Page 69 of This Baby Business
“Men,” I said, plugging my nose. “I invest heavily in air fresheners and scented candles.”
“I’ll order us a pizza,” Levi said, taking a step away and pulling his phone out. “Okay if I put anchovies on it? Carly wants me to eat fish once a week. You know, for heart health.”
“If you don’t mind, dear, I’m allergic, so I’d rather not,” Irene, God bless her, said. Then she elbowed me and whispered near my ear, “I’d enjoy this affection while you’re young. Believe me.”
I glanced at Levi, who now stood facing the sliding glass door to the backyard, phone to his ear.
My entire childhood had involved being teased and humiliated by my two older brothers, who never missed a chance. And since I’d learned at the feet of the masters, I’d never been a slouch in the department.
I would need some time, but oh, how I’d plot my revenge.
CHAPTER27
Carly
Before the pizzaarrived, I busied myself setting the table. It took me three tries to find the cabinets where Levi kept his dishes. I guessed at the location of the utensil drawer twice. Eventually all of them gathered at the table to eat. Grace babbled as she sat in her high chair next to Irene, who talked on and on about Grace.
“I’d like to help contribute toward her care,” she said.
“We’re doing fine,” Levi said.
“Anything you two need, just name it. I’ll be taking Frank to the cleaners, so I should have some money.”
“Excuse me?” I asked.
“Yes, I’m divorcing the idiot.” She covered her mouth. “Excuse me. Little ears. The man. I’m divorcing the man.”
Levi stuffed his mouth with another giant bite of pizza, but his eyebrows were drawn in concern as he listened.
“That seems…sudden,” I said.
Irene sadly shook her head and patted my hand. “I know how much you and your mother believe in family and lasting bonds. But this is something I have to do. God knows we can’t all be Pearl Gilmore.”
Now she was speaking my language.
“I hope you’re not doing it on my account,” Levi said. “Because I’m willing to put the misunderstandings in the past.”
“That’s big of you. But no. It’s not just the lies. It’s everything. I’m only sixty-two, and I’ve got a lot of living left to do. I want to live for the rest of my life, and I think he’s ready to shrivel up and die. He’s grieving, like I am, but he hasn’t reached out for help. And he needs help because he’s only dealing with his pain by hurting people around him. The people who care, like me. I honestly don’t know what else I can do.”
Poor Frank. And poor Irene. She was being so brave about it all. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to start over at her age, and after what I assumed was so many years of marriage. To give up would have been unthinkable to my parents.
I wanted, more than anything, what my parents had for so many years, but it seemed elusive. That kind of bond didn’t just happen. One didn’t go out and place an ad for it. It was kismet, serendipity. All that gobbledygook no one believed in anymore. Someday, I wanted a marriage based on love, and honesty, and passion. Until the day my mother died, my father had called her his bride. It seemed so unfair that two people who still loved each other so much would be taken from each other while the Lanes were just throwing it all away.
Levi continued the conversation, asking about the important things, like Sandy’s medical history and whether he might get her records at some point. Things he should know, for Grace’s sake. All things he should be concerned with, and I was proud of him for thinking of them. He might have teased me earlier, but it was clear that Levi had a plan that involved more than the two of them playing house.
God, he was amazing. Raising his daughter on his own. His blue eyes were intent and bright as he listened to Irene. Brimming with intelligence and curiosity, just like his daughter’s. This wasn’t fair. They’d both wormed their way into my life and my heart. And maybe Jill had been right. I was going to get hurt, and hurt badly, when Levi found himself in a real relationship and not this cat-and-mouse game we’d both been playing. When I sold Mom’s company and moved on to New York, he’d replace me in no time. My feelings might be real and growing fast, but I didn’t think the same could be said of Levi. He was clearly intent on doing it all on his own.
He needed me to be his eyes and ears during the day, but almost anyone trustworthy enough could do this job. Anyone at all. Cassie had, the other night. Pull me out of this situation and insert anyone else and there would be no real difference. Grace would have her diapers changed by another nanny, and Levi would…find the occasional comfort with that nanny, too? Hot kisses and the occasional friends with benefits?
I hate when I feel sorry for myself.
Eventually, dinner and talk were over and Irene asked if she might be allowed to bathe Grace and put her to bed. After getting them settled, Levi stood at the end of the hallway leading to the bedrooms, hands shoved in the pockets of his black cargo pants.
“You said I stink.”
“You made me sound like a servant!”
“Okay, fine. We both had our fun. Truce.”
