Page 66 of Playing For Keeps
An ache throbs in my heart. “She’s not pregnant. She told them that so they wouldn’t sell her.”
Mel brings her knees to her chest and hugs them. “She’s always been a smarty-pants. Good on her.”
I look away to hide my reaction. “Yeah. It was smart thinking on her part.”
“Oh, Jami. I’m sorry.” She rubs my knee like she’s trying to soothe away my pain.
“For what?” I face her with a mask of armor painted on.
When Dori told me it was all a ruse, my heart shattered. I didn’t think something like a fake pregnancy would make me feel as low as I do.
Melanie smiles in support. “Hey, big guy. You don’t need to pretend with me. I know you would love to see her carrying your baby.”
I push off the couch and stride over to the bar area. “Do you want some coffee?”
“No, thanks. But you can give me a break.”
“What kind of break?”
“You helped me through whatever emotional meltdown I had last night. Now, it’s my turn to help you.”
I pour my drink and fix it to my liking. I turn and face her when I’m done.
“What do you want me to say, Mel? That I’m upset and down about having Dori back? That’s the farthest thing from the truth, so I don’t know what you’re looking for.”
She gets to her feet, glaring at me. “You know that’s not what I mean, king of avoiding.”
I roll my eyes. “King of avoiding? That’s saying something coming from you.”
“Like?” She pops her hands to her hips.
“If I’m the king, you’re the queen.”
She blows raspberries as she shakes her head emphatically. “So not true.”
“Um, okay,” I say with sarcasm oozing from my words.
“Dori’s the queen.”
I shrug. “You got me there.”
“Since you’re coming around to seeing things my way, let’s get back on topic.” She sits down and pats the seat next to her.
I lift my cup. “I’ll stand, thanks.”
“Suit yourself, but you’re not getting out of this.”
I slump my shoulders in defeat. “Fine. I’m disappointed about her pregnancy being a lie, but I’m ecstatic she’s here and safe. That’s all that matters.”
“I get that, but you bought a penthouse for her, and there are enough bedrooms to have a small litter living with you.”
I sip on my coffee as I consider what she said. She’s not wrong, but that wasn’t my intention when I purchased it.
Was it?
I stroll to the balcony and stare out at the spring sky. “Has Dori ever said anything about getting pregnant again?”
“Just that she’s terrified of it happening.”
