didn’t think you liked that.”

My face warmed up, though I had no reason to be embarrassed. I cleared my throat. “Maybe my tastes have matured.”

“Or maybe you picked that up thinking of Brad.” Cathy winked at me and I looked away. We mostly shopped for ourselves when it came to our own tastes, then we’d take turns on items we’d share. But I’d remembered the horseradish and thought, why not? It would be a nice surprise for him, like our ride on the jet ski. I was paying him back, was all. Returning the favor.

“Careful. You’re turning into an old married couple. Next thing you know, you’ll be buying his tube socks.”

My face went even hotter and I looked away. I hadn’t bought socks for Brad, but I’d helped pick them out. He’d shopped like a man who hated shopping, grabbing the first thing that looked halfway right. I’d saved him three dollars and itchy feet. But that didn’t make us some old married couple.

“You’re blushing!”

“I’m not!”

“Wait till Dora hears this.”

I groaned, waved her off. Cathy gave me a nudge.

“It wouldn’t be the worst thing if something sparked up. He seems like a good man, and he’s certainly handy. You’d never have to put up with a wobbly table.”

I protested weakly, but she bustled off. An old married couple… projecting, much? That was her and Chester. Dora and Rex. Still, my mind spun a film reel without my consent, scenes from a life that was mine and Brad’s. Brad teaching me car stuff, because he’d want me to know. He’d want me to be safe if I got stuck on my own. Me taking him shopping for proper beachwear. Teaching him to bargain-hunt, to spot a good deal. The two of us together, sprawled on the couch. Cooking together. Out on a jog. Other couples greeting us. Inviting us out. I saw a whole couple life with couple friends, us doing couple things, going on dates. Talking about maybe, some time in the future?—

I cut off the fantasy with a toss of my head. Just as I did, my phone chirped in my pocket. I fished it out, expecting Brad, but the text that popped up had me stifling a shriek.

The grant. I was shortlisted. They wanted to meet me.

And my first thought was Brad. I couldn’t wait to tell him.

CHAPTER 13

SAM

Lana was shredding a stray fun-run flyer, tearing it into strips that piled up on the table. She didn’t seem to notice what she was doing, staring distractedly out at the rain. I sat down across from her and cracked a smile.

“Breakfast?”

“Huh?” Lana glanced down at her drift of torn paper. She swept it into her hand and crumpled it up. “What will we do if it rains for the fun run?”

“We can run in the rain. People run in all weather.”

“But then there’s the party. The picnic on the beach. We don’t have a venue for if it rains. I can’t even think of one that’d fit all those people. Assuming anyone actually comes.” She stood. Tossed her paper wad into the trash. “What if it’s just the two of us and, like, Mrs. Schneiderman? And Wiener, I guess, but he can’t collect sponsors.” Now she was pacing, striding up and down. Scowling out the window at the gray, looming sky.

---