But that didn’t qualify him as a babysitter for what would be no more than three hours, including travel.
Harper set her phone down, clearly having as much luck as I did. Then muttered something about packing a bag for him if he were indeed coming with us and disappeared into the bedroom.
Troy waited until she closed the door then stood with Seb. “Yeah, you’re probably right. Besides I’ve already got a date.” He reached for his phone. “Hey, I’ve got an idea. Why don’t I just tell Gina to meet me here and we can double? Fun times huh?” He nudged me as I glared at him.
“Gina Malone?”
“Yeah, I mean the girl’s been chasing me for ten years, figured I’d throw her one, if you know what I mean.” He straightened his tie.
My glare intensified and I started feeling it in my chest. “You’re not fucking serious,” I hissed. Harper may not have given two shits about who Troy was throwing bones to, but I wasn’t taking any chances that she would have to relive that night.
Not even for a second.
“Okay, diaper bag is packed. Frankie said he’ll watch him but we need to bring him over.”
My jaw flexed as Troy cocked his head and flashed me a wide grin.
“Actually, Troy is going to watch Sebastian tonight.”
“What?”
I turned away from my brother’s smirk as he reached for the kid again, and went to Harper, lowering my voice. “Yeah, he’s only in town for the weekend, I think it would be good if he spent some time with his nephew.”
She grunted in response and glanced at the baby monitor as if to ensure it was in place—good sign.
“Let’s leave him the list, they’ll be fine, Harp.” I didn’t doubt Troy’s abilities with a toddler—but still, it was worth keeping him far away from Gina Malone tonight—of all nights.
He’d been completely sober and now in his second year playing for the Chicago Icers after huge improvements to his game in minors.
With a sigh, she walked around me. “Okay, this is very simple, Troy. His dinner is in the fridge, just heat it up and give him the first two spoonfuls, he should do the rest himself. If he doesn’t finish, give him a cup of milk before bedtime, which is seven-thirty.”
“That’s only an hour from now,” Troy whined. “Nah, we stay up late when Uncle Troy’s in town, right buddy?”
“Can you be serious for a minute?” I snapped.
“This coming from someone who named their kid after a crab.”
Harper pointed to the monitor. “I’m watching you. His pajamas are on the bed and call us if anything.”
“Gotchya. Say hi to—”
I shot him a warning glare.
“Everyone,” he finished with a grin.
I practically pushed Harper out the door and into the elevator with an exasperated breath.
“Relax, he’ll be fine and Seb will be passed out within the hour.” It couldn’t be tonight and certainly not in front of Harper—but a conversation with my brother was definitely in order for eventhinkingabout connecting with Gina again.
I could have sworn he’d grown up by now.
“You going to be alright tonight?” I asked, starting to have doubts myself about bringing her back there.
“Hmm? Oh yeah, and I know you’re worried about Gina, don’t be. That girl’s not stalking Troy or you for that matter, she’s all about me now.” She rolled her eyes.
“What?”
“Yeah, she’s been lurking around me now, messaging me on Instagram and trying to connect with me…ever since Troy started putting up pics of me and then the three of us…she’s trying to act like we were besties in high school,” she laughed.
