Page 28 of Who's Your Daddy
I scoff, straightening. “For standing outside my son’s school?”
“Cal.” She takes a deep breath. “Listen, it’s sweet that you’re worried about him. And it’s admirable that you’re trying to be a good dad. But you have a job, and so do I, so we need to leave the boys. I promise they’ll be fine.”
Leave the boys? I’m not sure I can?—
My brain screeches to a halt and replays her words. Frowning, I survey her. The pant suit, the makeup, the hair. “What do you mean you have a job?”
Sloane hasn’t worked since she got pregnant with T.J.
Before that she worked with us.
But the outfit suggests she’s not going home to do housework or headed to the gym or for a coffee date.
“I got a job at Higgins, Smith, and Dodge.”
The air whooshes from my lungs. “You’re working for the enemy,” I hiss, clutching at my chest.
With a sigh, she grabs my arm and pulls me away from the building. “They’re not our enemy.” She bows her head and shakes it. “I mean they’re notyourenemy.”
“No. You had it right the first time. You’re a Murphy, Sloane. And you know just as I do that William Higgins and his slimy kid have always been our enemies.” Even saying his name leaves a gross taste in my mouth.
She blinks at me, her expression deadpan. “You’re being ridiculous.”
“And you’re being a traitor.” I jab a finger at her. “No. I won’t stand for this.”
Her eyes go wide and her brows practically leap to her hairline. “You won’t stand for this?”
I shake my head. “Nope. And there’s no way that Sully will either. So enough. You’ve made your point, now take it back.”
She lets out the heaviest of sighs and tugs at the hem of her jacket, straightening it. “Callahan Murphy, I’m only going to say this once, just like I did with your brother, who already knows about the job, by the way, and was smart enough not to throw a tantrum.” She tilts her head, giving me a look. “I am my own person. I am not a Murphy. I’ve agreed to waive my interest in the firm. All I want is my freedom and my child.” Her posture sags a little, her bluster dying. “And it wouldn't hurt to have your support too. T.J. loves you, and as annoying as you’re being right now, I’ve always liked you too. I’d hate to think I’ve lost you as well.”
A sharp pain radiates from the center of my chest. I hate this. Hate it so very much. “Of course you haven’t lost me.” I grasp her arms and pull her into a hug. “You’re my sister. Forever. You can’t divorce me.”
When I release her, she smiles up at me. It's soft and kind, just like she’s always been with me. “I wasn’t trying to.”
“Can I buy you a cup of coffee? I want to hear about this new job.” I try not to make a face. It’s not true, but I do want to spend time with her, and she’s right: if I want to remain friends, then I have to be supportive of her.
By the way she laughs and shakes her head as we stroll toward Lola’s favorite coffee shop, I haven’t done well hiding my feelings.
We spend the next half hour discussing this new job. She’s genuinely excited. Even if I despise the men she’s working for, it is nice to see her so energized. The last few years have been hard on her. She’s a powerhouse. Always has been. But somewhere along the way, she lost herself. She was hurting, and Sully was too, and no matter how much we all wanted them to figure things out, neither could see past their own pain to make the necessary changes.
Maybe she’s right. Maybe this is for the best. Even if it feels like another death.
“You going to eat that?” She points at a small paper bag on the table.
“Oh.” I slide it over an inch. “I got this for Lola. It’s her favorite.” I turn and look at the counter. “Should probably let the barista know I’m ready for her iced coffee too.” With any luck, the ice won’t be completely melted by the time I get to the office.
Sloane’s face lights up. “That’s really sweet.”
I shrug. It’s nothing really. If I have to drop Murphy off in the city every day, I can swing by here and pick up her favorites. Then this will be one less thing she’ll miss while we’re in Jersey.
“What do you think about taking turns picking the boys up? On my days they can come back to my office so you don’t have to drive all the way back into the city until the end of the day.”
“Oh.” I straighten, cupping my coffee in both hands. “I’ll pick them up everyday. You have a job.”
She’s just starting out. Again. She’ll need to be in the office.
“So do you,” she says, giving me a teasing grin.
