“Things have certainly changed since then,” she says. “Now it’s me worrying about what my own kids might get up to.”
“Let’s just hope they’re better behaved than we were,” I say.
“Oh, I thought you liked the things we got up to.” Claudia lifts one perfectly groomed brow. The innuendo is clear.
“You won’t hear any complaints from me,” I reply.
“Hmm. Such high praise.” She snorts, then leans in with a mischievous gleam in her eyes. “You know, I always wondered what it would be like if we hadn’t broken up.”
I roll my eyes. She’s always joked around about what could have been, especially since her divorce, but she knows we’ll never be more than friends.
“Claudia,” I say in warning.
I glance at Ryan. He’s been quiet during our exchange, his blue eyes flicking between Claudia and me. I wonder what he’s thinking. Is he jealous? Fuck, I hope so.
Chapter Nine
Ryan
I grip the cup of punch I’m holding too tightly and the plastic crunches. I force myself to relax and plaster on a smile as I watch Claudia flirting with Derek. She and Derek dated in high school, back when I was just the annoying younger brother who tagged along everywhere, and Ihatethe reminder.
She shrugs, tossing her hair over one shoulder. “You never know. It may have worked. After all, we were voted ‘cutest couple’ at the end of school dance.”
Derek chuckles as he rolls his eyes at her teasing. “I think there’s a bit more to a relationship than simply being cute.”
She laughs and shoves his shoulder. “But seriously, we need to get together for dinner soon. It’s been ages since we caught up. I’ll arrange something with Jayne, and you have to promise to show up this time.”
“All right. I promise,” Derek says.
I take a sip of my punch trying to quell the jealousy bubbling inside me. They’d make a good-looking couple. Like Derek said,cute isn’t everything, but Claudia is smart—she’s a lawyer for God’s sake—and she’s fun. I know Derek and I can set the sheets on fire, but I can’t compete with someone sophisticated and successful like her. She’s his perfect match.
“Derek!” Phillip calls from across the yard, waving him over. “We need your help with the piñata!”
“Be right there.” Derek turns to us with an apologetic smile. “Duty calls. I shouldn’t be too long.”
Claudia and I watch as Derek makes his way over to the group of eager children, laughing as he lines them up, then helps one of them put on a blindfold. He’s wearing jeans and a white buttoned shirt that brings out his tan. His beard is neatly trimmed and his eyes shine with happiness as he places a hand on Lily’s shoulder, both of them watching a girl swing wildly at the piñata with a stick. It makes my heart ache with want.
“Look at him,” Claudia says, a wistful smile on her face. “He’s so good with kids.”
“Y-yeah,” I stammer, trying to keep the envy from my voice. Derek is incredible, and it’s clear that Claudia thinks so too. I take another swig of my punch, wishing it had some alcohol in it.
We watch the kids playing for a while longer, then I excuse myself to go offer my help in the kitchen. I may not be a very good cook, but I’m a whiz at washing up. I relieve a grateful Mrs. Rivers, Derek’s mum, and take over at the sink while she puts leftovers into the fridge. We chat as I make my way through the glasses, then the pile of plates, glancing at the party antics through the kitchen window now and then.
I’m finishing drying the last plate then Lily comes into the kitchen.
“Uncle Ryan!”
I warm at being called her uncle. It’s nice to feel part of the family. “Hey, Lily. Are you having fun?”
“Yes! The best fun.” She grins from ear to ear and holds out a small envelope, clearly a Valentine’s card. “Thank you for coming to my party!”
“Aw, thanks, Lily,” I say, accepting the card.
She runs off and I put down the tea towel, turning my attention to the card, expecting a sweet message from the little girl. But as soon as I pull the folded sheet of pink paper from the envelope and see the words, I realise it’s not a child’s handwriting—it’s Derek’s.
“Everything okay?” Mrs. Rivers asks, noticing my sudden change in demeanour.
“Uh, yeah,” I say, quickly tucking the envelope into my pocket. “Just something from Lily.”
