another light kick.
“I don’t give a shit what other people think. They can say or do whatever they want. It’s you and me, kid, and we’re gonna rule the world.” I wiped my eyes. “By the way, if you hear mommy say shit or fuck or damn, that doesn’t mean you get to say it. Rules and all.”
I pulled out my phone and scrolled to Owen’s number.
Me: Hey, what are you doing tomorrow afternoon?
The dots waved up and down for a moment.
Owen: No real plans. Probably work in the woodshop with Connor or laundry.
Me: Wanna come with me to a party?
Owen: Not much of a party guy. Where is it?
Me: My parents’ annual Labor Day bash.
Owen: I thought you were on the outs with them.
Me: It’s complicated. Yes, I’m on the outs but if I don’t go, I’ll never hear the end of it. Only an hour or two, and there’s usually a pretty nice buffet spread. We can make an appearance and leave. You’d be doing me a huge favor.
The dots danced and stopped several times before I got a response.
Owen: What do I have to wear?
I sighed in relief. A weight came off my shoulders. I knew Owen wouldn’t let me down.
Me: Casual business if you can. Khakis and a polo shirt is fine if you have it. If not, whatever you have that’s clean.
Owen: I have some clothes that will work. Time?
Me: Around one-ish will work.
Owen: I’ll drive my truck if you don’t mind. Your car is nice but too small for me.
Me: Deal. Pick me up at twelve thirty?
Owen: Yes.
Me: It’s a date. BTW, I just felt the baby move.
The dots stopped moving. Uh-oh. TMI? Should I have not used the word date?
They jumped a few times.
Owen: Happy for you, Melanie.
I couldn’t help the grin that burst out of me.
Me: Thanks! ;-)
I closed the app and buckled my seat belt. Junior flipped again. “Yeah, I’m hungry too, kumquat. What do you say you and me go get a chicken gyro from Nick’s Grill and binge on Netflix tonight? I’ll tell Bevvie about the troll on Monday. Good plan?”
My kid wiggled in affirmation. “Okay, biscuit. Okay.”
Chapter Thirteen
Sticky-hot humidity layered on top of me as I opened the door of the black hulk that was Owen’s heavy work truck. He came around the side and offered me a hand. I accepted as the ground looked like it was far away from my perch in the oversized vehicle. Cars were lined up at the portico, waiting for the valet parking attendants to find space for everyone. Owen had found a spot close to the driveway exit instead of waiting in the line. That way we didn’t have to wait for someone to bring us the vehicle when we wanted to leave. The grass would be flat there for a day or two, but the rest of the lawn would also have some damage from all the guests my family invited for their annual Labor Day gala.
Why the fuck did I come here today?
Because if I didn’t make an appearance, my mother would drop into a hysterical fit and guilt trip me for life. My father would sniff his disapproval and tell me in his own way how disappointed he was in me. Magnus didn’t count. I already knew he would prefer I go far, far away and never return. As much as we hated each other, it amazed me that we shared a blood tie.
I smoothed the blue and white floral maxi dress over my ripening body. At five months, I was starting to show a little, and the loose-fitting dress hid my slightly rounded stomach. Did I look pregnant? Maybe a little, but there was enough material swinging around my body that it was hard to tell. No doubt the gossip was making the rounds, but I didn’t need to add any fuel to the fire. Let them keep guessing.
Owen folded my hand into his as we approached the house. The strains of a string quartet wafted past my ears, and the smell of smoky barbecue mixed with lilac floated in the air. Strange combination, but I was noticing more and more strange combinations these days. It seemed all my senses had become super acute. Food tasted richer, colors were intensified, and odors had strengthened. Touch was also affected, in that I was more aware than ever of the man standing next to me. Despite the heat of the day, his presence burned.
He turned to me with those