Page 21 of Sins of the Father

“Don’t look at me. I’ve been watching her the entire time. And no offense, but I’m not going to pass her off to you like a football.”

“You’re going to let me see her, right?” Beth asks.

“Of course you can see her. I wasn’t implying—”

“Mom, Harper and I are watching Hope. Call me after the wedding, and we’ll figure out some time you can come over and see her.”

“Okay. I haven’t been to your place in a while.” She looks at me. “He never invites me over anymore.”

Steven looks at the sky and shakes his head. “Mom—”

I step so close to Steven, I’m touching him. “We’re not staying at his place. We’ll be at Quinn and Jamison’s, since all of Hope’s things are there. You’re welcome to come over and see her anytime, just text me to make sure we’re there. I’ll give you my phone number.”

“Okay, great. I’ve missed so much of her first year since she’s been in New York.”

Yep, and now I’m going to be the one missing her when they stay in Chicago.

The lights flash and one of the restaurant employees announces it’s time for dinner.

“Want another drink?” Steven asks and nods to my almost empty glass.

“Sure. I’ll go save you a seat?”

You don’t need to sound so desperate.

He smiles. “Sure. Mom, do you want another drink?”

“I’m good. Thanks again, Harper.” She walks away.

Steven watches her leave. “Sorry about her.”

“She’s okay. Sorry I stepped in and took over.”

“You can take over and save me from her conversations any day,” he mumbles.

I’m not sure what to make of his relationship with his mom. “I’ll go get seats.”

“Okay. I’ll bring the drinks.”

I find two seats, and Piper sits next to me. “Hey, I heard you might be moving to Chicago!”

“Ummm...no. I’m not moving.”

“Oh. Sorry. Jamison said—”

“Jamie needs to stop making assumptions about my life.”

“What happened now?” Steven asks and sets our drinks down then takes the chair next to mine.

“Jamie told Piper I’m moving to Chicago.”

“He said, ‘might.’’”

“Not happening.”

“These seats taken?” Valeria asks.

“Nope, have at it,” Steven says, and Valeria and Cindy sit across from us.

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