Page 45 of Last Call

“Beth is right,” Fallon replied. “Evan doesn’t need to be there. It will be stressful, and God forbid anything goes wrong.”

“Bethisright. I think Evan wants to be there for Pete—and Marge, if I had to guess.”

“I know Evan has gotten close with Pete,” Fallon said.

“Fallon.”

“What?”

“You can’t tell me you don’t know,” Riley said.

“Know what?”

Riley shook her head. “Pete and Beth.”

“What about them?”

“Oh, my God, babe.”

“Pete’s been a good friend to her. He’s been great for Evan.”

“I think it’s more than that.”

“Wait. You think Beth and Pete are—no way. Come on. He’s been great, helping her out. They’re friends.”

“I seem to recall a friend who helped me out. I married her,” Riley said.

Fallon plopped on the sofa with Hope, who started giggling.

“Why do babies always laugh at me?” Fallon mused. “Am I funny looking?” she asked, making a face. Hope laughed with delight.

“No, but you are silly—and a little clueless,” Riley offered.

“Riley,” Fallon said. “Why wouldn’t one of them say something if they’re—you know.”

“If they’re, you know? Good God, Fallon, you can’t evensayit.”

Hope grabbed at Fallon’s nose and hair, babbling happily. Fallon made another ridiculous face at her niece, then turned to Riley. “You actually think Beth and Pete are—doing it?”

That did it. Riley burst out laughing. Laughter provided a momentary reprieve from worry.

“Haven’t you noticed how close Beth and Pete have gotten? The way he looks at her, the little touches,” Riley said.

Fallon shook her head, bouncing Hope on her knee. “Pete’s been there for her during a tough time.”

Riley sighed. “For someone so intelligent, you can be remarkably dense sometimes.”

“Hey!” Fallon protested. “I resent that,” she said dramatically.

“But you don’t deny it,” Riley countered with a smirk.

Fallon stuck her tongue out at her wife before turning her attention back to Hope. “Your Aunt Riley is being very silly. She thinks your mom has a thing for Pete.”

Hope squealed and clapped her hands. Fallon grinned triumphantly at Riley. “See? Hope agrees with me.”

“Uh-huh. Hope is amused by anything you say if you use that goofy voice.”

“Goofy? Now I’m Goofy?” Fallon asked, lifting Hope. “Do I look like a dog?” she asked the baby.

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