Page 63 of Wasted On You

“Don’t take that tone with me.” She yanked a piece of hair from her eyes and tucked it behind her ear. “I told her I’d help with laundry and that we’d spend the morning making Christmas cookies. She was expecting me, and she’s not there, and I figured you would know where she went.”

Confused, Mike Paul took a moment. “Who are we talking about exactly?”

“Your sister,” his mother retorted and gave him a look as if he had two heads. But then her expression changed, it was subtle, and he took a step back because he knew he’d just committed the worst kind of mistake. “Who did you think I was talking about?”

“Ivy would be my guess.”

They all turned as Cobi walked down the stairs, cradling her daughter against her chest. She was wearing a pair of Mike Paul’s pajama pants and an old T-shirt with a bull’s head across the chest. It was ratty with a few tears along the seams, but it was a favorite of his, and he didn’t know how many times he’d retrieved it from the garbage bin because his cleaning lady, who also did his laundry, had tossed it.

“You’re here,” their mother said, obviously surprised.

“Of course, I’m here. I gave Mike Paul a ride home.” She narrowed her eyes. “Where did you think I’d be, mother?” Cobi asked the question lightly, but he saw the look on his sister’s face and knew things were about to get interesting.

“Well, I don’t know.” Melody’s lips were pursed, and she casually swiped at some crumbs on the counter. “You weren’t home.”

“I’m a grown woman. I’m allowed to not be home.” Cobi handed Mike Paul the baby. She rolled her eyes at him, kissed Belinda’s forehead, and then headed for the coffee machine.

His mother didn’t have a comeback for that one because she knew her daughter was right.

“You weren’t supposed to come over until after eleven o’clock.”

“I was up and thought I’d surprise you with hot chocolate and donuts from Sprinkles."

"You could have called.”

“Do I need to make an appointment to see my own daughter?”

“No, but at least be honest about your intentions. I mean, did you really think I went home with someone last night?” Cobi had always been direct, and more often than not, it created some problems between the two women. At the moment, Mike Paul was glad the focus was off him. He repositioned the baby in his arms and settled in to watch.

“You went to see Brandy.”

“And? Is she my pimp?”

“Technically, she’d be a madame,” Mike Paul said, trying like hell to keep the grin from his face.

His mother ignored him. “I’m not inferring anything. I am just worried about you.”

“I’m a big girl mom.”

“Who just had a baby.”

“Yes. Like every other new mother on the planet. The world keeps turning, mother.” Cobi took a sip from her mug and looked over the top of it. “Did you know giraffes push out their kids, and they’re up and running within an hour?”

“You’re not a giraffe.”

“No. But I am a responsible adult, and I don’t need my mother looking over my shoulder wondering if I’m hooking up with anyone.”

“I don’t like that term.” Melody made a face.

“Let me rephrase.” Cobi stared pointedly at her mother. “I don’t need you checking in on who I’m having sex with.”

“Oh God,” their father’s face had turned a shade of red Mike Paul hadn’t seen before.

Cobi smiled, wickedly. “But if you’re wondering?—”

“We’re not.” Everett Darlington turned to his daughter. “We don’t want to know your private business. We just want to make sure you’re okay. This is all new for us.”

Cobi’s face softened. “I’m good, Daddy.Really good.”

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