Page 97 of Who's Your Daddy
Lola. I want to see her as badly as I want to see Murphy after such an atrocious evening. I tap the button on my steering wheel and dictate a text to Sully, asking him whether Murphy’s still up. I hate missing his bedtime and we definitely need to talk about the whole locking us in the closet thing, but if he is asleep, then I’ll use this opportunity to stop by Lola’s. Because we also have to talk.
Me: Just getting back to Jersey. Is Murphy awake?
Sully: Lo just put him down
My heart leaps as her name echoes around the car in that robotic voice. Lola’s at our place? I come to a stop and pick up my phone, this time reading the text.
Me: At our flat?
Sully: ??? Where else would Murphy be sleeping? Yes, at our place. Lo brought groceries, made dinner, did homework with Murphy, and is in his room reading to him now.
Sully: I’m not sure what’s going on with the two of you but if you listen to one thing I tell you in this life, this better be it: Don’t fuck this up.
I cough out a laugh, at an absolute fucking loss. Never has anyone gone out of their way like she has for me. She stepped in and cared for my kid when I couldn’t be there. She fed him and ensured his school work was done and read him a book before bed.
She’s still there.
I grip the steering wheel, tempted to step on the gas so I can get home faster but the red light taunts me.
Me: Don’t let her leave.
Sully: Doesn’t look like she’s going anywhere. Murphy’s asleep, and she and Brian just sat down in the kitchen to talk.
Fuck. I glance left, then right, and when it’s clear my car is the only one in the vicinity, I gun it through the red light.
There’s only one person who could ruin this for me, and for once, it’s not me.
Brian better not fuck this up.
Chapter 34
Lola
“Buluga Gold, huh?” I sidle up to the counter across from Brian as he pours vodka over ice.
After two extra chapters ofThe Lightning ThiefI finally convinced Murphy to close his eyes. And when his breathing evened out, I snuck out of his room.
Cal still isn’t home, so that leaves me alone with the one person I don’t think I’m up for talking to tonight. I understand rules and the reasons behind the policy. I even understand Brian’s desire to look out for the firm, and probably me too. But he’s overstepped, and it’s time for him to back off. We are more than past that point.
“I didn’t think I’d convince you to sit and have a drink with me if I offered you the cheap stuff.” He fills a second glass, his pour a little lighter this time, then adds a splash of club soda and a lime.
When he slides it across the counter, I look from him to it and back again. Does he really think I’ll just pick it up and tap my glass to his, forgetting all about the way he threatened my job? Is this really the best he’s got?
I sure as hell hope not.
Arms crossed, I take a step back, waiting for a real apology.
“Gonna waste it?” He grunts.
“Maybe.” I lock eyes with him, lips pressed together.
He holds my gaze for the space of several heartbeats before he bows his head and watches the clear liquid in his glass slosh as he swirls it.
I inhale a cleansing breath, determined not to back down. I want to be here. Not in this kitchen with Brian, but in this apartment where Murphy sleeps soundly, where Cal will return to when he’s finished tonight. I’ll give Brian a chance. But if he doesn’t pull himself together and own up to his mistakes, then I’ll wait in Cal’s room alone.
The ice clanks against the glass as Brian lifts it to his lips. After a long sip, he sets the drink on the counter. “It’s a company policy?—
With a huff, I turn away. The pretense is ridiculous. This man knows me. He’s a friend. A person I’ve always thought I could count on.
