Page 61 of Pretty Little Disaster

“Of course.”

“I’ll put out some feelers, but I can’t promise anything.”

“I knew you wouldn’t let me down.” I stand up and kiss her on her cheek, almost choking on her perfume. “I should head back, but I’d like you to meet Lorna, and the baby when it gets here.” I smile at the old woman who my uncle was hopelessly in love with. I don’t know what her job was before they met, but I’d put all my money on guessing she was some kind of special agent. She has that way about her.

“You know my feelings toward infants, Nic,” she reminds me, and I nod my head as I go to see myself out.

“If you should ever want to go back to private hire–”

“You’ll be the first to know about it,” I turn around and assure her.

“I’m pleased to hear it, your uncle trained you well, it would be a shame to see that go to waste.” That sadness finds her eyes again, and I quickly leave before it catches up with me too.

LORNA

“You look exhausted,” Cass whispers as Madalina calls out for another round of Baby Bingo. Serena and Mom both sit eagerly with their cards ready to get started, while some of the girls who showed up from college make decent enough excuses to leave.

“Thanks for coming.” I smile at all three of them, as they make their way toward the door, with Cass seeing them out to save me from getting up.

“Did I miss all the action?” Nic finally makes his entrance with Cass when she comes back to join us, and I’m so relieved to see him.

“Nic, we’re just playing Baby Bingo again, want to join us?” Madalina picks up a card for him but he shakes his head and comes straight for me.

“How’s it been?” he whispers as he leans down to kiss me.

“I’ve managed to survive,” I tell him under my breath.

“Nic, why don’t you go and have a drink with Dario?” Serena nudges him out of the way when he distracts her from hearing Madalina call out.

“I think I’m all baby-showered out. I should get some rest.” I start to stand, and when Nic rests his hand under my bumpto assist me, one of the girls I’d never met until today scoffs a laugh. It’s loud enough to get everyone's attention and when she realizes she has her audience she does nothing to hide her amusement.

“Care to share with everyone what you find so funny?” I ask. In normal circumstances, I’d avoid confrontation like this, but I’ve been playing nice for more than four hours straight, my ass is numb and my patience is thin.

“Nothing at all. I think it’s sweet that Nic’s settling down.” She exchanges a sarcastic grin with the girl sitting beside her.

“The next word is… Pacifier.” Madalina calls out, trying her best to eliminate any tension.

“I mean, let's be honest, none of us ever thought we’d see the day.” The girl refuses to give up, and the way she raises her eyebrow at him suggests the two of them share a secret. I swear, if I could move fast, I’d tear the fake hair she’s wearing straight from her scalp.

“Come on, let's get you home.” Nic turns his back on the girl, urging Serena to hurry up and say her goodbyes. She immediately jumps to action, placing down her bingo card so she can kiss me. My mom quickly does the same, standing up and reaching over the table to kiss my cheek.

“Don’t forget to think about those names I sent you, sweetheart.” She moves on to kiss Nic, leaving a bright pink lipstick mark on his cheek.

“Thanks for everything.” I hug Madalina, hoping she understands how much I appreciate her efforts.

“Did you eat enough? You should take some of the cake home.” She starts to fuss.

“Honestly, we’re fine. I’m sure the little ones will finish off whatever's left.” I kiss her cheek and say my goodbyes to the rest of the room, passing Cass by the door as Nic leads me out.

“Thanks for helping Madalina.” I stop to hug her too.

“It’s not every day you get to help throw a glamorous baby shower,” she tells me with a smile. “Though next time, I’m taking full control of the guest list.” She narrows her eyes at the bitchy girls on the other side of the room.

“Next time, I could be throwing the shower for you. I’ve seen how close you and Jonah have been getting,” I tease, and the way she blushes proves that I’m not wrong.

“Get out of here.” She nudges me with her hips, before taking a deep breath and rejoining the group.

“You know, Madalina was just trying to help by inviting those women,” Nic explains as he helps me into the car.

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