Chapter Forty-Eight
Lainey
“How was dinner last night? Was Alan as over the top as you thought he’d be?” Kristy asked when we prepped for Friday’s selections.
“He has a very big personality. But once you get past the bravado, you see he’s a big cinnamon roll who’d do anything for the people he cares about.”
“Obviously. He drove a thousand miles to bring his brother his SUV.”
“I think he just really wanted to see Adam.”
“Speaking of Adam… how was it between the two of you?”
“It was fine, I guess.”
“You guess?”
“I don’t know. I mean, we’re cordial enough.
And he dotes on Conor, which I’m grateful for.
But he’s not going to change his mind about us—he’s made it crystal clear that being with me would be betraying Shawn, and he’s too honorable to do that.
But then he acted mad when he found out Justin asked me to dinner. ”
Her eyes got big and she shook her head like she was a cartoon character.
“Hold on. What ? When did this happen?”
“He came in this morning after an overnight shift at the hospital. He was so nervous; it was kind of adorable.”
“So, are you interested in him?”
I scrunched up my face and brought my shoulders to my ears, then dropped them with a sigh.
“No. We have zero chemistry. To be honest, I can’t figure out why he wants to go out with me. But he’s nice, and I’m sure we’ll have a pleasant evening, so I said yes. I’m not putting too much stock in there being a second date though.”
“Do you want me to babysit Conor?”
“Oh my god! Would you? I didn’t want to ask Teresa and Hugh. I mean, it’d be weird, right? Asking them to watch their grandson while I went on a date with another man.”
“I would be honored to watch him. And no, I don’t think the O’Briens would have a problem if you went on a date.”
“Maybe you’re right, but I would still feel uncomfortable asking them to babysit. It’s one thing to ask for help if I’m working, but another if I’m going out.”
“I’ll bring my e-reader and a change of clothes when I come tomorrow. There’s a romance novel that’s been calling my name, so I’ll get started on it when my little guy is sleeping.”
“What about your big guy; won’t he want to do something Friday night?”
“Probably, but it’ll have to wait until I’m done here. It’s funny how understanding he’s been since we did butt stuff.”
“You’re the best-best friend a girl could ask for.”
She raised her eyebrows. “Like, are we talking godmother material best-best friend?”
“My sister would never speak to me again.”
Her brows dropped and a scowl formed on her face.
“Fine, but he’s calling me Aunt Kristy, and I’m going to be the favorite.”
“Absolutely.”
****
Adam
Brian was dressed in his uniform when he came over Friday morning. He and Alan had coffee at the kitchen island while I brooded in my pajamas at the bistro table by the window as I pushed my eggs and toast around my plate.
Finally, Brian asked, “Are you going to get dressed? We’re supposed to logon in twenty minutes.”
Alan talked about me like I wasn’t there. “He’s been in a mood ever since he found out Lainey has a date tonight.”
“Oh, did Justin finally ask her out?”
I didn’t bother to look up when I declared, “Yep.”
I could feel my friend observing me for a beat before he commented, “Well, good for him. She’s a great girl. I hope it works out. He’d make a great dad to Conor. And I’m sure he’ll want more kids, so Conor will have siblings.”
I knew he was baiting me.
Knew it.
Yet, I was pissed enough to take it—hook, line, and sinker.
My chair almost toppled over when I forcefully pushed away from the table, stood up, and declared, “You guys are assholes,” before storming out to get ready for work.