Page 81 of Love, Pucks, and Other Stories

“I’mgood,” she repeated. “I swear.” Then she made a face and demonstrated how well she knew me. “Though, I know you won’t believe that.” A shrug, lips twitching. “You’ll see. Eventually.”

I would.

Iwouldsee.

And if that sounded like a threat, even in my own head, then it was.

I’d met Veronica (Axel’s baby mama), and I loved the setup of Bailey’s new house, loved how it gave her and Veronica space while also making it easy for Alex, Axel’s five-year-old son, to all live together. Especially since Veronica was sick and would need help.

But Bailey wasmine,so I was keeping my eye on Veronica.

“Hmm,” I said by way of answer.

Bailey sipped her beer and sat back in the cozy armchair flanking the even cozier couch. “Don’thmmme.”

“I’m your aunt,” I decreed. “I canhmmyou any time, day or night.”

“Well,” Bailey said, “it’s evening and that’s technically not dayornight, so yourhmmsare not welcome here.”

I didn’t know if it was the wine or if that somehow that made logical sense.

Either way…it made sense.

So, I decided not to argue (or confirm).

Something, if given the smirk on my niece’s face, she read.

Ugh.

She was a pain in my ass.

“Finish your bottle of wine,” Bailey ordered. “We have plans and I need you at Billie-Rose-has-drank-an-entire-bottle-of-wine-by-herself mellow.”

I was dutifully drinking from my glass when that processed.

Dropping it, I frowned, asked suspiciously, “Why do you want me to mellow?”

Guilt across Bailey’s face. “Umm…”

Suddenly, I wasn’t so buzzed.

I sat up. “Bailey.”

More guilt.

“Darling niece,” I gritted out. “I’m warning you.’

“Umm—”

“I need you mellowed for”—Bailey nodded toward the door, a knock coming right on cue—“that.”

“What—” I began, turning toward the front of the house, seeing Axel clomping down the last couple of stairs and reaching for the handle.

Watching him open it to reveal…

Bailey sucked in a breath, as though she were bracing.

Dessie.

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