Page 39 of Baby Maker

“I don’t think me getting snookered is the best way to impress your folks.”

“It’s just my mom.”

Her jaw slackens as she pivots in her seat, those gray eyes regarding me intently. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize your father had passed.”

My grip on the steering wheel tightens. “I wouldn’t know if he had or not.”

“Has he ever been lucky enough to know you?”

I love how her questions dig without bruising. Somehow, they soothe the ache I forgot lingered in my heart. “He left when I was four. I have vague memories of him, but I can’t be sure if they’re real or planted through the stories my mother told me. She was insistent that I not hate my father for abandoning us. That was one task in which she failed.”

“That must have been very difficult for you both, but what a testament to your mother’s strength. Are you two close?”

“Very. I’m an only child, so it was just her and me against the world.”

“It must be hard living so far from her.”

“It is. Especially since she’s gotten older. Her sister is on the island, along with my cousins, but I hate that should she need me, I’m several hours away. I’ve considered moving back to Long Island to be closer. But it’s a tough decision, what with my practice and all. I spent years building it, and now, the concept of starting over from scratch is overwhelming.” Not to mention that Rhode Island has never been so appealing as it is now, with Calliope in my life. “Speaking of relocations, what made you leave England?”

“Nigel got a job here in America. I never considered leaving Britain, but it was either leave England or leave Nigel. It was an easy choice.”

An emotion flashes through me. It’s just an inkling, there but a moment, but I can’t help but envy the man who holds her heart. “Do you like it here?”

“Yes, and no. Like you, I miss my family. It’s very lonely since Nigel…” She doesn’t finish the statement. She doesn’t have to. The pain creases her face, the depth of her anguish evident. “But this weekend is not about me, and certainly not about my tale of woe. You’ve heard that story enough times. It’s your turn. Tell me everything about your family and don’t leave out the juicy parts. I need to make a good impression.”

I chuckle and begin filling her in on the stories of my childhood. It’s funny. Even the most mundane details interest her as she demands more information.

By the time the sign for the Throgs Neck Bridge comes into view, we are laughing over our sordid teenage shenanigans, both of us looking forward to the weekend.

* * *

Calliope letsout a low whistle when we pull onto the grounds of the Topping Rose House. “Wow. Is this the Yank version of a castle?”

Chuckling, I park and pull our luggage from the back. “As close are you’re going to get, I’m afraid. Although I’m certain there is an array of sordid stories that occurred within these walls. Can’t let Europeans have all the fun.”

“Didn’t see a moat, though.”

“A hot tub will have to suffice.” We aren’t three steps into the lobby when an excited screech sounds to my right.

“Keegan! It’s about damn time!” My cousin Jane bounds across the floor, pulling me into a bear hug. “I was just talking to Aunt Louise, wondering when the hell you would arrive.” Her gaze settles on Calliope, her expression curious. “And who is this?”

“I’m Calliope. A pleasure to meet you.”

“Love your accent!” Jane elbows me in the ribs, a wicked gleam in her eye. “I’ll bet that’s sexy as hell in the sack.”

My jaw slackens in horror at my cousin’s forward statement—even if I am reasonably sure Calliope sounds sexy as hell in bed. God knows she did when I fingered her against the wall. “You did not just say that.”

“Oh, but I did.” One thing about my cousin. She’s beyond outspoken. I should have warned Calli about her smart mouth.

“Actually, I take on a French accent in bed. Unless we’re really getting kinky, then my Russian side comes out.”

You’d never know that Calli was a nervous wreck the first half of the journey with that comment. But shit, now I’m really thinking about her naked in my bed.

Focus, Keegan. Focus.

Jane’s face breaks into a smile as she wraps her arm around Calliope. “I like her, Keegan. I’m Jane, Keegan’s terribly brazen but fun as hell cousin.”

And just like that, my fake girlfriend cements her place in my family. What Calli doesn’t realize is that Jane is the unofficial gatekeeper, at least when it comes to my romantic interests. She’s despised every woman I’ve ever dated. Until now.

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