Jules wasn’t wrong, but the need to defend Miranda cropped up in my chest again. “Little bit harsh, don’t you think?”
“It’s not harsh! I try not to hold grudges, but Miranda up and left you.”
I didn’t feel like explaining the details of my divorce. Unfortunately, it was more complicated than that. Jules never got the full picture.
“I have zero expectations for this. It’s a business arrangement. That’s all.”
“You are a decent liar, but I’m yourtwin. Can we just talk honestly?”
I shrugged even though she couldn’t see me. “What do you mean?”
She sighed into the phone again.
“Seriously, what?”
“You’ve never gotten over her.”
“I’m completely over her.”
“I swear. Pat is the only emotionally intelligent man I know. No offense.”
“None…taken?”
“I understand why you did this, but you and Miranda splitting the first time wrecked you. What if you get attached to having her close and suffer all over again when she walks away?”
It was the question keeping me up at night, but I denied it. “That’s not going to happen.”
“Come on, Jack. You’ve dated some amazing women the past few years but haven’t made any commitments. You aren’t scared of commitment; you’re just in love with Miranda.”
“I’ll be fine. You need to stop worrying.”
Frustration laced her tone. “I know I’m right, but whatever. I have something more important I want to talk about.” A beat of silence passed before her tone shifted. “Are you sitting down?”
“Yeah?”
She gathered a deep breath. “Is there any chance that little boy is yours?”
She was only doing the mental math I did myself. Still, the idea pulled the air from the room, making it hard to breathe. “No, I’ve already thought it through. It doesn’t time out.” I rushed to add, “Plus, she would’ve told me. Also he looks nothing like me.”
“He does look like you.”
“No. He’s the spitting image of Miranda!”
“True, but it’s minor things. The shape of his head and his shoulders. The way he walks. His lips are like yours, too.”
“I don’t see it.” I shook my head. “And the timing’s all wrong. He’s recently three.”
“Did she say that?”
“Yes, his birthday is in March.”
“I think she’s lying.”
“Miranda wouldn’t lie.”
“Well, maybe she would!” She murmured to Pat in the background and I heard a door open and close. “Sorry, I stepped outside onto the deck for a minute. I worked in special education, Jack. I’m pretty familiar with childhood milestones, fine motor skills, and normal growth patterns. He seems big to me. I wish I could’ve heard him talk some more. That would’ve helped. Is he using a lot of words?”
My stomach twisted. “Yeah.”
