Wanting to change the subject, I asked. “What’s in the bag?”
“Presents from my travels and makeup.”
“Makeup?”
“Yes, I’m thinking of starting a new business as a makeup artist. I want to practice my wedding look on you after dinner.”
“Can you do it on Callie? I have to work tonight.”
“No, because she’s too young to look like a bride, and I need to take photos for Insta.”
“Fine,” I agreed, knowing that even if I said no, she’d talk me into it. She could be very persuasive.
“Do you have any soda? I need caffeine.”
“Yeah.” I kept a stock of Pepsi just for her. Lola didn’t drink soda, and Callie and I were Dr. Pepper girls.
She walked over to the fridge and, before she opened it, asked, “What’s this?”
I glanced over and saw where she was pointing. “Nick’s daughter colored it for me. She told me I had to hang it up on the fridge.”
I’d actually forgotten I’d put it there last week.
“Okay, that is fucking adorable.”
“I know.”
“Did he tell you how he found out about her?” she asked as she sat at the table and popped the can open.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“He got Three Men and a Babied.”
“What?”
“He opened the door, and she was just sitting on the porch.”
“No, he didn’t.” I’d never heard of that actually happening to someone.
“Yeah, he did. It’s not a secret. He’s talked about it before. Not like his mom. So what’s the deal with her?”
“I told you I signed an NDA.”
She stared at me with a blank expression on her face. “Would it kill you to break a rule? Just once?”
“Yes.” I actually thought it might.
Which was why I needed to avoid Nick at all costs. Because he made me want to break all the rules.
