Page 81 of The Bargain

watching. “But I was thinking maybe you and Timmy could come spend the weekend at our house? We’re only thirty minutes upstate and we have a pool and everything.” She shrugged. “You could relax for a couple of days and let us fuss and spoil our golden child. What do you think?”

I laughed and nodded. “That sounds like a dream. I’m in.”

“Good, Susan will be happy.” She looked at the vans. “So what are we getting? My treat!”

I stood up, shaking my head. “Nonsense. You just invited me over for a weekend. Let me treat you.” I jerked my head toward the stroller. “What do you want?”

“I don’t know, surprise me. I’m not that familiar with street food, I have to admit.”

“No problem. I’ll get us something good.”

I got us some tostadas, with fries and a few churros for dessert.

When I came back, she had Timmy on her knees and he was beaming at her.

“You know, I know he’s Eddie’s son, but...” She trailed off, tilting her head to the side.

“He looks a lot like Dean,” I confirmed her unspoken thought. I’d started to notice that too, more and more, but I wasn’t sure if it was real or if I was only seeing what I wanted to see because I missed the man.

“Does Dean think so too?” she asked, still keeping her eyes on Timmy’s face.

I shrugged. “I don't think he knows. Babies change a lot at his age and Dean hasn’t seen him in over three weeks.”

“He hasn’t…” She frowned, clearly displeased by that fact. She shook her head before looking down at the food. “Damn, you’ve spoiled us.”

I shrugged. “It will go down without a problem, trust me.” I was grateful for the change of subject.

As we started eating, Timmy kept trying to grab our food.

“I think he’s hungry too. His appetite has increased greatly since his recovery.” I was so pleased with that too. Pulling my chair back, “I’ll give him his applesauce.”

She shook her head. “Nope, finish your food. I want to feed him.”

I nodded.

“Is Jeremy taking good care of my nephew?” she asked, adjusting Timmy on her knees.

I rested my sandwich back on the table and wiped my hands, for some reason uncomfortable at the subject of Jeremy Hunt even though I had no reason to be so. “No, he referred me to a pediatrician here. He is a surgeon. It’s also better to have someone close and-” I shrugged.

“And?” she asked, but I knew from her tone that she knew where I’d been going with that.

“He asked me out...Jeremy,” I admitted, reaching for a French fry on my plate.

She nodded as she fed Timmy his applesauce. “I’ve known Jeremy for years; he is a good man.”

I looked away, watching a young couple walking hand in hand. “Yes, he is,” I admitted. And yet, his kind smiles, sweet words, and boyish charms didn’t do anything for me.

No, for me it was only severe lines, cold emerald eyes, and a commanding voice that made my heart flutter.

I sighed. Why was I like this?

“You know, for what it’s worth, liking Dean is okay too.”

Startled, I turned toward her.

She shrugged.

“Dean is commanding, cold, unfeeling…” I shook my head.

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