She gave him a much longer and more sensual kiss. Not because he asked, but because she wanted it too.
“And I bet you have a great time with Don again. You said you got along with him before. It was good to plan that trip after your parents and take your mind off of that.”
“You’re not the only one who can plan.”
42
PLAY DIRTY
“Are you out of your fucking mind?” his father asked him on Friday afternoon.
He had to be to have scheduled lunch with his parents today.
Both were in town, a lunch was easy, fast, and less messy in public to get this over with.
He should have known his father adhered to his own rules.
“He gets it from you,” his mother said. “Can’t keep his dick in his pants.”
“Enough,” he snarled. “Both of you. I didn’t have to tell either of you. Or could have sent it in a text. Maybe just hit you with news of the baby when it was born.”
“Why didn’t you?” his mother asked. She picked up her lunch martini and took a delicate sip. His mother wouldn’t draw blood in public, even if her words sliced through.
It’d been said with a calm, snide smile meant to disarm. She’d perfected that trait.
“Because that would be almost as rude as you’re both being. I thought I’d be more considerate than that since it’s yourfirst grandchild, but maybe I was wrong. I’ve got no problem stepping away from you both.”
His parents looked at each other. They wouldn’t like that.
Or more like they would end up on the same page because one would refuse to let the other get more. Even if it meant he was bargaining with his unborn child.
Hey, got to play dirty like they did.
It’s not like he was looking for them to get along. Reconnect. Even be civil.
He just didn’t want to have this conversation twice.
“I don’t know about your father, but I’d rather be in any of my grandchild’s life. Though I wish it was with someone else.”
“What’s wrong with Natalie?”
“Yeah?” his father asked. “She was smoking. She’ll give him good-looking kids.”
“Gross, Dad.” He didn’t need his father looking at the mother of his child like that.
“Your father doesn’t know any other way to be than that,” his mother said. “It comes from spending so much time around women that are little more than young adults themselves.”
He didn’t need the reminder. Nor the fight when his father opened his mouth to argue.
“It’s not the time. Lunch is ordered. I told you what is going on.”
And maybe he didn’t want to know why his mother said that about Natalie. It wouldn’t change how he felt. Wouldn’t change a damn thing other than piss him off even more.
“No,” his mother said. “You didn’t tell us much. Are you marrying this woman that you’ve been dating for what, three months?”
“It hasn’t been discussed. I’d like to. It’s what I hope will happen, but she’s not ready.”
“What’s she holding out for?” his father asked. “She’s already got a trip on easy street carrying a Crest.”
