Page 82 of Sins of the Father

“Do I get one back?”

“I’m at Vivian’s right now. I don’t think she wants to see me bare-skinned.”

“Anything interesting going on?”

“I’ll tell you tonight.”

“Okay.”

“Where’s my picture?”

“Ugh.”

“Come on, hot stud.”

A picture of Steven with the Chicago skyline behind him pops up. His neutral expression is on his face, and my flutters take off.

“Yep, hot stud.” I send.

“Ha ha.”

“Are you at your desk?”

“Yep.”

“I think your window could be put to good use.”

“Now, I’m going to have dirty thoughts in my head all day.”

“Welcome to my world. Okay, get back to work. Your five minutes are up.”

“Do you have a timer set?”

“No, that’s more your style.”

“Funny.”

“Get to work so you aren’t late tonight.” I add some kiss and lip emojis.

“Aye, aye, boss.”

I glance up, and Vivian is smirking. “What?”

She bounces Hope on her leg and says to her, “I think Auntie Harper has a secret person in her life.” She puts her hand to her ear and close to Hope’s mouth. “Tell me who it is.”

I panic inside. I’m not sure if Steven and I are telling people about us. He said I was his girlfriend but...?

“It was just a friend.”

“Mm-hmm. Sure.”

My phone oscillates in my hand, and I look down. “Rent due tomorrow.” I groan.

“What’s wrong?”

I didn’t transfer funds. I forgot, and now I’m going to have late fees if I don’t take care of this today.

“I have something I have to do, and I can’t take Hope. Can you watch her for a few hours?”

---