I tugged on an ear and realized I wanted a hug. “No, nothing like that.”
“Heartbroken, as your man is way out of our league and leaving you?”
I stopped in my tracks. Last I’d checked, my parents refused to get Wi-Fi.
I swallowed and asked, “My man?”
Her words were like daggers. “Your sister found you on the internet and showed us the stories.”
Tears formed in my eyes. Fuck me. She would believe every lie about me chasing him down for his cash and title because when I lived with her, I would’ve done worse.
I shook my head. “A lot of that is overblown.”
“So you’re not blackmailing him or anything like that?”
Breathing became harder. Clutching my stomach, I said, “No, never. I might not be Ava, but I’m not all bad.”
“Then why are you calling?”
My plan was feeling like a huge mistake, but my heart still longed to know that I could fit in with my family. “I… I was thinking of quitting my job and buying a place closer to home.”
“I thought you were fancy and above us now.”
“Well, I’d buy all new.”
Soon, our farm would all be suburban sprawl as the small town nearby was one of the fastest growing cities in the country. I’d been keeping tabs for the day I went home.
“Of course you would.”
I took a deep breath and decided I needed to formulate a plan that didn’t include her. Somehow, I needed to be a good mom without any help. “Look, I was just thinking it over.”
“For when that trillionaire of yours leaves you for one of his own.”
I reached the door of my building and said, “Mom, I got to go.”
I breezed past the front desk and found the elevator waiting for me. I wasn’t on the top floor, but my condo was valued well. Maybe if I took out a closet and streamlined my clothes, I could find room for a crib and a small bedroom.
I rocked on my feet, and the second I opened the door, my stomach craved the savory aroma in the air. I took off my shoes and found Michael in the dining area.
I lifted my chin. “Michael, I’ve been thinking.”
He took my hand and directed me to sit. “Tell me over the lamb shepherd’s pie.”
“You made shepherd’s pie?”
He walked out to the kitchen. “I remember you liked it when I had before.”
I rocked in my seat and sipped on the bubbly mineral water he’d left me. When he came back, he placed my dinner in front of me, and I grabbed his hand. He sat beside me, and I faced him, thinking I would lose all my nerve in a minute.
“You’re sweet,” I said. “Look, I don’t thinking faking a relationship is a good idea.”
“Why?” His voice was soothing and calm.
I sniffled. “You will never fit in my messed-up life. I don’t even know who I am.”
He smiled at me and squeezed my palm. “You’re Britney. Strong, feisty, caring, sweet when you think no one’s looking, a great friend to others, and the woman having my baby.”
Damn. He made me sound nice. I stood and pushed my chair back. “Fuck dinner. Michael… the internet research says the more sex we have, the easier having this baby will be.” I tugged on his arm and led him away from the warm meal.
