Page 49 of Rockstar Baby Daddy

“Because,” I sighed, “we’re all going to be family and I want us to get to know each other, get used to each other, before I have to hit the road again.” I didn’t even want to think about leaving for L.A. or going on tour. I didn’t want to be away from Suzie for so long.

Zola groaned and poured herself an oversized glass of red wine. “Fine. I’ll be nice and pleasant. Civil. For the sake of my little niece or nephew.”

“Thank you, Zo.”

At five minutes until eight o’clock, Suzie showed up with Drew scowling behind her. “Hey, Suzie Q. Looking good.”

She rolled her eyes but that signature smile was in place, telling me she appreciated the compliment. “Thanks, Gavin. You look good, too.” Her words were breathless as her big green eyes took me in behind the darker green frames of her glasses. “You remember my brother, Drew?”

I nodded and took a step back so they could enter. “Yeah, hey, Drew. How’s it going?”

He looked at me with amusement shining in his eyes, lips curled into a crooked smile. “Gavin. I’m well. Tired and surprised by this invite, but good.”

Suzie smacked his arm. “It’s called a blended family—you know, like how we grew up?”

Drew snorted. “We weren’t blended. You’ve always been my big sister and you always will be, even though you’re a little squirt now.” He wrapped an arm around her and dropped a kiss on top of her head. “And I’m always up for a free meal.” He looked over his shoulder at me. “What’s the chef making?”

Granddaddy chose that moment to make his appearance, wiping his hands on a kitchen towel. “Come on in the kitchen and find out. None of it is heart healthy, so that should please you and Zola.”

“Granddaddy,” she groaned loudly from the kitchen. “For the last time, I don’t want people to have heart problems.”

“Um, neither do I,” Drew said, amusement still coloring his tone.

“Yeah, yeah,” Granddaddy insisted and opened his arms for Suzie. “Hey there, Suzie. You look as pretty as a picture today. Hope you brought your appetite.”

She laughed and patted her growing belly. “It comes with me everywhere I go these days.”

“Now, that is music to my ears. Come on, I got some sparkling wine without alcohol just for you.”

“And me,” Drew added with a grunt. “I’m on call tonight.”

“Too bad for you,” Zola offered with an insincere smile.

Suzie inhaled deeply and groaned. “That smells amazing, Granddaddy, what is it?”

“It’s my lamb stew, safe for pregnant women. Or maybe it’s the trout baking in the oven.” Granddaddy took Suzie by the arm and gave her a quick tour of the dishes. “Couscous with butter and herbs. Salad, because my boy insisted the baby needed fresh veggies. Mashed potatoes because they go with everything, then some brown gravy and a cherry and mint chutney.”

Suzie’s eyes were wide. “You shouldn’t have gone to all this trouble.”

“You kidding? This makes me feel like I’m young and sprightly, back in the kitchen.”

“You’re a sweetheart.” She kissed his cheek and took a step back. “What can I do?”

“Take a seat, all of you except the tall one,” Granddaddy said and pointed at Drew. “You can help me bring everything to the dining room. We’re eating fancy tonight.”

Zola and I laughed at what passed for fancy in Granddaddy’s world. The separate dining room was meant to be the formal dining room, but it was decorated in an understated way. “It’s not fancy,” I whispered to Suzie before we stepped through the sliding doors.

“Too bad. I’d love to make fun of you forever over one of those over-the-top chandeliers. Oh, please tell me it’s one of those ridiculously long tables that seats twenty people or more.”

Zola laughed. “Close.”

“Twelve,” I growled at my sister who only laughed at me.

Suzie stepped inside and looked around, taking in every detail with a smile. “Not exactlynotfancy,” she offered with a smile, “but it’s nice. I like the artsy light fixture and the hand-carved table.”

“Thanks. My drummer makes furniture when we’re not in the studio. Or touring.”

She ran her fingers along the edge of the table, admiring the artistry. “It’s beautiful.” She turned with a finger aimed right at me. “Don’t buy me one.”

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