Dad D
Was his dad his editor?
As Nolan walked off toward a quieter corner of the tent, Lila said, “I like him, Mom.”
Eve took a bite of her pizza and reluctantly admitted, “I like him too.” Then she noticed Mia watching Nolan, her expression thoughtful. “Is everything okay?”
“His phone said Dad D,” Mia said before she could stop herself.
“Yes, it’s his father who adopted him,” Lila told them, not looking up from her pizza. “He goes on assignments for him.”
“How do you know all that?” Mia asked.
“I asked him about his family.” Lila shrugged, digging into another slice. “Didn’t you?”
“I didn’t think it appropriate,” Mia admitted. “I mean, we’ve only just met and I didn’t want to pry.”
“Mom,” Lila sighed. “You’re very rusty in this dating game.”
“Well, sweety, it has been seventeen years since she met your father,” Eve pointed out.
“Yes, but they’ve been divorced since I was ten,” Lila countered.
“I’ve been too busy for dating,” Mia said, feeling her cheeks heat. She looked pointedly at Eve. “Besides, Eve, you’re one to talk. It’s been twelve years for you.”
“I’ve dated,” Eve reminded them.
“A few blind dates and dinner setups from friends doesn’t count as dating, Aunt Eve,” Lila told her. “I’m glad we came on this holiday.” She grinned. “My two favorite people have both met two wonderful men.”
Nolan came back at that moment. “I’m sorry about that. It was my publisher.” He looked at Mia. “Who is also my stepfather.” He sighed and slid back into the seat next to Lila, across from Mia.
Their knees collided under the table.
Mia’s heart skipped a beat. She tried to shake it off, reaching for her water instead.
“Is everything okay?” she asked. “Is he happy with what you’ve sent through so far?”
“I think so,” Nolan nodded. “I’m going to check out the harbor tomorrow as he wants some pictures of it. Do you want to come...” He glanced at Eve and Lila before catching Mia’s eyes again. “I don’t want to take up all your time...”
“I’m sure my mom would love to,” Lila answered for her. “My Aunt and I are planning on going to the historical society and then some other museums. My mother hates those places. She thinks they’re creepy.”
“I have to agree with your mother,” Nolan told her. “Especially museums. They just creep me out so much.” He visibly shuddered at the thought of them.
Mia’s heart felt like it was swelling as she watched Nolan and Lila interact. It was like they’d known each other for years, the conversation flowing easily between them. He even tried some of her favorite puzzles on that weird app she had, his face scrunched in concentration as he worked through the logic.
All too soon, the night was over, and they were heading back to the car.
“I need to hit the bathroom,” Nolan said as they reached the parking lot. “I’ll meet you at the car?”
“Take your time,” Eve said.
They walked toward their rental, and Mia frowned as another figure appeared, heading toward a car parked just in front of theirs.
“Hello again,” Calvin said, stopping at his vehicle. “We keep running into each other today.”
“Hello,” Mia said, frowning. Suddenly, she realized why Nolan found him creepy. It was his eyes. The way he looked at you and assessed you in a way that only someone with a trained eye would recognize. She hadn’t seen it before, not until he turned to look at her daughter and Eve with that same calculating gaze.
“Hello,” Lila said curiously. “You’re staying at the Christmas Inn, aren’t you?”
