Page 56 of The Boss and the Adoption Mess

"Probably just a cat," he reassures me. Still, I feel a chill.

"The delivery person was supposed to call ahead," I say, checking my phone. He should be here in about half an hour.

"Something’s moving out there," Gabriel says, getting up. "Only my sister has a key." He looks at me apologetically. "I’ll check quickly. Just a moment."

I nod and watch him leave. Thinking fast, I grab my phone, stand, and move toward the kitchen door. If it really is his sister, I should record this.

Gabriel opens the door. He doesn’t notice me standing a few feet away, watching.

"It’s late," he says. I start recording, staying as hidden as I can. "Why didn’t you call first?"

"There wasn’t time, don’t make such a fuss," Catherine snaps, pushing Rosie into his arms. The little girl is asleep and doesn’t notice. "You’re home, aren’t you? You texted you’d be here. What’s the problem?"

"Not so loud, you’ll wake her," Gabriel says calmly. "It would help if you arranged it with me before bringing Rosie over. I’m flying to Rome Friday—what if I hadn’t been home tonight?"

"But you are home, so stop making a fuss," she complains. "I’ll be gone all week. Can you take her until Sunday?"

"Where are you going?" Gabriel asks.

"None of your business. Stop meddling in my life, okay? You’re not dad."

She sounds incredibly pissed.

"I’m just worried about you. What should I tell Rosie about her mom when she asks?"

"Working. Make something up. Be creative."

"What about Rosie’s passport? I will need to bring her along to Italy."

"Don’t have it. It’s somewhere at home."

"Then at least give me a key so I can find it."

"No. Forget it. Just stay here then."

"I can’t cancel this appointment. Unlike you, I actually work."

"Then…oh, fuck. Just apply for a new one."

"I can’t. I’m her uncle, remember?"

"I’ll bring it to you by Friday."

"Thursday. We’re flying Friday."

"God, you ruin everything!" Catherine shouts so loud that Rosie startles awake, blinking around in confusion. Gabriel immediately takes her in his arms to comfort her.

"Hey, little one. You’re with me. Everything’s fine. We didn’t mean to wake you."

Rosie still looks scared and sleepy at the same time. "Your mom forgot something. She’ll be back soon with some luggage, your favorite toy, and your passport. Do you know why? Because we’re flying to Italy Friday, isn’t that great?"

I can hear Catherine sighing in the background as Gabriel speaks.

"Italy?" Rosie yawns and rubs her eyes.

"Yes. That’s why your mom’s going to run home quick and come back soon." Gabriel looks at Catherine, who rolls her eyes in annoyance.

"I’ll be right back. An hour or two." Catherine just leaves without saying goodbye to Rosie. Gabriel takes a deep breath then smiles down at the girl. She watches her mom leave, then clings tightly to her uncle.