Page 57 of Baby for my Daddy's Best Friend

“If that’s what you’re planning on doing, then you have my full support.”

She looks relieved.

I took Valentino under my wing as soon as he graduated college to work at the vinery, and she must have thought that I expected her to do the same.

But Valentino wants to do this. And no two children are the same, so it would be unfair to impose my wishes upon them.

“Thanks, Dad.” She smiles. “You’re always there to support my ideas, no matter how crazy.”

“As I always say, the best ones always are.”

17

QUINN

“You’vebarelytouchedyourfood,” a concerned Lilly comments, looking over at me from the other side of the table.

She convinced me to meet her at a café close to the hotel to catch up. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but now that I’m here, all I want to do is go back to my hotel room.

“I guess I’m not too hungry.” I push the plate of food away from me.

Lilly continues to observe me, her eyebrows knitted together as though she’s trying to solve a difficult puzzle.

“What’s going on with you, Quinn?” She reaches out to grab my hand. “You’ve been awfully quiet this whole time. I haven’t seen you like this in a while.”

I try to force a smile, but I know Lilly sees right through me.

“I guess I’m just a bit distracted,” I admit with a sigh.

“Does this have something to do with the Mystery Man?”

Oh, it has everything to do with him.

“No, no. It’s just..” I scramble for an excuse. “I guess I’m still thinking about Liam, you know.”

It’s a believable lie, still being distraught over my divorce. Thankfully, Lilly bought it.

“Oh, honey.” Her voice softens, “I know it must be so hard for you. You’ve made such good progress, too, these last few days. I just hate seeing you like this.”

“I just wish we lived in a world where love wasn’t so complicated.”

I’m not talking about Liam, but Lilly doesn’t need to know that.

Ever since I found out the truth about Enzo and my dad’s friendship, my entire world has been turned upside down.

Who would have guessed the guy I connected with after so long turned out to be someone who is off-limits. I still don’t even know how I’m going to face my dad. My call log was full of missed calls from him but I can’t avoid him forever.

Lilly presses her lips together in a tight line. “Love doesn’t have to be so complicated. Sometimes, you just need to tune out all the noise and focus on what your heart is telling you.”

“Cliché much?” I smile, shaking my head.

How am I supposed to tune out the noise when it’s all there is? Thinking about Enzo still gives me butterflies, and the idea that our story will be cut short like this feels like the worst outcome imaginable.

It isn’t just a harmless little crush anymore. I’ve fallen for him. It feels like the universe is playing some kind of cruel joke on me.

Here, meet a guy who’s exactly everything you’ve always dreamed of. But wait, let’s make him twice your age, friends with your dad, and has kids your age, so he hides who you are from them.

Lilly squeezes my hand. “There’s a reason they become clichés in the first place, because they hold some kind of wisdom in them. Tried and tested.”

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