Page 33 of A Play for Love

“Three days a week with the teenagers isn’t so bad.” Sam grinned.

“We’ll see how it works out.” I sighed as I brought the bottle to my lips. “Shaun, is there a chance I can use the plane? I have to go to New York for a couple of days.”

“Really? When?” he asked.

“I’ll have to fly out next Wednesday night. I’m giving a lecture to some medical students at Columbia University on Thursday. I’d fly back first thing Friday morning.”

“That’s awesome, man.” Stefan smiled. “Congrats.”

“Sure. You can catch a ride with me.” Shaun grinned. “I’m already flying there for a meeting on Thursday and flying back Friday morning.”

“Wow. Okay.” I smiled.

“We can fly out Wednesday night around eight o’clock,” Shaun spoke.

“Should you be leaving home with the babies coming?” Simon asked.

“Jenni said it’s fine, and she’s not due for another month. It’s a quick trip. But this is the last one I’ll be going on until after the twins are born.”

“Did you propose your plan to Sofia about going with you?” Jackson asked.

“I did, and she flat-out refused. She said Ella couldn’t miss school, there are wedding plans to be made, she can’t do all that walking in the brace, and there’s no way in hell she’ll ever step foot in New York again.” I tipped the beer bottle to my lips.

“Damn,” Christian said.

“Well, in her defense, she really shouldn’t be doing all that walking with the brace. I’m trying to calm that knee down,” Conner said.

“I understand that.” I glanced at him. “But I think it has to do with her mother.”

“Do you blame her?” Shaun asked.

“I need to talk to Rose while we’re there,” I said.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Sebastian said.

“Yeah, bro. I’d leave it alone,” Jackson spoke.

“Nah. I can’t do that. This whole thing between them is hurting Sofia deep down to her core. And if it hurts my future wife, it hurts me. I need to give that woman a piece of my mind. You in?” I glanced at Shaun.

“Do I have a choice?” He smirked.

“No.” The corners of my mouth curved upward.

“Fine. I’m in. She won’t be happy to see me, though. I’m pretty sure she knows I’m the one who got Sofia out of New York.”

“Are you going to tell Sofia?” Conner asked.

“No.” I finished my beer.

“Secret, cousin. Secrets.” Simon shook his head. “You know damn well you shouldn’t keep that from her.”

“Dad!” Ella ran down the beach and over to us.

“Hey, sweetheart.” I hugged her. “How were shopping and dinner?”

“Hi, Dad.” Lily walked over to Stefan.

“Hey, Lils. What do you have there?”

---