I shake myself and sip from my water bottle, still tasting the lingering chocolate from the coffee at the café.
The cozy Albanian place—part of my “try a new café each morning” routine—felt out of place in the gritty Lower East Side. But the coffee was excellent and the rich chocolate was divine.
I might break my rule and go back for a second visit—until the image of the douchebag owner threatening Leanne, the server, sours the thought. I hope she’ll text me if she runs into problems. Women have to stick together.
So, probably not a second visit unless someone comes with me.
I scroll through my calendar and review my schedule—three press releases to draft, a meeting with my brother Rex about the upcoming boutique hotel launch, investor calls. Dinner tonight with Chicago Memorial Hospital’s PR team who just flew in—they want to organize a joint press tour to thank us for our one billion dollar donation funding their research wing. In other words, business as usual for my chief of public relations role.
Always busy, never complete.
My phone buzzes, and I smile when I see the caller ID.
Belle.
But instead of her, a toothy grin fills the screen—two front teeth, one tiny bottom tooth, part of a nose, and chubby cheeks.
I know exactly who it is.
“Little Levi! Did you take your mommy’s phone?”
“Nana!” Levi grins and waves, still showing me mostly his mouth.
“Lana. Say it with me, La-Na.” My chest warms. I adore kids, especially my nephew. Now that my siblings are all having babies, there are plenty of little ones for me to love.
Even if I don’t end up having my own.
At thirty-four, according to books and doctors, if I want biological kids of my own, I should find a man and get on with it.
If only it were that easy.
Being an Anderson means people want me for my last name, my money, or my connections. And having four intimidating older brothers definitely doesn’t help.
I shove the thoughts away.
“Give the phone back to Mommy.” Belle laughs.
She appears on the screen—paint smudge on her cheek, a pencil tucked behind her ear. Classic fashion designer uniform.
“I’m reminding you about girls’ night. I know Lexy’s traveling and Millie’s abroad, but the rest of us can still make it. It’s been way too long.”
A grin tugs at my lips. I miss my sisters-in-law, my best girlfriends.
“Well, you know me. Single and ready to mingle. My calendar’s open.”
She grimaces. “I really hope this little guy doesn’t get sick again. Seems like he catches something every month. But I’m really looking forward to it.”
Levi waves a sheet of paper in the background, clearly eager for attention.
“Whatcha got there, Levi?” I ask.
Belle hoists him onto her lap. They show me his masterpiece—a crayon drawing of a dinosaur holding a small gray box.
“What’s the T-Rex holding? A present for Nana? It’s not Christmas yet.” I point to myself, grinning. It’s never too early to celebrate my favorite holiday, though.
“No.” Levi shakes his head. “Uncle E.”
I freeze at the devil’s nickname.
