I’ve always been curvier, even when I’m thin, and when I get really tired, I crave beef. Am I getting my period?
I can’t worry about it now. Returning to the table, I cut my burger and then pick it up, taking a bite, before I set it back down and then lift Emma to sit back on my lap so I can eat like a civilized person.
The burger is delicious and I take another bite, worried that I’m devouring my food. But as I look at Killian and Gris, both of their burgers are gone.
“Come sit with me, M&M, and let your mama eat.” Killian waves her over.
She hops down, climbing onto his lap and takes one of his french fries as I push her grilled cheese over to his plate. “Thank you, Killian.”
“My pleasure,” he says with a nod at me. “Now, M&M, remember what you need to do for Birdie?”
She rattles off instructions and I take note of them too as we eat. Having a pet bird was not really part of the plan, but then again, it might be good for Emma.
Gris leans back in his chair, unusually quiet. Normally, he’s the charm that fills every room. As if he knows I’m thinking about him, he looks at me. “You from New York, Gigi?”
I shake my head. I have been trying to share as little as possible, but I don’t see how I avoid a direct question. “Chicago.”
“When did you move?”
“When I got married.”
Rush drops his fork. “You dropped out of school when your dad died?”
My mouth drops open. I told him that on the first day. “That’s right.”
“That was before you got married?” Rush turns to me and I can’t shake the feeling that he’s trying to piece something together.
“Yes.”
“What did he do? Your father.” Gris asks.
I’m sure they’re just trying to get to know me, but talking about my pops is painful. “He worked construction.” He died on a job site, heart attack. He should have retired but he was trying to help me with law school. I dip my head. “We were really close. He was a great dad.”
Most of my burger is uneaten, but I’ve lost my appetite. Thinking of my dad does that. I made so many stupid decisions in my grief, ones I’m still paying for and so is Emma.
I lift my eyes, my gaze connecting with Killian’s. The intensity of his stare makes me grimace. “I’m trying to be as good as he was, you know? But I’m not sure I’m measuring up.”
“You’re doing great, Gigi,” Rush says from next to me. “Emma is smart and fun and full of life.”
Tears well in my eyes again. “Thank you for saying that.”
“I have an engagement this evening,” Killian interrupts. “So, I’ll say my goodbyes.”
“Me too.” Gris rises, taking his container to the trash. “Thank you for the conversation and the company, Gigi. It was most pleasant.”
I rise too, glad this night is coming to a close. I need to collect myself. But as I see Gris and Killian to the door, Rush picks up his fork, taking another bite of his salmon.
I guess that means my boss isn’t leaving yet…
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Rush
Gigi,after ordering a burger, has barely touched her food.
She helps Emma brush her teeth and then snugs the little girl on the couch as she returns to her now-cold dinner.
“Want me to heat it up for you?” I ask as she picks up the container.
