Page 23 of Toxic

"Thanks," Dante and I say at the same time.

She leaves, and Dante picks up the tiny baby spoon and plunges it in water.

"What are you doing?"

"My mamma did this when Arianna was teething. It usually calmed her down. Well, that or whiskey on her gums."

"Now you're just trying to be Irish," I taunt.

He grunts then removes the spoon and slides it in Sean's mouth against his gums, but so he can't bite on it.

Sean calms and rests his head against Dante's torso then turns his cheek against him.

"Wow. I'm impressed with your skills," I admit and wince. "But I think your suit is going to have tear stains."

"No biggie. So how's Chicago?"

I smile. "It's good."

He nods, studying me for a brief moment. He quietly says, "I'm happy for you, Bridge."

An emotion lodges in my throat. I curse my pregnancy hormones again then choke out, "Thanks. So what's new with you?"

He shakes his head. "Nothing exciting. Same life as always."

Something about the way he says it makes me feel sad. Maybe I'm just super pregnant and emotional, but I put my hand on his forearm. "Are you okay?"

He smiles, but it seems forced. "Yep."

The server puts two plates of pie down. "Need anything else?"

"We're good. Thanks," Dante replies. She leaves, and he points to the apple pie. "Dig in, mamma."

I laugh again, not used to seeing his funny side like I used to when we were younger. He hands me a spoon, and I cut through the whipped cream, ice cream, and pie and put it in my mouth.

"Well?" he asks, his eyes twinkling.

I chew and swallow. "It's good. Try it."

He takes a bite of his then agrees, "It's good. Can Sean have ice cream?"

"Sure."

He releases the spoon in Sean's mouth and he cries again. Dante replaces it with ice cream. As soon as it passes Sean’s lips, the tears stop and he wants more.

Dante laughs and gives him some more. "Easily pleased."

"Don't you have to go to your meeting?" I ask.

"Not anymore. This is way more interesting," he states and shoves a huge bite of food in his mouth.

I smile, put another spoonful of apple pie in my mouth, and suddenly am grateful I'm not alone. It's something I never thought I would feel with Dante next to me, but over the years, Sean, Dante, and I have all been fine. I guess you can say we're more than acquaintances but not super-close friends.

"How long are you in town?" he asks.

"Just until tomorrow. We've been here for two weeks."

He hesitates, the darkness in his eyes swirling as he assesses me. He states, "Well, I'm glad I got to see you."

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