Page 23 of Passing Notes

“He has a date,” I burst out. “Don’t you worry about that.”

Whoa, stop it. Back up. Frick!

She sneered, “And who might you be?” She lowered her Fendi sunglasses down her nose and squinted at me over the rim.

“I’m Clara Hill. Nick’s neighbor. We started seeing each other after he moved in. It’s new, but—” I shrugged and tilted my head as I shifted my eyes up to Nick’s with a flutter of my lashes. “We went to high school together. He’s an old friend with new possibilities.”

He bit his lip, hiding a grin as I slid my hand down his arm and took his hand in both of mine. I pressed my boobs into his big biceps and leaned my head against his shoulder.

“I see. Well, it’s nice to meet you.”

I held out a hand, making sure my tennis bracelet flashed in the sun. “You too. Your kids are wonderful. I always knew Nick would make such a good dad.”

“Thank you. They are wonderful, my pride and joy.” Her face pinched and I grinned harder as the smugness left her expression.

“One more thing.” She turned back to Nick, completely dismissive of me. “I wanted to ask if you could keep the kids for the next few days while I finish up the last-minute wedding details at the country club.” Her eyes drifted back to mine, making sure I understood she was part of the country club.

I rolled my eyes. Big whoop. That place was full of snobs. I was only a member on paper just so I could say I belonged.

“No problem. I would love to have them more often; you already know that.”

Her smile turned genuine—how weird.

“I had a feeling you would. This living arrangement is going to suit us both just fine. Of course, they can come on by whenever I’m there. It’s just been so hectic lately with all the running around for the wedding and such. I’d much rather they get quality time at home with you than having to tag along all over town running errands with me. I appreciate this.”

“I’m happy to do it.” His smile for her was genuine too.

They both loved their kids, that much was certain. Good.

“Once we’re settled and you need time with”—she waved a hand in my direction as she eyed me up and down—“your flavor of the month, I’ll be happy to return the favor.”

I bit my lip as I hid a laugh. She was entirely too obvious. “Well, bless your heart. Look how generous she is, Nicky. Now we can have alone time whenever we want. Isn’t she sweet?” I nipped at his neck and wrapped my arms around his waist.

“Uh, yeah.” He cleared his throat. “Thanks, Morgan.”

Was she jealous or just a bitch?

Did she want him back?

What was her deal? I couldn’t read her, which both fascinated and irritated me in equal measure. But the bottom line was, I didn’t like her. I added her to my shit list. No one got away with being unkind when I was around.

She gave me one last derisive look up and down. “I have to go.”

“Bye now.” I waggled my fingers in a wave as obnoxious as she was as Nick stared down at me. I could feel the confused brain waves emanating from him.

He raised an eyebrow and said, “So, I guess I have a date for her wedding?”

I dropped his arm like a hot potato and stepped away.

“You sure as hell do and you can bet your ass I’ll be dressed to kill. But I hope you realize that this has nothing to do with you. I do not like her one bit. I don’t like how she talked down to you. None of that was okay. I hope she’s not like that with Ethan and Sasha?—”

His eyes softened. He knew about my mother’s old ways and how I grew up. “She not. I would never allow that. Wedding planning has her stressed out lately, is all.”

“Good. I didn’t really think you would. But you shouldn’t let her get away with talking to you that way either. It doesn’t matter what it is that’s stressing her out, it’s rude and uncalled for. How’d you end up with a moody little witch like that?” I gave him the side-eye and crossed my arms. “You used to have much better taste in women.”

He let out a bitter laugh. “She was your opposite in every way, and I had to do something to forget about you. She got pregnant with Ethan, so I married her. We tried to save the marriage with Sasha—which I don’t recommend—and got divorced a few years after that. She’s great with the kids, it’s me she has a problem with. And you too now, apparently.”

“Uh, okay, well that was brutally honest.”

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