Page 90 of Dr. Sexypants

Even though Kristy was salty about Jade being picked as Conor’s godmother instead of her, there was no way she wouldn’t be there.

It’d be great to see her. Unless she was with someone; then it would suck.

We’d run into each other at Golden Dragon last week, and it looked like she’d ordered for more than just herself.

Granted, she could’ve been going over to Lainey’s. But she also could have had someone coming over.

I didn’t ask, and I was proud of myself for not circling the neighborhood to see if her car was at Lainey’s or if someone else’s car was at her house.

It’d been over six weeks since we’d been together. It made sense that she’d be dating again.

And now that I didn’t have to worry about keeping my injury a secret, I could start dating someone in Haven Springs, too. Although the idea held little appeal.

If anything, I needed to go out of town and get laid. I didn’t think I was ready for any more relationship stuff yet. Especially since I was secretly holding out hope Kristy would call and tell me she was ready to be my girlfriend.

Although, as the days turned into weeks, that hope had started to wane.

~~~~

Later that day, as I waited for the water to boil for my spaghetti, my phone rang—which was unusual.

Since I installed a spam blocker, I almost never got calls.

I checked my screen to see it was Rob.

I answered with, “Hey, dude. What’s going on?”

“I’ve been directed by Teresa to find out if you’re coming to Conor’s baptism, since you’re a rude fuck and haven’t RSVP’d yet.”

Dropping the spaghetti into the now boiling water, I replied, “I still have two days. And to be honest, I just saw the invitation today.”

“They were sent out two weeks ago!”

“I’m not good about checking my mail any more. I pay all my bills online, so it’s become less of a priority than it used to be.

“Okay, but Teresa wants an answer today.

I stirred the softening noodles, so they were completely submerged in the water. “If she wants an answer today, then it’ll have to be a “regrets”. I haven’t checked my work schedule.”

“It’s over two weeks away; that’s plenty of time for you to request it off. You don’t want to risk getting on Granny O’Brien’s shitlist. Because, believe me, she’s keeping score on who isn’t coming. And, along those lines, make sure your gift doesn’t suck.”

“Wouldn’t I just give money for his college fund? If I were going—which I just told you I’m not.”

My friend completely ignored me.

“Should I put you down for one or are you bringing a date? I think your invitation included a plus-one.”

“Dude, I’m not bringing a date to a baptism.”

“I think you should. What if Kristy does?”

The thought made me rub my solar plexus. “Is she?”

“I don’t know. But what if she does? You don’t want to be there stag while she’s with someone.”

“Again—it’s a child’s baptism.”

“Yes, but the child in question is the only child of Teresa and Hugh O’Brien’s dead son.”