Page 68 of The Baby Bargain

"Like a woman going on a date with a man?" I roll my eyes. Twice. Then I grab my lipstick. Focus on applying just enough Raspberry Rhapsody.

"Like you're in a porno from the 1950s?"

"This is the look." My red sheath dress is both classy and modern. "You helped me pick it out!"

"Skye picked it out."

Mostly true. Further proof their lives are intertwined. Not the right thing to say at the moment. "Does she dress like she's in a 1950s porno?"

He chucklesno, more like a goth princess porno, but he doesn't say anything. "Who's the guy?"

"Internet date." That's true enough. I set my lipstick down. Pick up my mascara. Forest and Holden tried to step up and teach me the ways of the feminine arts, but they were terrible. Skye filled in what she could, but her style is a lot bolder than mine.

"Then why's Chase coming over?" Apprehension drips into his voice.

"The statistics project." I rattle off some details about the data I need.

Forest nods along, only barely following.

Thank God most people don't understand statistics. "He's coming straight from work. Said this was the best time."

"He worked this morning."

Shit. "I guess he had another appointment."

Forest makes eye contact through the mirror. "He's still in love with Grace."

"And?"

"He's a good guy. He is. But he'll break your heart. He'll have no idea he's doing it. But he will."

"He's helping with school."

"Your boobs are out."

"For my date." I suck in a deep breath. My chest heaves, adding credence to themy boobs are outtheory. "With a man who isn't Chase."

"I hate saying it, Ari. He's a good friend. He'd take good care of you. But he'd never be there." He places his hand over his heart. "He doesn't know how to let her go."

My stomach flip-flops. It's true. Chase can't get over his ex. I don't understand why. They had an ugly breakup, sure, but it was a long time ago.

But maybe I don't understand love. The kind of real, true love that leaves a mark on your soul.

That leaves you crushed when you lose someone.

Like Dad was after Mom died. It took him years to find his smile.

This is different, but—

"You're thinking about it," Forest says.

"Thinking about how you're projecting your feelings for Skye."

He scoffsyeah right.

I reach for a better comeback, but the opening door interrupts me.

"Hey." Chase's voice echoes through the room. "You here, princess?"