Page 73 of Texting, Trouble & Touchdowns
I sigh. “Why does everyone keep telling me that? I’m trying.”
Martha smirks. “You’re losing.”
Sarah takes this moment to sigh louder. Martha snorts.
Olivia: Even our neighbor thinks I’ve lost the battle.
Lucian: Because you have. Just admit it.
Olivia: NEVER.
Lucian: Fine. Put me on FaceTime.
Olivia: What? Why?
Lucian: Let’s see how she acts when she hears my voice.
I frown but hit video call. Lucian’s ridiculously handsome face fills my screen. His grin is way too smug.
“Sarah,” he says smoothly. “Hey, baby girl.”
Sarah’s ears perk up.
He hums. “What’s wrong, huh? You giving Olivia a hard time?”
I swear to God, the dog whimpers, like she’s been abandoned.
Lucian chuckles. “Get up, sweetheart.”
And just like that, Sarah stands.
No drama. No sighs. No theatrics. She wags her tail.
My mouth falls open.
Lucian smirks. “Told you.”
“You—you—you—” I splutter. “You witch. You dog whisperer. You liar. You said you don’t fall for her guilt trips.”
He shrugs. “I don’t. I fell for yours. You’re the one who needed a hand. Just admit it so I can go to dinner.”
“Fine, but how am I supposed to handle this if you’re not here?” I ask because now I’m concerned. “I’m hiring a trainer or something.”
“If you think that’ll help, do it.”
“I will,” I challenge him.
He winks at me. “Have a good night, Doc, and think of me.”
Like I would think of him . . . no, thank you.
Chapter Twenty-One
Olivia: Update: Your daughter now responds to “ma’am” and has also learned how to guilt trip the trainer. Congratulations. She’s planning on taking over the world.
Lucian: I knew she had leadership potential. Tell her I’m proud.
Olivia: No. I’m too busy cleaning up after her emotional sabotage.
