Page 51 of Accidental Baby Daddy

I shook my head. “Maybe, but that doesn’t mean we can be together now. He has a son, a whole other life. I’m amuch different person than I was back then. I honestly just want to save money and get the hell out of here.”

Gillian looked slightly hurt. “Will you call me and keep in touch?” she asked softly. “When you go?”

“Oh, Gilly.” I reached over and took her hand. “Of course I will. I promise not to cut you out anymore.”

She sniffled. “That’s good. Because I need my big sister.”

“And I need my little sister,” I replied with a warm smile.

In the end, we didn’t drink much and didn't need a ride home after all.

I looked out the window as Gillian drove us back to Wagontown, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over me.

Did I really want to leave here? For good?

Chapter 16

Oliver

After a couple of weeks, I was finally getting the ins and outs of running a bar. I had to admit that I missed Lexie, since she had a couple of days off to work at the grocery store during the busy season. I thought about calling my grandmother, asking how she was doing, but I figured that would be too obvious.

My grandmother could be nosy.

I was beyond surprised when my father walked in, looking around at the things I’d added—more pool tables on the far side, a few more TVs, dartboards, and another bar upstairs.

He whistled low in his throat as I approached him. “This place is more than just a dive bar now, Ollie.”

I flushed with pride. “You really think so?”

“I do,” he said quietly.

“Can I get you something?’ I asked hesitantly, not sure if he was drinking again or not.

“A ginger ale would be great.”

I let out a breath of relief. I didn’t want Dad getting drunk and sloshy at my bar. I hailed Krista and she madehim a ginger ale with lime, sliding it across to him with a smile and a wink.

Dad blushed a little. Krista was way too young for him, but she was a bit of a flirt.

Thankfully, Lexie wasn’t like that on her shifts. She was polite and efficient, but she didn’t take up a lot of time talking to customers like Krista did. Though that was part of what made Krista such a good bartender, I was glad that Lex didn’t do that, because I was pretty sure my blood pressure would be through the roof if she flirted for tips.

“How’s everything going?” Dad asked as I sat down next to him at the bar.

“It’s going great. Already turning a profit,” I said proudly. “Of course, I’m still paying for the renovations, but...”

“Of course,” he said. “It seems like you’re drawing in a lot of tourist business.”

“That’s the plan.”

He smiled. “I’m proud of you, son.” He paused for a long moment. “Have you spoken to your mother recently?”

“Sure.”She didn’t mention you.

“Is she… how is she?” he asked hesitantly.

I plastered on a fake smile. “She seems to be doing great, Dad.”

“Good.” He cleared his throat. “That’s good.”

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