Page 40 of Lies and Lullabies
But that was it. That was supposed to be the end of the story. And now it was too late to yank it back from thousands of American radio stations.
What a total fucking disaster. I should have kept my heartache to myself.
After two sets of pushups, I rooted around in my duffel bag for my toothbrush. When I went back into the bathroom, Quinn was still there, patting moisturizer beneath her eyes. I grabbed her face in my hands and gave her a chaste kiss on the cheek.
“What was that for?”
“I love you even when you’re prickly,” I said, turning back to the sink. “And you’re pretty smart, too.”
Her eyes dipped. “I don’t want to see anyone steamroll you. You’retoonice sometimes. The world is full of people who’d take advantage.”
“Maybe. But Kira isn’t one of them.”
Quinn’s expression in the mirror made it clear that she didn’t believe me.
* * *
I scrolledthrough the new numbers in my phone as I walked through the living room.
“Hey,” Ethan called to me. “You okay?”
I looked up to see him and Nixon watching at me. “I will be. And thanks for the excellent chili.”
“That must have been some shock, man.” Nixon eyed me with an expression that was more empathetic than usual. Lately, when I looked at my oldest friend all I saw was barely concealed anger. At what, I couldn’t say. And until yesterday, figuring out what the fuck was wrong with Nixon had been at the top of my summer to-do list.
If only the g-forces of reality would ease up for a minute or two, I might be able to finish a thought.
“It was a shock,” I admitted.
He grinned. “I can’t believe there’s somebody who’s gonna call JonasDaddy.”
“That’s pretty scary, right?” Although it wasn’t clear that anyone would ever call me Daddy. Kira didn’t seem to want that. I took a step toward the door.
“Nah,” Nixon said, giving his head a shake. “Actually, it’s not scary at all. Not a thing wrong with you. That kid islucky.”
The words stopped me in my tracks. “Thanks, man. That means a lot.” We’d been friends a long time, but it wasn’t like us to sit around talking about our feelings.
“I mean… if a kid calledmeDaddy, nowthatwould be scary.”
I paused at the door. “Look, can you guys do me a favor? This needs to stay a secret for a while. Kira is pretty freaked out, and I don’t know what’s going on in her head.”
Ethan chuckled. “Do you know what’s in yourownhead? You’re going to go all broody now, aren’t you? Shit. I can’t take you and Nixon both moping at the same time. That’ll damn near kill me.”
“Good thing we pay well.” I shoved my phone into my pocket.
Ethan’s face closed down. “Speaking of people who are well paid, I spoke to your lawyer. Gave him all the details—the little girl’s address, that stuff. He’ll get to work Tuesday morning, first thing.”
“Details?” I frowned. “Where’d you get the info?” I didn’t even know Vivi’s birth date.
“Adam,” Ethan said. “Got ’em from Adam.”
“Oh.”
“He’s Kira’s lawyer.”
“Oh, of course.” I wondered when my head would ever stop spinning.
“Damn convenient for her, really. It won’t cost Kira anything when you sue for paternity.”
