Page 110 of Just Like That

Would I be Teddy’s auntandhis mom?

My throat was thick as I swallowed and tried to focus on Emily before I spiraled into oblivion.

“Nothing yet. I’m literally checking the mail every day.” I looked down at the pink, fruity cocktail in my hand and dug for a sliver of courage.

“Honestly, I’m not really sure it matters anymore,” I whispered.

Emily’s brows tipped down. “What do you mean?”

My fingers tingled and my head was swimming. “Well, I only came here because Olive wanted me to. I had every intention of having JP sign away his parental rights. The judge insisted that he could only do that with the paternity results.” Nerves tittered through me as I quietly gave voice to the fears. “But what if I don’t want him to sign his rights away anymore?”

Emily’s smile was soft and understanding as she touched my arm. “Does JP know you’re feeling this way?”

I shook my head. We hadn’t discussed the specifics yet. I was fairly sure that both of us were actively pretending like it wasn’t happening and were simply attempting to enjoy the present.

But what if he was still planning to sign his rights over to me? Teddy would be crushed.

My impending mental spiral, along with our conversation, was interrupted when muffled shouting turned louder as the bell to the bookshop clanged against the glass door.

Our heads collectively whipped around as we all watched MJ stomp into the bookstore. Her cheeks were flushed and her typically sweet and good-natured demeanor had all but evaporated.

“Howdareyou follow me!” MJ’s chin was high and her fists were clenched, like she was ready for a fight.

The air in the bookstore was thick. Every woman around me tensed, like they were all ready to spring into action to protect one of their own.

Behind MJ, an enormous man sauntered in, seemingly unaffected by her outburst. He was handsome, with dark hair that looked like it needed a trim. He had a mustache that stood out a little thicker than his scruff and had muscles for days. But not just regular muscles—his thighs were thick and his arms crossed over his broad chest as he grinned at MJ.

“Relax, Thunder.” The man was smiling, but there was an edge of teasing in his tone. “You might hurt yourself if you keep stomping around like that.”

“Thunder?” she shouted, stepping forward. He was so much taller that her chin lifted higher, but she didn’t back down.

I stayed perched behind the high back of the chair, peeking out and soaking up their interaction. My eyes bounced between them.

He scoffed. “Yeah. You’ve got this whole storm cloud vibe happening. It’s cute.”

He licked his lip, and I noted the quiet, yet audible, gasp of the women around me.

“Cute?”Fire danced in MJ’s eyes. “You are absolutely unreal. Do you know that? First you skulk around an assisted-living facility—after hours, let me remind you—then you have the balls to insinuate that I’m a—a—a lady of the night!”

A what now?I was totally lost but enthralled by whatever drama was unfolding in front of me.

“You been thinking about my balls, Thunder?” The man was clearly trying not to laugh as he shifted his stance.

Beside me, Emily stifled a giggle as MJ threw her hands in the air with a frustrated growl.

A whisper came between Emily and me. “You know that’s Logan Brown, right?”

Emily’s head whipped around. “The rugby player?”

Lark’s eyes glittered with delight. “TheOlympicrugby player. Apparently football and rugby are like sports cousins or something. Wyatt is always analyzing sports strategy, so the Olympic Games were constantly on. He’s actually from Michigan, and trust me ... I wouldnotforget those thighs.”

The women giggled as my eyes shifted back to the drama unfolding in a very public way. “Yeah, but how does MJ know him?”

“And why is hehere?” Emily added.

“I came to apologize.” Logan’s voice was thick, but sincere. It was enough to stop MJ mid-rant. Her mouth hung open for a second before she snapped it shut.

“I had just gotten into town and wanted to say hello to my grandfather. The girl at the front desk said a quick visit wouldn’t be a problem.” He stepped forward into her space, and I could feel everyone’s collective inhale. “Safe to say I was surprised to see a woman who looks like you having a candlelit dinner with my eighty-six-year-old grandfather.”

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