“Hey, Bran? Can I unload something on you for a minute?”
There was a pause. “Yeah, of course. I owe you a ton in therapy minutes.”
They both chuckled a little. It wasn’t like they kept score.
“So, remember the girl I told you about? From last summer?”
“Yeah, the fling. You said you were going to look her up again. How’d you make out?”
“She’s pregnant.”
When he said it all the air rushed out of his lungs. It was almost like until this moment it wasn’t really official. He hadn’t told anyone until now. Because sometimes you needed your best buddy to give your head a whack.
“Nice work, Romeo. And she didn’t tell you?”
“It’s complicated.”
“Well, duh.” There was a pause. “So what now?”
“I don’t know. I won’t ignore my kid, you know? I can’t do that.”
“Of course not. And you’re a good catch, you know. The electric bill will always be paid on time.”
“I’m not sure she’s ready for New York. And I’d be bored here within a month.”
“So you split your time.”
“I guess.”
“Your mom know yet?”
“Hell, no.”
“Well, my one piece of advice is if you consider making a play for this girl, you be up front with what your family is like before it’s all settled. Don’t blindside her with it after you’ve brokered a deal.”
“Parenting isn’t like buying a house.”
Bran laughed again. “Good, I’m glad you came to that conclusion all on your own. Feel better?”
“Yes and no. But thank you. I’ll be in touch about the offer.”
“Just send me what I need to sign. I trust you.”
They ended the call and Jeremy rested his forehead on his hands for a few moments. Bran was right. He needed Tori to meet his family. And he wanted to meet her mom, too.
What an unholy mess.
He made another call and verbally made an offer on the property. Considering he was offering asking price, he was relatively sure that it would be a simple transaction. Once that was done, he ventured down to the business center to take care of the necessary paperwork. As he was sending it off, he realized this meant he no longer had to be at the Sandp
iper for more than a few more days. He could pack his things and head back to Manhattan. Get ready for Christmas.
It seemed odd and empty to think about now.
“So, did your friend decide on a house?”
He startled, jumping in his seat as her voice came from behind him.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”