Page 3 of Pregnant By the Playboy

I like women and sex. Good food and wine. Traveling. Partying.

It’s not an everyday occurrence anymore, but it’s a good life.

Yet, although I’m feeling better these days, there’s still something missing...

“Hello!” says a voice from elsewhere in the house.

“Oh, sorry,” Courtney says to Julian. “I forgot to tell you. Your parents and grandmother insisted on coming over for dinner today. They’re bringing food, don’t worry.”

My brother frowns. I think he wanted a quiet night with his wife and daughter.

I saunter to the front hall, Julian and Courtney behind me. “Hey, Mom and Dad. Po Po.”

“Vince!” Po Po sits down on the bench to take off her shoes. “You are joining us for dinner?”

“Sorry, I’ve got plans.” Might as well make my exit now. It’s six thirty, and I plan to be at Brian’s around eight. The party won’t start until later, but I enjoy hanging out with Brian.

“It’s Friday night,” Julian says. “Of course Vince has plans.”

Po Po shakes her head and touches Evie’s chin. “You be a good girl when you grow up, okay? Not at all like Uncle Vince.”

I press my niece’s nose. “Beep. Beep. Beep.”

“Why are you pretending my daughter is a truck backing up?” Julian asks.

“She likes it,” I say.

Of course, this is the one time Evie doesn’t giggle.

I try again.

She still doesn’t giggle.

I guess I’ll have to find something new to entertain her next week.

* * *

I regard myself in the mirror. I’m wearing a black suit and white shirt. Collar open, no tie. My hair is a little long, in a way that I think really works for me. I smile and point my finger at the mirror.

Yeah, I look the part.

But what’s the meaning of a life spent partying and playing videogames and dining in style?

Fuck it.

I’m going to bury myself in a woman tonight and forget about everything.

That’s what I need.

Chapter 2

Marissa

My mouth falls open.

“Your friend lives here?” I ask Carrie Lo as our Uber heads through the wrought-iron gates of a house on the Bridle Path.

She shrugs. “Yeah.”