Page 69 of Protect My Heart
‘Sorry, but the part about Jason not figuring out the baby was his? That’s funny. I mean, really, why else would you be stalking the guy the past few weeks?’
‘I wasn’t stalking him.’
‘You know what I mean. You’ve been calling him, asking him to dinner, inviting yourself there. You wouldn’t do all that if the kid was someone else’s. I thought you said this guy was smart.’
‘He is. He just didn’t put it together. Or maybe he didn’t want to believe it. I didn’t either when I found out. He wasn’t ready to talk about it last night so we just went on with ourevening and had a great time. We danced. Talked to his family. I met some of his friends. It was a perfect night, despite his whole family finding out I’m pregnant.’
‘Mia, seriously?’ she says, sounding annoyed.
‘What?’
‘We’ve been over this a million times.’
‘Over what?’
‘You can’t be falling for this guy. You’re supposed to be getting over him and focusing on the baby and getting a job.’
‘I have a job.’
‘A job in Boston, for when you move.’ She pauses. ‘You’re still moving, right?’
‘I have to. My dad keeps having falls at the house and it’s only going to get worse the older he gets. Mom can’t help him and I don’t want some stranger taking care of him. I asked Jason about moving with me, but he didn’t want to talk about it. I can’t see him leaving. This town and his family are his life.’
‘Maybe that’ll change now that he’s having a kid.’
‘I don’t think so. I can’t see him living in a big city. Anyway, we can talk later. I just wanted to let you know I wouldn’t be there for brunch.’
‘So if you’re staying there, does that mean you’re going to introduce Jason to your parents? Do the whole fake engagement thing?’
‘No. I’m not going to do that. It’s crazy. I don’t even think I could pull it off. You know what a terrible liar I am.’
‘Don’t think of it as lying. Think of it as pretending, or acting, like you’re in a play. Didn’t you used to act?’
‘Yeah, in grade school, and I wasn’t very good.’
‘I’m sure your acting skills are good enough to convinceyour parents you’re engaged to Jason, especially since you’re crazy about the guy.’
‘I never said I was crazy about him.’
‘You didn’t have to. It’s obvious just hearing you talk about him.’
Another call pops up on my phone.
‘Nora, I have to go. My mom’s calling.’
‘Okay, talk to you later.’
I switch over to my mom’s call. ‘Hey, Mom.’
‘Hi, honey. We’re here!’
‘Where?’
‘In Wisconsin. We went to—’
‘Wait. Hold on. I thought you were getting here tomorrow.’
‘No. Today. Didn’t you see the email I sent you with our itinerary?’
