Riley laughed lightly. “To be fair, I didn’t know Des was a hockey player let alone on my dad’s team when we hooked up.”
“You didn’t recognize him by his ass?” Gabi said without thinking.
“I probably should’ve. Are you familiar with hockey ass because you’ve been checking out Baz?”
“You are not subtle,” Gabi said.
Riley shrugged. “Just think you’d be great for Baz. I mean, you obviously can handle his outrageousness like a pro.”
“He’s been irritating me since the moment we met,” she said, maybe laying on her annoyance with him a little thick.
“Aww, you’re perfect for each other,” Riley said.
“Who’s perfect for each other?” Ava asked.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
“Me and Des, or Nessie, as Baz likes to call him,” Riley said. Gabi gave the woman a silent thanks.
“Max and his stupid nicknames,” Gabi muttered.
“It’s all in good fun. I don’t think Des cares that much, but don’t let Baz know,” Riley said, conspiratorially.
“Of course not,” Ava said with a wink.
Every day, Ava was getting better, stronger, happier. Gabi didn’t want to do anything to derail that.
“Mommy, we should get a dog,” Connor called out.
“Yes, Mommy. Please. Can we get a dog?” Amelia asked.
“I don’t think we’re ready for a dog, and we’re living in Uncle Max’s house. We can’t just bring home a pet,” Ava said.
“Uncle Max would love a dog,” Amelia said.
“He’s not home enough for a dog,” Ava said.
“But we’re there, so we can help,” Connor said.
Both of the kids had the most pitiful pleading eyes aimed directly at their mother.
Gabi was grateful for the distraction.