“You have been so nice,” I tell him.
“I feel like I’m almost all out of nice, but thank you. You reset my meter.” He leans over and kisses me.
“Maybe you’re not as mean as you think you are,” I challenge.
“Maybe you just don’t know how mean I can be yet.” He bites his bagel, avoiding the subject.
We shower and prepare for brunch at Beckett’s. As we pass the kitchen, I expect a mess, but it’s pristine. Either the staff got to it, or my poor sister wrangled a husband and three kids, made breakfast, and cleaned up—all while pregnant. I touch my belly and realize that even after my marriage is over, I’ll never have that life. Griffin would never allow me to do all the work myself.
Scarlett opens the wrought-iron gates of her estate with a smile and a bottle of champagne.
“Welcome to the jungle,” she says, ushering us in.
It is legitimately decorated like a jungle. Blow-up animals, building sets, snacks, and a bounce house in the backyard.
“I heard you went to the zoo yesterday, so we figured, why not be animals today?”
“Wow,” Griffin says. “Beckett agreed to all of this?”
“It’s our summer house. I rule the roost here,” Scarlett declares.
Beckett’s sister, Mia, shows up wearing lion whiskers and a mane headband. “Hi, family!”
Within minutes, the kids are squealing and running around the yard with Cliff, Clive, and Clay.
Scarlett is effortlessly glamorous in a sundress and oversized sunglasses. She loops her arm through mine and hands me a fizzy drink.
“You okay?” she asks gently, steering me toward a shaded lounge chair.
“Just worried about Griffin. How he’s taking all of this. The baby. His expectations for marriage.”
Scarlett sits beside me. “Griffin’s afraid. Power makes him happy; love never has. He’s been a scoundrel for the entire five years I’ve known him. Can I tell you how many pool parties we’ve invited him to?”
“A few?”
“This is the first one.” She looks over at Griffin, who has a cocktail and is chatting with Beckett, Mia, Celeste, and Don. “He’s trying, Selena. That’s what matters. If he didn’t care, he would have made an excuse to drop you off. Instead, he’s sitting in the splash zone getting to know your family.”
“Is it wrong that I’m starting to really care about him?” I ask quietly.
“I think it’s wrong if youdon’t.” She sips her mocktail. “Try it. Mango, passionfruit, and fermented mushroom. Tastes like vodka.”
“Are you tired of being pregnant?” I ask.
“No. Each little life is an experience. I’m not like most women, I admit. But I’m ready to get my body back.” She laughs.
“This pregnancy has been rough, and it’s just starting,” I confess.
“It gets better. You have a lot going on in addition to growing a human.” She pats my back. “And don't worry about Griffin as a dad. Beckett nearly fainted when Rayne was born. Now look at him.”
“I’m pretty sure Griffin is going to skip the birth,” I say lightly. “Kids aren’t really his thing.”
“His kid will be. I promise.”
“I’m scared,” I confess.
“Good,” Scarlett squeezes my hand. “That means you care.”
The pool party is legitimately fun. Griffin doesn't seem too troubled, and by the time the sun sets, we are ready to get my sister and her family to the airport.
