Page 62 of From Maybe to Baby

"My babies," she exclaims. Her face fills the screen, with my usually-video-shy father-in-law, Bert looking over her shoulder. "And Jonas... you look different.”

I think quickly. "Morning Gloria. Morning Bert. Good to see you. It’s incredible here. We’re having a great time," I say, but Gloria’s already zeroing in like a heat-seeking missile.

"Mmmm. Anything to do with that travel writer? The one TMZ seems interested in?"

"MISS MINTY," both kids scream, pushing me out of Gloria’s view. "Gamma, we’re having breakfast with her."

"Are you now?" Her smile could power a small city. "That’s great news.”

My phone buzzes. ESPN, wanting a pre-season interview. The subject line mentions "personal life developments" and "human interest angle." I forward it to Vince Vincent to deal with.

"Dad's gonna teach Miss Minty hockey," Lukas says, vibrating with happiness.

"Hockey AND princess stuff," Jace corrects.

Another notification on my phone. Haven’t these people ever heard of vacation? It’s my agent:

*We need to discuss image management. TMZ photos going viral. Fans are flipping over the 'finding love again' angle.

"Have you shown her your hockey moves, Lukas?" Gloria asks, looking beyond the kids crowding the screen in order to get a glimpse at me.

“Yes, Gamma, I’m going to. She needs to learn about hockey if she's gonna be our new?—"

"Lukas," I snap, but Gloria's already caught it.

"New what?" Her voice is too casual.

"New friend," I say firmly.

"New Frenchie," Jace announces happily.

"Better than Frenchie," Lukas stage-whispers. "'Cause she will do magic braids AND hockey."

My phone won't stop buzzing. Vince from PR:

*Working on the ESPN inquiry. Also, Today Show wants an exclusive. 'Hockey's Most Eligible Dad Finds Love.' Good story angle.

What the fuck?Is everyone pimping me out?

"Jonas." Gloria's voice turns serious. "Are you ready for this? The media attention? The public interest?"

"Gloria..."

"Because that girl sounds very nice. And in all the photos…”

"We're not discussing this."

Another notification. Sports Center wants a feature piece. Their social media manager has "exciting content ideas."

"She's a travel writer," I remind everyone, including myself. "She leaves after her article's done."

"Does she?" Gloria's knowing look is almost unbearable. "Because those photos tell a different story."

"What photos?" Lukas perks up.

"Nothing," I say quickly. "Adult stuff."

"About Miss Minty?" Jace bounces closer to the screen. "She’s pretty."

---