Page 26 of Love, Lies, and Whiskey

“How’s it going, Bird?”

“You tell me. You look kind of serious. Is something wrong? Oh crap. Sasha didn’t tell you about my date, did she? I’m going to kill her. I told her not to say anything.”

“What date?”

She barked out a laugh. “I’m kidding! I love doing that to you. You should see your face! But seriously, after everything that went down last weekend, I did you a solid. You’re going to thank me. I met the perfect girl for you, and I even got her number.”

“Birdie—”

Hands flailing, she said, “Hear me out. You know what they say. The best way to get over a woman is to get under a new one. Or, I guess in your case, on top of a new one, or behind her. Anyway, I know you’ve gotten around since you and Juliette were an item, but those other women were just extended stays, and I really like this girl. She could be the one.”

“Birdie, stop.”

“Why? I think you’re going to really like her.”

“I’m not in the market for a woman.”

“You always say that, but then you’re with someone a few weeks later.”

“I’m done with that.” He leveled her with a serious stare. “Listen to me. It turns out that kid that was with Juliette at the hospital is my son.”

Her eyes bloomed wide. “Your son? Holy shitake mushrooms. Really?”

“Yes. His name is Lucas. I didn’t want you to hear it from someone else first.” He told her the whole sordid story.

“Ohmygod. Doc.” She touched his arm. “Are you okay? Is Juliette okay?”

“Yeah. It’s a lot to deal with, and I’m worried about them, but I’m looking forward to getting to know Lucas, and Juliette again.”

“And pummeling her father, I hope. You must want to tear him apart. I want to tear him apart. I bet Dad’s ready to mess that bastard up good. I want to know who wrote that letter and what happened to the letters she wrote to you.”

“We don’t know any of that yet. But I’m going to get to the bottom of it.”

She sighed and shook her head. “A secret baby. A second chance at your first love.” Her eyes brightened. “This is like reality TV, only better.”

“Can we skip the extra drama, please?”

“Sorry.” She reached into her pocket and held her fist out toward him. “I think you need these more than I do right now.” She opened her hand, revealing three individually wrapped truffles.

He smiled. “I’m good. Thanks. Let’s go eat.”

She put the chocolates back in her pocket. “Didn’t Dad ever teach you to wrap it before you tap it?”

“Jesus, Birdie.”

She laughed. “I couldn’t resist.” She wrapped her hand around his arm as they headed up to the entrance. “God, Doc. You’re a dad.”

“Pretty wild, huh?”

“I’ll say. And I’m an auntie.” She beamed up at him. “I’m going to be the coolest auntie ever. Sasha can be the calm, responsible auntie, and I’ll be the one he comes to for dating and fashion advice. He’s cute. I bet he’s got a flock of girls after him.”

“How about we let him get used to the idea that I’m his father before you get him riled up about dating?”

She sighed dramatically. “Fine.”

Doc opened the door for her, but instead of walking inside, she wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tight. He put his free arm around her. “What’s this for?”

She smiled up at him, looking sweetly impish. “I thought you could use a hug.”