Page 136

“It’s Harlan’s birthday. And his twin sister’s, obviously. There’s a Vance family dinner.”

“Oh. He invited you to his birthday dinner? That’s kind of cool,” she admits grudgingly.

I turn that over. “Hmm. He didn’t, exactly. He just told me it’s happening. But that’s just how he is.” At least, I think it is… “He probably doesn’t love getting a bunch of attention. He’s not like that. But I’m actually looking forward to another family dinner. I really like his siblings.”

“Uh-huh. And would that be a birthday cake you’re making right now? For the birthday dinner you weren’t ‘exactly’ invited to?”

Damn it. How does she always make my crazy so… obvious? “Yes. Are you happy?”

“That’s a whole other topic, Quinn. Don’t change the subject.”

“I made the cake for both him and his sister,” I say defensively. “You know, to try to keep it casual.”

“Right. Because making him his own cake that saysHappy Birthday, Daddy!,while that’s probably what you’re dying to actually do, might be too much.”

“Stop it.”

“You know I’m right.”

“I would. It would be cute. If it wouldn’t give him a heart attack. I kind of need him alive so he can be around for you to judge his fathering skills. What fun would that be without him?”

“Good point.”

“Actually, I’ve been meaning to call you…”

“I’m right here, babe. My number hasn’t changed.”

“I know. But you know me. I’ve been so busy, and that just makes it easier to avoid the things.”

“What things?”

“Things like telling you that he took me to see a building he wants to buy for me.”

“Just a minute. I need to pull over so I don’t run someone down. This conversation is much too juicy for steering.” Shepulls over, parks, and shoves her face closer to her phone. “Did you saybuilding?”

“It’s just a bakery. With an apartment over it for Mom and me to live in. And the baby, of course.”

“Oh. That’s all.” She rolls her eyes. “Are you nuts? What’s wrong with you? Why didn’t you call me?”

“Because I don’t know what I’m doing! I’m just trying to survive this whole drama, one hour at a time. My life is turning into some lame TV movie, and I don’t even know if it’s the kind with a tragic ending.”

“They don’t cast men as hot as Harlan in movies like that,” she says dismissively. “Let’s circle back to this building thing. Did you say yes?”

“I didn’t say anything. I just told him I need to think about it.”

“Good. What are you doing tomorrow?”

“Well, it’s Sunday. So, laundry and vacuuming while Lorraine listens to Mötley Crüe and Duran Duran at an ungodly volume?”

“Wrong. You’re listening to Nicole and I discuss your life, and figure out what you need to do about this building thing.”

“Uh—”

“I may even help you do laundry. And we’ll bring samosas.”

“Shit. Okay, fine. But just know that he already told me he wants to be in the baby’s life. And that he wants to support me in raising it however I want to. And he’s already proving that’s true with his generosity. This offer is a commitment to me and the baby.”

“I mean, who are you trying to convince? Me or you?”