Breath Of Life

ver. She’s going to leave a gaping hole if she returns to her own apartment.”

“You think she’s it?”

“Dude, has to be. I’ve never felt like this about a woman, and I’m not twenty-something anymore. If not now, when?”

“She’s really got you wrapped around her finger, doesn’t she?” Houston asks.

“This from the man who is tip-toeing around his wife.”

“In my defense, my very hormonal, pregnant with multiple babies wife.” Houston takes a large bite of his sandwich, and I laugh. I’m lucky as hell getting to do what I love with my best friend. It’s not every day we get to have lunch together like this, but right now we’re multi-tasking.

“So, I’ve been thinking about what we could do publicity wise. I think we should do some sort of charity event next year.”

“You have something in mind?”

“I’m working on that. Christmas would be an obvious time, but we’d get lost in all the other charity drives going on at the time, so we should do something that’s just us.”

“I really like that. What are you thinking of having the donations geared to?”

“Kids. That’ll keep it family-friendly, but super cool because come on, kids love cool cars.”

“This is true. Do you have a month or a specific cause?”

“Not yet. I know childhood hunger is a huge problem. Maybe we can pair up with your kids’ school, and donate to one of their programs or start up a new program with the proceeds?”

“You know what, that’s brilliant. We could really get the community involved with their endorsement. I’ll check out their website and see if I can come up with something that ties in with them directly to pitch.”

“Awesome. I notice traffic is up on the website since the revamp, and pre-orders for the calendar are through the roof,” I say, thinking of the numbers I’ve been keeping an eye on.

“How many?”

“Dude, over five hundred so far. Way better than last year, and we still have another month and a half until Christmas. Jesus, that’s scary, isn’t it?”

“As you pointed out, I’m the man who’s about to have six kids. It’s a lot scarier for me.”

His dry delivery makes me laugh harder than I should.

“Laugh it up. I hope when you and Quinn procreate you get molly whopped with multiples, too.”

“No way, dude, it doesn’t run in my family.” The thought of mini Quinns makes me grin.

“Damn, I thought you would balk at that.”

“No, I’m very okay with that. I’m shocked you said it.”

“I know you. When you really want something, nothing stops you, and I’ve never seen you like this about another woman. It’s only a matter of time before you guys make things official.”

“I hope you’re right. I’m meeting the family officially tomorrow for her dad’s birthday party at their house.”

“Good luck with that one. I’d stick to pregnant Liv over the meet the parents routine.”

“Yeah, me too,” I grumble as I finish off my lunch thoughtfully.

QUINN

My family is unique, to say the least. Dad is a psychologist married to an artist. It’s an interesting but well-balanced environment.

Ollie straightens the collar of his button-up. “Are you nervous?”