Page 94 of Three Pucks and a Baby

Vivian’s face flushed. “No. We wouldn’t.

“Will I see you after work?”

“Tomorrow.”

I frowned. “Why not tonight?”

“Because I’m seeing the guys tomorrow, so I’ll see you, too.”

“Whatever.”

As I walked to the door, Vivian said, “Oh, Grumpy?” When I turned around, she smiled. “Don’t think all is forgiven. I still intend for you to pay a little more and grovel.”

Once again, I merely replied, “Whatever.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: VIVIAN

The next night as I sat in a booth at The Dive the oddest sense of deja vu came over me. While not much time had passed since the last time I’d been here, everything in my life was different. It was amazing how much your world could change in such a short amount of time.

Just like before, I started out sitting sandwiched between Theo and Grayson in a high-back booth. However, this time Bennett was also seated with us since he was squeezing us in before his performance. I quickly realized I needed to sit on the other side of Grayson so I could face the three of them head-on.

With the guys’ crazy schedules, this was the only time we could all four sit together to try and iron out some parameters of how to move forward as a foursome.

As I was examining the menu, Bennett said, “I don’t like you being here, Viv,”

Snorting, I replied, “Don’t tell me you think I’m going to find a man to cheat on you guys with?”

He rolled his eyes. “I meant I don’t like you being around secondhand smoke.”

“But you can’t even smoke in here. You have to go outside,” I protested.

Theo shook his head. “I’m with Bennett. It’s a little too close for comfort.”

As I slowly placed my menu on the table, I tried to take a few calming breaths for good measure. “I need the three of you to listen to what I’m about to say. I know you don’t know me that well, so let me tell you that I donotdo well with being smothered. While I’m touched and appreciate your concern, you have to back off.”

I glanced around the table. “Okay?”

“Okay”, “Yeah, whatever,” and “Fine,” echoed back at me.

Nodding my head, I replied, “Good. Now I can decide what to eat.”

“Pick something with lots of protein,” Grayson suggested.

With a teasing grin, I replied, “Is that so I can keep up my strength for what you guys have planned for later?”

“Uh, no. It’s more about how important protein is in the first trimester.” When I blinked at him in disbelief, he replied,“You know, for brain development.”

While Bennett bobbed his head in agreement, Theo said, “A salad with dark leafy greens would be a good starter. You are taking prenatal vitamins, right?”

“Of course I am,” I snapped.

While Grayson whistled under his breath, Theo eyed me curiously. “Mood swings are hitting you, huh?”

“Excuse me?” I demanded.

“I read how the rising progesterone and estrogen during early pregnancy leads to mood swings,” he explained.

“Or maybe it’s three overbearing jackasses trying to mansplain pregnancy to a woman,” I replied.

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