Page 74 of Broken Daddy

“I just feel bad he has to worry about this. If living here for the duration of the summer wasn’t in the contract, he wouldn’t have to deal with it. And I’m sure he’s worried about how it’ll affect Eva, too.”

“Eh, Nate’s stronger than you give him credit for. I’m pretty sure he’d hide a body for you if needed.” He readjusts on the stool, sneaking a peek at the notebook this sheet of paper came from. My cheeks flush; in it is the preliminary menu I sent Saucer.

“May I?”

Hesitating for a moment, I realize it’ll look suspicious if I don’t let him see. So I slide the notebook over and bite my lip as he reads through the appetizers, entrées, desserts, and even a mock-up of a cocktail menu. Just some ideas; I’m not much of a drinker. But I do know flavors.

“This is impressive.” His eyebrows shoot up to his hairline, his locks much darker than Nate’s. “Really impressive.”

“Thanks. It’s just a side project.”

I’m downplaying it, not wanting to admit this very menu might get picked up by one of the industry leaders in the European restaurant scene.

“Hey.” He sits back. “I know you and I have just chatted here and there, but I wanted to ask you—what are you planning on doing after this?”

Chris levels me with a serious gaze. Oh, yeah…he’s a lawyer. Each time he’s been here, his goofy personality has come out, butnowI can see the professional intensity. I’d hate to be on the stand with this guy interrogating me.

“Honestly…I’m not sure.” It’s not exactly a lie. “This is really just supposed to be a summer job until I figure out my next move.”

“Any chance you’d stay on?”

I laugh, imagining Nathan’s grumpy morning face—waking up to that every day as he trudges into the kitchen, ready to turn Van Halen down on the radio.

“I don’t think Nate would have much need for me once Eva’s back in school and he finds someone permanent.”

“Sure, butyoucould be the someone permanent.”

Permanent.

Okay, I’m definitely not imagining it—Chris is implying two meanings here. His gaze is direct, but there’s something else in it. Something he’s trying to communicate.

What has Nate told him about me?

My heart picks up speed a bit. Those (too few) racy nights come to mind…surely Nate and Chris don’t indulge in locker room talk?

“It’s just, Eva is fond of you. And so is Nathan. You’re good for him.”

I grin again, impulsively. “If only you could see how he is ninety percent of the time you aren’t here.”

Chris returns my smile. “Trust me, I know my brother. He might have a permanent scowl on his face, but you’re easing a lot of the stress he’s going through.”

“With the company.”

“Yes…but more than that, too. Has he mentioned we have a half brother?”

I shake my head. “No, but I figured something like that was going on. He’s reluctantly taken a few phone calls. I’m guessing he’s not excited about the news?”

“No,” Chris sighs. “Not exactly. Although, I’m surprisedhe’ssurprised. Our dad wasn’t the most faithful guy, you know? I don’t know why Mom wanted to hang onto him so badly.”

Having seen a few people in my life go through unfaithful relationships, I get why they stick around. Why people cling to what isn’t good for them. Sometimes it’s hard to give in to happiness when you don’t think you deserve it.

“Well, I don’t know that I’m really helping out with that…like I said, he hasn’t even mentioned it to me.”

“Oh, no, I think it’s just having you around. You lighten the mood here. Kind of like his wife used to.” Chris’s smile is genuine, not quite the prankster he usually is.

“Julia, right?”

“Mm-hmm.” Our eyes meet across the island, sharing in a serious moment. “You two would have gotten along, I think. That same carefree attitude. If she could see you shaking things up here now, I’m sure she’d approve.”

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