Page 72 of 10 Ways to Accidentally Fall in Love

“The wainscoting in the dining room. Either refinishing it if it’s in good enough condition or scrapping it for new.”

“Well, if anyone can fix up some boards in need of loving repair, it’s my little carpenter.”

I smile. My mom never begrudged me wanting to follow my dad’s footsteps into construction, despite the obvious divide that grew between us. She’s always supported me following my dreams, just as she supported my decision to move here to Vegas.

“I’m hardly little anymore,” I point out needlessly.

Shepshsat the same time as I hear the front door open and close. My pulse kicks up as Brad’s voice rings throughout the house.

“Honey, I’m home.”

“And who might that be?” my mom asks in my ear.

“That’s my…Brad,” I answer, holding the phone away from my mouth before calling, “In here.”

Brad comes sauntering down the hall and into the kitchen, a big smile on his face. When he sees I’m on the phone, he raises an eyebrow.

“My mom,” I tell him.

Brad nods, and before I know what’s happening, he’s plucking the phone out of my hand. He sets the call on speakerphone as I blink in shock.

“Mama Delgado?” Brad says cheerfully. “Hi. Hello. I’m Brad, Joey’s new bestie.”

“Is that so?” my mom asks, sounding amused. She knows perfectly well who Brad is to me. There aren’t many secrets between me and my mom. “It’s nice to meet you, darling.”

Brad beams, mouthingdarlingat me. “Same! Sorry we can’t meet in person. I give great hugs. Just ask Joey.”

“In that case, I’ll have to take a rain check,” she says gamely. “Are you helping Joey with the house today?”

“Oh, for sure,” Brad answers. “Brought some lunch, too. Can’t have my baby kangaroo going hungry.”

“Your…baby kangaroo,” my mom says slowly.

I drop my head.

That…wasstill a secret.

“It started because of his legs?” Brad tries to explain. “Like, kangaroos have strong legs, right? And so does Joey. And obviously he needed a name.”

“Obviously,” she agrees. “Do you have one?”

“In general or Joey-specific?” Brad asks, setting the phone on the kitchen table as he starts pulling our lunch out of a to-go bag.

“I suppose specifically from my son.”

Brad nods, even though she can’t see it. “I’m his bub.”

Silence. And then, softly, “That’s sweet, darling.”

“Isn’t it?” Brad says, looking at me with a happy grin. “Joey’s a sweet dude.”

Lord.

“Will you be coming with my son next weekend when he visits?” my mom asks.

Brad’s eyes swing my way, wide, as he mouths, “Motorboating?”

I snort before clearing my throat. “I, uh, haven’t had a chance to ask yet,” I tell my mom, speaking next to Brad. “But you’re welcome to join me. It’s my mom’s birthday.”

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