Page 76 of Accepted Precedent
“Yep! You know how I always say that a fictional man beats a real one anytime.” I double down, words spilling before I can stop them. “No man beats a fictional one. The way I’d vote for a fictional man for Congress over any of those assholes… Not that you two are assholes!”
Ileah pins me with a glare. “The babies aren’t Andrew’s, are they?”
“Pfft, what? Yes they are,” I lie, though it tastes bitter on my tongue. “What are you talking about?”
“My money’s on them being Mickey’s,” Ileah whispers, and I glance around to ensure no one is within earshot. “I lived in yourhouse for months. I had a feeling he was still hooking up with Andrew, but you too?”
I take three long gulps of water to buy time. “It’s not like that.”
“Are they his?” Jaclyn asks softly.
“Yes,” I concede, and Kristin reaches for my hand under the table.
Jaclyn checks again for eavesdroppers. “How long have you guys… um…”
“Been fucking?” Kristin laughs, and I squeeze her hand tighter. “What?” We’re all adults here.”
“Since before Andrew and I were married.” I take a deep breath. “Andy and I… we’re not in love and never have been. Mickey though? He’s everything I’ve ever wanted.”
Jaclyn keeps her voice low but stern. “The Gallaghers are dangerous.”
“He’s not,” I insist, a little too quickly. I’m tempted to throw Ileah under the bus about Finn, but keep it to myself. “I love Mickey. I always have. He protects the people he loves.”
“You mean kills for them,” Kristin snort-laughs, and I smack her thigh. “Oh, come on. These two are well aware of what the Gallaghers are capable of.”
I lean in and there’s a distinct woodsy scent coming off her, with a hint of something sweet—like cherry and orange. “Are you drunk?”
“I may be a little lit,” she admits with a shrug.
“It’s not even noon!”
“Sorry,” Jaclyn winces. “We had Old Fashioneds before we left. I only had one, but Kristin and Alex—Chris—had two each.”
“Fuck it.” Ileah raises her hand to get our server’s attention. When they come over, she asks, “May I have a gimlet, please?”
“Of course. Would anyone else like a drink?”
“I’ll have an Old Fashioned with extra cherries,” Jaclyn adds. “We’re celebrating.”
“Make that two,” Kristin chimes in, and I slink lower in the booth in defeat.
“Anything for you, miss?”
“Water is fine,” I grumble, hand poised on my belly.
She scurries off with our drink order, and Ileah leans forward to whisper, “I don’t blame you. I’m woman enough to admit Mickey is fucking hot. You’ll have beautiful kids.”
“And tall ones,” Kristin giggles. “There’s no way you’ll make it to term with two giant babies inside you.”
“Speaking of, can I come to the ultrasound later?” Ileah asks, reaching for a piece of bruschetta.
“Oh, um, well… Mickey will be there.”
She reminds, “Cat’s out of the bag. Why don’t we all go?”
“Maybe the next one? We’re supposed to find out the genders, and I want it to be special—just the two of us.”
Jaclyn’s face falls. “Will you at least text us as soon as you know?”
