7 Months (Time for Love 8)

Cass looked skeptical, so I looked at her pointedly and said, “I go up against murders and rapists in court. I think I can handle a couple baby shower games.”

“Ten.”

“Ten, what?”

“Ten games.”

“Ten games? You want to play ten games at this thing?”

“Yeah, it’ll be fun.”

I looked at her like she was nuts and tossed back my drink.

“You don’t think that’s going a little overboard?”

Cass reached her hand out and placed it over mine on the table.

“This is Nonie, Ming. She’s been waiting for this party for fifteen years.”

I sighed again and turned my hand to squeeze hers.

“I’ll find ten…”

“Yay!” Cass shouted, all sweetness and excitement again.

I couldn’t help but chuckle at my friend, even as I wondered how in the hell I’d find ten games that would be quick and painless.

“So, did you hear what happened with Nat on New Year’s?” Cass asked, taking a bite of her spring salad.

“Uh, no,” I replied as I took the onions off my burger and picked up my knife to cut it in half. “I was there when Brady got the call, but I haven’t really talked to anyone since. Is she okay?”

“Her husband showed up, after pulling a disappearing act for months. I guess he really messed her up.” My eyes widened on hers and my heart clenched at the thought of a man, any man, hurting his wife that way. “Nat held her own though, shot him right in the gut.”

“Oh my God!”

“I know. She’s okay, though … recovering.”

“Well, that’s good. I mean, I’m glad the cops have him and hopefully he’ll see justice, I just wish it didn’t have to happen with Natalie getting hurt in the process.”

“I’m surprised you haven’t heard from any of the O’Malley’s yet.”

“Why’s that?”

“Natalie’s pressing charges, she needs a lawyer.”

Chapter Eleven ~ Brady

“Your hairiness is getting out of control,” I told Brendan as we got settled at a table in our favorite pub, Callaghan’s. Brendan had started working at Bronagh and her dad’s pub after he graduated culinary school. Then, once Bronagh’s dad decided he was ready to retire, Brendan bought him out and now he and his wife owned it together. “Bronagh lets you come to work like that?”

Brendan ran a hand over his straggly beard and sighed.

“We agreed that once the baby comes, I’ll shave the beard and cut my hair,” he replied, and I took in the messy bun that was currently half covered by his beanie.

“So, I have to look at you like this for a few more weeks?” I asked, not really caring, but taking the opportunity to give him shit while I could.

“‘Fraid so, bro,” my brother replied, his smile barely visible. Then he leaned back in his chair and asked, “So, how’s everything going with Nat? She freaked?”

I thanked the waiter who brought us our beer, then turned my attention back to Brendan.