I can’t escape fast enough. I need a drink and to track down Leo. I need that drink first. I catch sight of Leo with JJ at his table and after I’ve got my beer, I join them.
“Prez, can I have a word?”
Leo tips his chin, and I pull out a chair, and sit.
“You see the woman who showed up today?”
“It’s insulting you think I wouldn’t have when it’s my job to see every-fuckin’-thing,” he grunts.
“Yeah, sorry.”
“Congratulations or commiserations?” JJ laughs, already catching where I’m going.
“Neither. She doesn’t want it. She came here asking if I want full custody or she’ll have it adopted.”
Leo’s brow arches. “And you’ve said?”
Taking a deep breath, I tell him, “I said I’ll take it. No kid of mine is gonna be in the system.”
“Why doesn’t she want it?” JJ asks.
I shrug.
Leo snorts. “You didn’t think to ask her?”
“She only just got here, give me time. But regardless, she doesn’t want it…”
“Or is she hoping you’ll make her your old lady and then play happy families?” JJ suggests.
“She would’ve said if that was what she hoped for,” I argue.
Both Leo and JJ crack up laughing and I roll my eyes.
“Brother, you’re not this stupid. She rocks up pregnant, says it’s yours, and offers you full custody. Does that sound normal?” Leo asks.
“I can’t make her my old lady just because she’s having my kid.”
“Why? Many men have done so in your situation before now. Women know it’s the key to a ring on their finger.”
Taken back, I blurt out, “I’m not gonna marry her!”
Their laughter grows louder and it pisses me off.
It’s JJ who offers the best advice. “If you’re not gonna make her your old lady, you’re gonna need a nanny. Raising a kid is hard enoughwithan old lady.”
Leo jerks his head to something behind me and glancing over my shoulder, it’s Annie coming down to the bar.
“Oh yeah, by the way, she’s gonna be staying with me until I can find her somewhere in town.”
“As long as she ain’t trouble, I couldn’t give a shit.”
“You should claim her before she learns she’s way above your league.” JJ laughs.
“Fuck you. I’m a catch.”
“Holly didn’t think so, did she,” he retorts and gains a punch on the arm from Leo.
“It’s true.”
