Page 26 of Pretty Little Disaster

“He’s getting so big.” I hold baby Maximo in my arms and stroke his chubby little cheek.

“I know, and the girls are so good with him. They’re going to make the best big cousins for your little one.” Madalina always gets so excited when she talks about the baby, and the fact ourkids are going to be related almost makes the fact that it’s her brother who knocked me up seem tolerable.

“So have you had any cravings yet?” Serena asks, taking little Carlotta on her knee and straightening the bows in her hair. “They used to say sweet stuff for girls, and savory for boys.”

“Well, I’ve only just stopped feeling sick every minute of the day so I guess that's what will kick in next.” I smile, handing Maximo back to his mom when he starts to look hungry. I haven’t even thought about whether the baby I’m having is a boy or a girl, or if I have a preference. Naturally, I would presume Nic wants a boy. Men always want boys, at least for their first.

“And have you told your mom about the impending arrival, yet?” Serena lifts up her glass of brandy and takes a sip. We finished dinner half an hour ago and Dario seemed keen to talk to Nic alone. I think we could all sense a little tension between them, so here we are in the living room, staying well clear of whatever they have going on.

“Actually, me and Nic are going to visit her and Kevin this weekend.”

“Together?” Madalina looks surprised by my announcement.

“His idea, not mine.” I shrug awkwardly.

“And what will you tell them about your relationship?” She has that hopeful look on her face again.

“How many times do I have to tell you? Thereisno relationship. Yes, we are having this baby together, but that’s as far as it goes.”

“Lorna, you live together, you attend parties together, and now he’s visiting your mom and stepdad with you to tell them the news. Come on–”

“I think it’s sweet and very responsible,” Serena adds. “It’s very unlike Nic.” Her head shakes in confusion.

“Exactly my point, everything that's been happening lately is unlike Nic, you're changing him.” Madalina looks like she might burst with excitement.

“I think it’s more likely that the idea of becoming a father is changing him,” I point out.

“And so it should.” Serena toasts her almost empty glass before getting up to pour herself another.

NIC

“So do you want to tell me why Doyle is still fucking breathing?” Dario is mad. He managed to be polite all the way through dinner but the death stare I received while we were singing Happy Birthday to Serena, assured me it was just an act. Now he has me alone, it’s time for him to unleash that anger.

“Dario, you have to have to let me explain, Doyle isn’t who we think he is.”

“I don’t know, or care who he is, Nic. He was supposed to die today, and you were supposed to give Amanté a name.”

“I know, and I will find a way to get Amanté the name he needs, but Doyle can’t be killed.”

“What the fuck are you talking about?” Dario’s forehead creases.

“Doyle is…” I look back at the door to check it’s closed before I lower my voice. “He’s Lorna’s father.”

“He’s herwhat?” Dario DeMarco has one of the best poker faces I’ve ever seen and even he can’t pretend not to be shocked.

“I was at the house, I found his hidden basement and after some snooping around, I found some pictures. One of him and a little girl, then another that was locked away. It was more recent,of him and Lorna at her high school graduation. I also found an envelope with her name on it.”

“Fuck.” Dario drops his ass into his chair and knocks back what's left in his glass.

“I’m not going to put her in a position where she has to read that fucking letter, Dario, especially not while she’s carrying my child.” I make that point very clear as I stand over his desk and rest my palms on its surface.

“Sit the fuck down, Nic.” He shakes his head, then massages the bridge of his nose while he thinks about what to do next.

Naturally, I do as he says and wait.

“I get it,” he eventually speaks. “Of course, I get it. But what are we supposed to do? Allow this man to keep selling on our streets?”

“I don’t know but we have to buy some time, to figure out who he really is. He had a Russian passport.”

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