Page 14 of Last Call

“No. I want to step back from baby talk untilwesettle intoourlife together—not a house, Fallon—our family.”

“Whatever you want, we’ll do,” Fallon said.

Riley’s frustration mounted. “This isn’t aboutme. It’s aboutus.We need to talk about things.”

Fallon snapped. “Why? You’ve clearly decided for us.”

“That isn’t fair,” Riley said. “At all.”

“But you have decided, haven’t you?”

“I’m uncomfortable with Dean as our donor, and I don’t think that will change. I’m open to all other options,” Riley said.

Fallon nodded and stood.

“Where are you going?” Riley asked.

“I need to clear my head.”

“You’re going to walk out on this discussion?”

“Is this a discussion?” Fallon asked. “It seems like it’s a statement, not adiscussion.Maybe it’s me. You’ve made a decision, and now you’ve told me the way things will be. I’m expected to accept it and move on. Right? That’s a statement, Riley, not a discussion.”

“I suppose it was a statement. It was meant to open a broader discussion.”

“Well, I need to think about your decision before I can talk about this,” Fallon said. “I’m going to take a ride.”

“If that’s what you need to do.”

“It is.”

Riley nodded. She picked up her glass and sipped.

“That’s it?” Fallon asked. “You’re going to just sip your wine?”

“What do you expect me to do? Fight with you? I’m not the villain here,” Riley said. “If you need toclear your head, then by all means, do that.”

Fallon grabbed her jacket and walked out the door.

Riley threw her head back and groaned. “That went well.”

Ida opened the door for Fallon. “You look like shit,” she observed.

“Thanks, Mom.”

“What are you doing in my kitchen when Beth is babysitting your son?”

Fallon flopped onto a chair with a groan. “You mean Riley’s son.”

“What is this about?” Ida asked.

“Riley doesn’t want Dean to be the donor for our kids.”

Ida nodded and filled the tea kettle.

“Did you hear what I said?” Fallon asked.

“I heard you.”

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