Page 121 of Forbidden Hearts
Olivia taps my arm.“I’m the best.”
“You are?”
“I win every time. It’s why Dad always wants me on his team.”
I grin.“Is Aunt Brynn good?”
She shakes her head.“No.”
Brynn laughs and signs as she says,“I’m not bad!”
“She’s not good either,”Asher informs the group.“But I am.”
He’s good at everything, dancing, sex, being sweet and kind, and fixing broken hearts, so why wouldn’t he also be good at yard games.
However, I’m actually really good at cornhole. I spent a lot of time in college playing at parties. I turn to Liv, deciding that I may not be winning at the game of life, but I can kick some ass at the Whitlock cornhole competition.
“I’ll do my best.”
Olivia smiles.“We will have fun.”
Yes, we will have a ton of fun gloating after we win.
* * *
Olivia still has a smile at breakfast because we didn’t just win, we annihilated them. Brynn really does suck, and Asher tried to carry her, but he was no match for Olivia and me. As our celebration, I decided we needed to have pancakes. So, we’re here at Sugarlips, where I feel like everyone is staring at me. Like there’s a sign on my head that reads: pregnant and a mess.
“What do you want to do today?”I ask Olivia.
Her speech therapist canceled today for a family emergency, so we are free to do whatever we want.“Can we go shopping?”
She doesn’t have to ask me twice.“I love shopping, but what do you need?”
She glances down at what remains of her pancakes.“A bra.”
Oh. Shit. I’m not sure what the protocol is on this, but if she’s asking me, I don’t want to say no. I wonder if Sara put this in the binder. Doubtful.
I smile.“I would love to take you shopping, but I just want to ask your mom.”
She shakes her head.“No, she will be weird. Please. I don’t want to tell anyone.”
As her nanny, I am sure this is not a good idea, but as her friend, I don’t want to say no. Considering I am not really a nanny and sleeping with my boss, I should definitely handle this right. Olivia is nine, and she is definitely a bit more developed. If she’s uncomfortable, then I can help her handle it.
“I don’t want to keep things from your mom or dad.I think we should at least ask your mom.”
Normally I run on the whole ask for forgiveness rather than permission, but not this time.
“Please, Phoebe. She’s even worse than my dad.”
I shake my head.“Not this time. I will ask her, and then we’ll go. We’ll let her tell your dad.”
“Hello, my daughter,” Dad says from the edge of the table.
I leap up, wrapping my arms around him. “Daddy!”
He chuckles and squeezes me tighter. “Can I join you?”
I turn to Olivia.“Is it okay if my dad sits with us?”
