Page 53 of The Worst Kept Secret

Me: Hi! This is 100% not a joke. But Rebecca is here at the café.

Lucas: Excuse me???

Raegan: OMG

My phone immediately starts ringing and when I see it’s Theo, I answer it before slipping out the front door. “Hi.”

“What the fuck?”

“I…yeah.”

“Why?”

“To, and I quote, ‘spend time with her babies and for a family meeting about Raegan.’” I look over my shoulder to make sure I’m still alone.

“What the fuck?”

“You said that.” I wince.

“FUCK.” He growls and I hear the slam of a door. “I don’t think Raegan has told her yet and this is not going to end well.”

“Well, given that she also said and I quote ‘I swear if she’s pregnant, I am going to lose it,’ I would say that’s a fair assessment.”

“I’m coming over there. I’m sorry I haven’t had a chance to before now. It’s been a hell of a day.”

“And getting better, it seems.”

He chuckles and I hear him telling his assistant that he’s stepping out for lunch and will be back, and to let him know if she needs anything.

“This is not how I wanted to spend my time there. I wanted to stare at the gorgeous new girl that works there and flirt with her, not deal with the wicked witch of Milan.” He sighs. “Fuck. I shouldn’t have said that. I…shouldn’t talk about her like that in front of you.”

I frown. “Why?”

“I don’t know…because…”

“I think in this situation I can be the woman you’re sleeping with and not your son’s friend that lives next door, don’t you think?” I turn around again, before turning back to face the street. “Look she cornered my mother, but I should get back in.”

“See you in five.”

“Okay.”

“In case I can’t tell you when I see you, you look beautiful today.”

I fuckingmelt. “Bye Theo.” I giggle.

Theo looks so good it hurts to not stare at him when he steps into the café. He’s wearing a white button-down and navy slacks, and I wanted to rip them off right the fuck now.

“Oh. Well, good news travels fast!” Rebecca’s eyes fall to mine and she gives me a fake smile that I give right back. I am still standing with her as my mom goes back to work but for the past five minutes, she’s just been scrolling on her phone as she shows me pictures of shit I care nothing about and people I don’t know.

“I was just confused as to why Lucas didn’t tell me you were coming to town,” I explain.

“Let’s not place false blame here,” Theo starts. “Why didn’t you tell anyone you were coming? You know your son is moving to New York tomorrow. Odd time for mother-son bonding?” Theo blinks at her and she pulls her to-go cup of cappuccino to her lips.

“Hello to you too, Theodore.” She smiles. “For your information, I felt so far and out of the loop.”

“What else is new?” He snaps and I realize it is definitely my cue to leave.

“You know, you guys can have this table.” I grab my laptop, my notebook, and my iced coffee. “Theo, can I bring you something?”

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