Cleo studied Hazel, who had her tiny fist wrapped securely around one of her fingers. “And I’m guessing this little angel is at the center of it?”
I hesitated. Just for a second.
“Vi.”
I took my seat and reached for the menu, feigning indifference. “A friend’s.”
“Since when do you babysit?” Imani asked.
“She needed someone,” I said, keeping my voice light. “I had time.”
Cleo squinted at me. “And you, of all people, were the most logical choice?”
I’d known they’d push. Of course they would.
Imani drummed her nails against the table, her expression too amused. “You really expect us to buy that?”
I took a slow sip of water. “I don’t care if you do or not.”
Cleo, still mesmerized by Hazel, tucked a finger under her tiny fist and grinned when she latched on. “Well, I don’t care. She’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. Are you keeping her?”
Imani rolled her eyes. “She’s not hers, Cleo.”
Cleo waved a hand. “Well, obviously, but this isn’t just a casual babysitting gig, is it?”
I hesitated. Just for a second.
Imani’s gaze sharpened. “You paused.”
Cleo gasped, delighted. “Oh, scandal.”
I exhaled through my nose, shifting the menu. “I didn’t pause.”
“You absolutely paused,” Imani said, her voice thick with satisfaction. “Which means we were right. It’s not just babysitting.”
I ignored her, flagging down the waitress. “Can I get the aubergine parmigiana? And—” I glanced at Cleo and Imani. “Another round for them?”
The waitress nodded and disappeared, but neither of my best friends had taken the hint.
Cleo sighed, shifting Hazel’s blanket with gentle fingers. “Look, if you don’t want to talk about it, that’s fine?—”
“Thank you.”
“—but that’s not going to stop us talking about it.”
I groaned.
Imani leaned forward, chin propped on her hand. “Who is he?”
“No one.”
She scoffed. “So no one just dropped their baby on your doorstep?”
“It’s just a favor.”
Cleo waved her hand. “Move it along. Who’s the favor for? Is he hot?”
“Ew.” I scrunched up my nose. “It’s a favor to my dad, okay? Can we move on now?”
