Page 53 of Forever with the CEO

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I’d rather cancel a retreat. Besides, I miss you boys.” After a pause, she added, “Unless...”

“Unless what?” I asked.

“Unless you think it would make things awkward with your half brothers.”

I sucked in a deep breath. No matter how much time passed, this would always be a difficult topic. My brothers and I were all closer now than ever before, but I wasn’t sure how they felt about Mom. It had to be awkward for sure. Gabe was the only one who’d met her, and he’d been perfectly polite to her, but that didn’t mean the others would react the same way.

“I’m sure it’ll work out.” I’d never allow Mom to feel unwanted, no matter what everyone else was feeling.

“Then I look forward to it. Do we have a dress code?”

“It’s just a city hall ceremony.”

“Oh.”

I laughed. “Disappointed that you’re flying over here just for that?”

“No party?”

“No. We’re just going to have an early dinner at a nice restaurant afterward.”

“Well, it’s the company that matters. Now, tell me about Allison. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything about her.”

I gave up on the idea of dressing while talking and instead went out to the terrace overlooking Boston. I’d miss this view, but it was more than worth giving up. Besides, it was only for a short time. Who knew? If this stretched on for too long, maybe we would all move in here. I was certain the twins would enjoy having a playroom. The realtor who sold me this place told me it was perfect to raise a family. I’d scoffed at the notion back then, but now I could see the benefits.

Fucking hell, I’m going to have a family.The marriage might be fake, but the responsibility wasn’t. And I wanted to care for the twins for real. I wanted them to have the best.

And I wanted the same for Allison.

“Allison is great. She’s a CFO and works hard as hell. She immediately took the twins in after the accident.”

“But how is she as a person?”

“I don’t know her very well.”

“Oh, I don’t think that’s true.” As usual, Mom cut through the bullshit.

“I’ve really only gotten to hang out with her over the past few months. She’s a very warm person, very dedicated.”

“And attractive, I hear.”

“Leo blabbed, didn’t he?” I asked.

“Yes. He might have also mentioned that you’ve noticed how hot she is.”

I closed my eyes tightly and then opened them again. I didn’t want to be short with my mom; however, Iwasgoing to be short with Leo later. I didn’t need this type of commentary floating around. Things were going to be difficult and confusing enough as they were without his help.

“That’s irrelevant, Mom.”

“I respect that.”

“For the time being, we’re going to share a space and our lives. Then, once the dust settles on the custody battle, we’ll go our separate ways.”

“Yes, yes. I’ve got the gist,” Mom said. I could tell she was fighting laughter. “I’m certain it’ll go according to plan.”

I couldn’t resist. “Are you mocking me?”

“Oh, Nick, I know you. You’re going to live with a gorgeous woman, and somehow you think that—”

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