Page 476 of The Winslow Brothers

I roll my eyes. “I’mold. You’rebeautiful.”

She turns her head to the side a little, just enough to absorb the compliment in some privacy, and my phone buzzes in my pocket. Normally, I would ignore it and enjoy the view of Maria blushing a little at my words, but since I’m hoping it’ll be an update from my sister, I quickly check the message.

Winnie: Cleaners are going there next. Should be done by 6 or so.

Perfect. Everything is going to plan.

Me: Thanks, sis.

I tuck the phone into my pocket and return my focus to Maria and her question.What do I think of her as an adult? I think she’s fucking flawless.

“Okay, let’s see. Maria Baros as an adult.” I ponder for a moment, letting my eyes search hers as though all the answers are just inside. A bevy of secrets and clues, just floating around in her pretty brown gaze.

“I think you stay up late sometimes, even when you know you have to be up early, just to rebel against your neat and tidy schedule a little. You watch late-night infomercials and order products that you end up donating or hiding in the closet when you see them in the light of day. And you still make time to watch that ridiculous soap operaGeneral Hospitalevery day, even with how busy you are with work.”

She laughs. “Hey, don’t knock my show.General Hospitalhas some of the longest-running relationships I’ve ever known.”

I laugh, remembering just a tiny sliver of detail from our days of watching it together after school. “Are Sonny and Carly still together?”

“Not right now. But they have seven kids and, as you know, are always on-again, off-again.”

“Aha!” I declare. “So, I was right. You dostillwatch it.”

“Not every episode!” she defends through a giggle. “I don’t have the time. But I catch about one every two weeks or so, and it’s easy enough to keep up.”

“I love that. Makes me almost feel like we’re kids again.”

Maria’s eyes hold mine as we walk, and I have to glance away to make sure we don’t bump into anyone in our path. We’ve gotten pretty deep into the park at this point, and when I see something up ahead, I can’t resist having a little fun.

“Stay right here,” I tell her as I start to climb the giant rock in Central Park, her eyes widening to the point of strain.

“Remy—” she calls, clearly concerned by my climbing while wearing Izzy, but I know with one-hundred-percent confidence that this moment will be worth her temporary freak-out. I’m also a pro at this rock from back in my wild childhood days. My brothers and I utilized it often for sneak attacks on one another.

“It’s fine,” I call back, being careful with my foot and hand work as I pick my way to the top. Izzy coos a little in the carrier at my chest, having just woken up and enjoying the ride. “I promise. She’s liking it!”

“Remy, she’s six weeks old. She’d probably like razor blades and needles if I let her!”

I laugh at that; I can’t help it. Maria has always been funny, but I’m pretty sure she’s gotten even funnier with age.

“You’re right, Ri. We’d better be careful,” I call down as I climb. “Forget preschools. Let’s start looking for a good toddler rehab.”

“I don’t appreciate your jokes right now, Remington Winslow.”

“Oh wow,” I whisper down at Izzy. “She must be serious. She’s using her mom voice.”

“I can’t hear what you’re saying, but I just want you to know I can tell you’re talking about me.”

I laugh and turn around carefully to wink down at Maria. “I was just telling her how beautiful you are.”

“You’re so full of shit.”

I pretend to cover Izzy’s ears as I make it to the top and turn around dramatically. “Language, Maria. There are little ears here.”

“I hope your dry cleaner is good with blood.”

I chuckle as I grab my phone out of my jeans pocket and search until I find what I’m looking for.

“Remington Winslow, get your ass down here!” Maria calls toward us, but I’m already working to unbuckle Izzy from the carrier.

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