Page 91 of Baby Surprise for my Brother's Best Friend

It’s banter, light and teasing, but it carries weight. Because underneath the jokes and heat, there’s something I’m not saying.

Don’t stay gone too long.

Don’t realize I’m not enough.

She grabs her bag and heads for the door, pausing just long enough to glance over her shoulder. One last look, one more flicker of hesitation.

Something unreadable flashes in her eyes, but then it’s gone. She straightens her spine, lips pressed into determination.

I follow, leaning in to press one last kiss to her lips.

“Be amazing.”

She nods. “Always.”

And then she walks out, leaving the scent of her perfume and a silence that feels suddenly too loud.

I shut the door, lock it, and turn back to the empty apartment.

It feels too still.

I check my phone again. No new threats. No unknown numbers. Just the echo of that last one, still haunting me.

Enjoy it while it lasts.

***

I meet my father and Valentino for lunch at a private lounge tucked away from the chaos of the city. No cameras, no press. The boys, espresso, and more scrutiny than I signed up for.

Valentino’s already nursing a drink when I slide into the booth. My father joins a minute later, looking like he hasn’t slept.

“So,” Valentino says, eyeing me. “You’re still alive. That’s a win.”

Dad chuckles. “He looks… different. Less like a wrecking ball, more like a man.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” I look at the waiter and signal for a coffee.

Valentino nods. “Whatever’s going on, keep doing it.”

There’s something behind his words. A kind of approval he rarely gives.

I shrug. “I’m staying busy.”

“Busy?” My father arches a brow. “Doing what, exactly?”

I sip my coffee, then smirk. “Bartending.”

Valentino nearly chokes. “You? Working?”

“Don’t get used to it.” But there’s pride in my voice I don’t bother hiding.

Dad leans back, arms crossed. “It’s not just work, is it?”

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t play dumb. We saw the interview. How you two are at the office. The way Sophie looks at you.”

Valentino frowns. “Is this just a fling?”

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