If only they knew how well. “It’s working so far.”
“Has he asked you to do anything nutty yet?” Harper picked up her drink the waiter had just set in front of her.
Asked me to do anything nutty? Let’s see. I was having his baby.Of course, I couldn’t tell them that. “Not really. I take care of basic eccentric businessman type stuff.”
Harper made a face. “That sounds boring. You might as well be working for Bran.”
I flinched and panic filled me. Did she know something? “Why would you say that?”
She blinked. “What? About Bran? It’s just that he’s a bore.”
Except he wasn’t. He could be boorish and broody, but he could also be sweet and kind and gentle.
“Even if he is a bore, if he pays well, that’s what matters, right?” Lane said.
“Right. And he’s not a bore. He’s actually really nice. Caring.”
“Who? Your boss or Bran?” Harper’s sharp eyes were on me again.
I wanted to say, “both” but knew it wouldn’t go over well. “My boss.” Wanting to change the subject lest I say something wrong, I turned to Lane. “How are things on the baby front?”
She smiled wide. “Good. I think. I feel pregnant.”
Was it possible to feel pregnant so early? Mostly I felt tired. And anxious.
“I’ll take a test next week, but I’m feeling good about it.” Lane was radiating happiness.
“Congratulations.” I held up my water class. “To Lane and Archer’s new baby.”
“Here, here.” Harper joined in. “Is Archer hoping for a boy?”
“He just wants a healthy baby like I do.” She looked down as she patted her stomach. “It’s so amazing to think of a life growing in there. A life Archer and I made from love.”
“And sex.” Harper pointed out.
She laughed. “Yes. Lots of that. I’m just so glad he gets to be here for this child. He wasn’t around to hear the heartbeat or watch me get fat. He’s like a giddy school boy wanting to experience it all.”
I thought of Bran. I knew he was happy and involved in everything, but was he giddy? Did he even know how to be giddy?
“What about you Harper? What’s going on in your life?” Lane asked.
“Oh, you know. Same old things. I’m still looking for a house. I didn’t expect it to take so long to find the right place. I’ve also been thinking of taking a trip to New York. Maybe I’ll even stay there a few months. After everything with Bran, I feel like I need a little space.”
I frowned. “You don’t see him as it is. How much more space do you need?”
She eyed me. “Why does it always sound like you’re feeling sorry for him? You were there when he’d go on his rampages.”
I swallowed. “I’m not. I just…well if you go to New York, we won’t be able to see you. Do you need space from us too?”
“Not at all. And I’m not sure I’ll go. It’s just a thought.”
The waiter arrived and took our orders. Then we were back to news and gossip.
We’d nearly finished our meals when something caught Harper’s eye behind me. “Son of a bitch, Bran.”
My head whipped to where she was looking but I didn’t see Bran. “What?”
Harper shot up from her seat and hurried out of the patio and across the busy street.