Craved Mate (Cybermates #6) - Candace Ayers Page 0,11

eyes narrowed. “We’ll see. Either way, I’m excited I got the chance to meet you.”

I sat flabbergasted as she started singing Alive In Your Eyes, my one and only chart-topping hit single, way too loudly.

“The beat of your heart…the words on your lips…your love for me always…alive in your eyes…”

I looked around the dining room, hoping no one recognized me.

“Oh, I love that song! We’re so lucky to have you on the island and singing at the wedding.”

Fortunately, from what I could glean from the sly glances I shot anxiously around the room, Parker was the one attracting all the attention. No one even seemed to recognize me. “Well, actually, it’s my band that will be performing. I haven’t done a solo gig in years. And I haven’t performed that particular song in even longer.”

“God, I’m not kidding about this guy being perfect for you. I have a sixth sense about these things. Too bad you have to clear up the whole boyfriend mess first.”

I laughed. “As a forty-one-year old woman, I am glad I have a boyfriend.” She could continue to delude herself with the assumption that I was clearing up or terminating something.

“Well, I have to skedaddle, but I’m so glad I ran into you. By the way, we’re having a party at Mimi’s Cabana tonight. You know the place? I was hoping you’d join us.” She grinned. “I mean… If you haven’t had enough excitement climbing trees.”

I groaned. “You heard. Of course you did. The whole town must know by now.”

“Not at all. I just happened to run into—well, it doesn’t matter. I’ll pick you up at Rise and Shine tonight at seven.”

Before I could refuse, she was gone and I was left sitting at the breakfast table, mouth agape, in awe of her persuasive skills.

Hostage negotiators could learn a thing or two from the woman.

8

Mac

“Why are you smiling?”

I was just getting home from work and my first stop was Heather and Warren’s to pick up Ame, but there was something about Heather’s smile that had my hackles up. I didn’t trust that grin, not at all.

“Parker Pettit called. She invited you to a party at Mimi’s tonight.” My sister saw I was about to protest and held up a hand. “I already told her you were coming, so I suggest you go and get changed. Maybe take a shower. You smell like dog.”

“I’m not leaving you alone with Ame. You’ve already had her all day.”

Warren cleared his throat from the doorway. Ame was seated on his lap and tucked into the crook of one arm while he rolled his chair with the other. “What the hell do you think I am, smelly dog? Wall paper?”

I threw my hands up dramatically. “Go ahead, insult me. Both of you.”

Warren had good days and bad days. As I discretely surveyed him, I determined today was one of his better days. “Fine, I think I will go out. Leave y’all to think about what an asset I am to have around.”

“Did he say he was an ass all around?” Warren chuckled. “First thing he’s said today that made any sense.”

I grinned and gave Heather a kiss on the forehead before hurrying over and pecking Ame on the cheek. “You’re a couple of ungrateful relatives, you know that?”

I left them there, both smiling, and headed next door to my place. I felt guilty for leaving them with the baby for any longer than was necessary, but it would be worse if I stayed home.

I could sense that if Heather and Warren watched me leave for a night out, it would convince them far more than my words could that they weren’t a burden on me and neither was Ame, that I could be here for my family when they needed me and still have a life of my own—or pretend to when they were watching. I didn’t want to go anywhere, but they needed me to.

I took a shower and changed into clean clothes before taking my time walking across Main Street to Mimi’s Cabana. I had no intention of staying long. I’d just make an appearance and have a drink or two so I could be home in time to give Ame a bath and put her to bed. I didn’t want to risk her waking her up when I carried her home to my place for the night.

Mimi was a wildcard and her place was always a good time. The woman kept everyone on their toes with her coconut