Page 91 of Power Move
“No,” I answered. “I assume he would find that a fate worse than death.”
“Eva, be nice,” Dad groaned.
“Look, no man wants to go to a baby sprinkle,” I said.
“She’s right,” Ian backed me up.
“It’s not a testament to not liking you. It’s that he’s gotta go to London and, I assume, would rather set himself on fire in a parking lot.”
“What is happening in London?” Mom asked.
“Can’t say. I signed an NDA.”
“He made you sign an NDA?” Brooke gasped. “What is he? A murderer?”
“It’s company business. I cannot talk about it, Brooke.”
“Wait… are you… with yourboss?” Brooke demanded.
“My bosses are both women.”
“He’s her boss’s boss,” Dad said. “She doesn’t report to him.”
“Who?” Ian asked.
“David Delphine,” Dad answered. “The son of that billionaire who died. His sister is married to the mayor.”
“I don’t buy it. This is all so fake,” Brooke said. “A billionaire? With you? No way. There is exactlynoway!”
“Brooke, please,” Mom whined. “Do not be rude to your sister.”
“No, what is the proof? I think all of this is some big lie.”
“He was here just this week. He’s a nice boy,” Dad said.
“Nope. This is a charade,” Brooke crossed her arms across her boobs, resting them on her pregnant belly. “He’d never waste his time with you. Men like him don’t marry fun-sucks. Menlike him marry women who can manage parties and start families.”
Tears welled. I shook with rage.
“I don’t think what Davey wants is for me to bring him his slippers when he gets home from work. Unlike Ian, he’s not a manchild incapable of purchasing a birthday present or sticking to a commitment to show up for a family thing. He does all of that.”
“Pound sand, Eva!” Brooke said. “Give me my child! Give him to me right now!”
She stood with Ian’s help all while he glared, then came around, holding her hands out.
“I cannot bend over,” Brooke said. “Hand him to me or so help me!”
“He’s forty pounds,” I said. “I cannot lift him.”
“Oh, are the princess’s arms broken?” Brooke rolled her eyes.
“Yeah, my wrist is still hurt, and I need to be careful with it,” I said.
“Oh please!”
“Brookie, she’s pregnant,” Dad said. “With twins. She shouldn’t be lifting anything.”
The room stopped, gauging Brooke’s reaction. Ian came in, ripping Miles away. As he left my lap, he sobbed. Confusion crossed his tiny face. I couldn’t help but cry, seeing him do the same. My mind raced as I stared down, waiting for Brooke to lay into me.
