Page 98 of Playboy

“We’re good,” I promise my bestie. “Honestly, my only complaint is that I never have time to write now.”

Ava tilts her head, studying me. “You’ve been working on your book again?”

I shouldn’t be surprised that my friends don’t follow the socials associated with my other career. Even so, it stings a little to get confirmation.

They cheer me on when I talk about what I’m doing. Thatshouldbe enough, and I’m mortified by the reality that it’s not. It’s expected, really, that they’d be more curious about my relationship with Daniel and this baby than they are about my books. It’s a societal thing. We’re raised to believe who a woman dates and when she decides to have kids are the most interesting things about her. And while I certainly find Daniel and our baby interesting, I’ve kind of stumbled into this place in my personal life, to these things that are happening to me. Whereas my career as an author is something I’ve worked hard for. An achievement I’ve put blood, sweat, and tears into.

“Of course she’s writing again.” Lennox smiles wide. “And I for one can’t wait to find out which guy the sister ends up with. Or maybe it’s a why-choose situation.” She bounces in her chair. “Oh, tell me we’re getting Melina’d.”

“Why can’t it be Fitzed?” Sara asks.

I laugh. “This sister will definitely choose. Could you imagine how her older brothers would react if they found out she’d been surrounded by that many dicks?”

Lennox sighs. “Oh, but what a fun scene that would be.”

I’m smiling when my phone lights up on the table.

Daniel: Hi, dream girl. Hope you’re having fun with my sister and the girls. My dad asked if we were available to meet for dinner. What do you say? Want to meet the parents?

“Oh my god,”I practically shout. It comes out kind of like “ermeegawd,” though my friends all give me concerned looks, clearly getting the meaning.

“What?”

“Daniel just asked me to meet his parents.”

Ava huffs out a laugh. “You’ve met them before. I don’t get the big deal.”

“He just asked me to meet the parents,” I say again, my tone dead serious.

I glance at Sara. I can’t be the only one realizing this.

She’s doing the math, her face doing all the talking. Her mouth opens, her lips go limp, and then she drops her chin as she points at me. “Dude.”

I nod.

“Dude!” she yells again.

Millie shakes her head. “I don’t get it.”

“She’s meeting the freaking parents.”

“I know. He’s my dad. It’s not a big deal.”

Ava sighs like she’s catching on. Lennox nods in agreement.

“What?” Millie snaps.

“Lake fucking Paige is married to your father,” Sara whisper-yells.

Millie scoffs and picks up her water. “Yeah, that’s not news.”

“Lake fucking Paige is going to be my baby’s grandmother!” I shout.

This time, Millie’s mouth drops open too. “Oh my god, that’s too funny. I mean, she’s Vivi’s grandmother too, though.”

I shake my head. “Yeah, but you were allLake is the devilwhen Vivi came into your life, so you didn’t get excited about it. I’m about to have dinner with Lake Paige because she’s my boyfriend’s stepmother.”

Sara shakes her head. “It never gets less shocking, no matter how many times we say it.”

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