We clink our beers. "It'll grow on you. Just wait. Thanks for coming. Nothing’s better than having a friend and new COO at my backyard BBQ for Savannah’s birthday." I’ve finally won him over. He’s in Illinois, finding a place before we announce his new role next week.
He studies me, and he looks funny. “All you need is an apron with some ridiculous phrase,and we’re all set.”
“Har-har.”
“Where is the birthday girl? Contemplating her birthday wish and whether it should involve you or not?” He’s sarcastic.
I hold out my bottle, waiting to accept a toast. “It does, as we are getting married.”
Hayes grows a wide grin. “Ah, congrats.” We clink bottles. “You’re settling down. Next thing you know, there will be a little one and a Labrador running around.”
“We’ll wait. Unless I get a little demanding on the honeymoon.” And I have no problem being persuasive.
He shrugs. “Marriage and having a kid are two different things.Anyhow, where is the bride-to-be?” He begins to search the yard.
I follow Hayes's gaze and spot Savannah walking out of the kitchen carrying a tray of veggies. Elodie walks beside her, holding a bowl of dip.
Hayes does a double-take, and his face is perplexed. “Why is she here?”
I swing my gaze between him and his target, Elodie. Huh, they haven’t met yet. “Elodie? She’s Savannah’s best friend and also works at the office.”
His eyes go wide. “You mean Ellie?”
“I mean, Elodie,” I repeat.
He begins to laugh cynically to himself. “Of course, we used different names.” He can’t look away, following her movement.
I’m completely puzzled as we watch them set items on the buffet table. “You know her?”
He whistles to himself. “You can say that again. Kind of a one-night thing about three years ago.”
Surprise hits me like a wave of thunder. “That’s her?”
Hayes is a composed man, but he seems a little lost right now and even takes a deep breath. “I didn’t think I would see her again. I’m kind of caught off guard right now.”
My head tips to the side, as I begin to run with an idea in my brain. “Wait… did you say about three years ago?”
He shrugs a shoulder and takes a swig from his beer.“Yeah, why? Do you know her through Savannah or does she work for you? Tell me she doesn’t work for you.”
That’s the least of his worries.
The sound of a little girl giggling as she wobbles in herrun makes his gaze snap to her. He sees a smiling Lola racing straight to Elodie, who lifts her up and tickles her daughter’s belly.
He looks at me, and lines form on his head. “She has a kid?”
I’d rather not get involved. I want to throw a calculator in the field and avoid speculation. But Hayes is my friend, so I just state the facts.
I take a larger swig of beer, maybe for courage. "Uh, yeah. Lola turned two in the spring, so plus nine months is… math, right?" My voice shakes; my smile is weak.
Hayes swings his gaze to Elodie and Lola.
And it happens.
Hayes and Elodie’s eyes meet.
UP NEXT
Hayes showed up to a backyard barbecue expecting burnt burgers and small talk. Instead, he found out he has a two-year-old daughter.
