“You choose to practice a lot,” he said.
I winked. “Just in case I change my mind.”
“Let me tell you, it’s rough business. Her friend is sailing through her pregnancy, which just makes things worse.”
“And you left them alone together?”
He nodded. “I did. I wasn’t about to take on two angry, pregnant women. They were ordering pizza and looking through catalogs. That isn’t something I want to be a part of.”
I raised my hand to order another round. “Then I say we get drunk. This might be the last time we get to drink. You’re going to be strapped down with a kid. I still can’t get my head around that. You, a dad.”
“Don’t remind me,” he said. “I panic when I think about being responsible for a completely vulnerable human being.”
“And this is why I don’t have kids,” I said with a smile. “That’s a lot of pressure. I’ll happily take care of millions of dollars and businesses, but not a kid. Kids need things. Money just needs a bank.”
“Nice,” he muttered. “That’s not cynical at all.”
“It’s a hell of a lot easier.”
Something on the TV caught my attention. I focused on the ticker running across the screen and found myself smiling. Davin turned to look. “Ouch,” he said. “I bet that guy isn’t happy.”
“I think you’re probably right,” I said with a smirk. I raised my hand. “Another round please?”
“Was that competition?” he asked.
I shrugged. “Not for me.”
“Weren’t you just there?”
“In California, yes.”
“Weird,” he said. “I guess in your world it’s always about the next one trying to climb their way to the top. Do you have a lot of businesses that try to come after your companies?”
“Nope, because my companies aren’t weak and vulnerable.” I looked at the TV once again. The news had already moved on. “I would never get caught off guard like that. That guy was sleeping on the job and now he’s got nothing.”
“Do you know him?”
“Know who?” I asked.
“Whoever that was on the TV. You’re smiling like you’re happy about it.”
I smiled bigger. “I’m always happy to see an asshole get what they deserve.”
Chapter 65
Saige
I stretched and yawned before climbing out of bed. After my sleepless night on Friday, I had gone to bed early last night. I was still tired. I could sleep another two hours, but Jace would be up soon. I didn’t want to be passed out while he fended for himself.
I stuffed my feet in my slippers and pulled my hair into a messy bun before going to the kitchen to start some coffee. I needed coffee and a lot of it. We had nothing planned for the day, and for once, I was looking forward to hanging out at home. We were going to have a pajama day.
I wanted something greasy and heavy for breakfast. While my coffee was brewing, I dug in the freezer and found the bacon I’d been stashing forever. It felt like I never had time to make bacon. I did today. I filled the sink with warm water and plopped the package of bacon in it. I filled my coffee cup and moved to look out the window.
“Yes,” I whispered. It was a dreary spring day. I didn’t have to feel guilty about staying in all day. We could bake cookies and watch movies. I got busy making breakfast. When it was almost done, I woke Jace up.
“We’re going to have a pajama day,” I told him when we sat down to eat.
“We are?” he asked with confusion. “You said we could only do that on special days. Is today special?”
I shrugged. “We can make it special. It’s icky outside. I was thinking we could rent that new movie you wanted to see. We’ll make popcorn.”
He looked suspicious. “Okay.”
We finished eating, and while he went to brush his teeth, I cleaned up the kitchen. “Can I read for a little bit?” he asked.
I laughed. “Of course. I’m going to start some laundry and then maybe I’ll read too.”
He skipped to his room, still wearing his pajamas and his hair not brushed. I turned on some music and did some minor housework. I didn’t dare do too much. I was taking it easy today. I was sitting on the couch, finally reading a book I bought months ago. It was very relaxing. Until the doorbell rang.
I groaned and decided to ignore it. No one had let me know they were coming by, so I was certain it was a solicitor.
The doorbell rang again. “Dammit. That’s just rude.” I got up and stomped to the door, ready to kick some ass. I jerked open the door. “Nash?”
“Hi. I brought donuts and coffee.”
I looked down at my ratty T-shirt and faded leggings. Then I remembered my hair. When I looked up at him again, he was smiling. “We were having a lazy day,” I said and touched a hand to my hair.
“You look very cozy.”
“Is that code for I look like shit?” I laughed.
“You’ve never looked sexier.”
I rolled my eyes. “You’re a liar. Come in before any of my neighbors see me in my pajamas at eleven o’clock in the morning.”
I closed the door behind him.
“Is Jace still asleep?” he asked.
“No, he’s reading in his room. What are you doing here?”
He put the donuts on the counter and handed me one of the coffees from the local coffee place. “I was bored.”
“You were bored on a Sunday?”
“I was.”
“I’m not sure how much excitement we can offer, but I will do my level best to keep you entertained,” I said with a laugh.
“Even with your son in the next room?”
I slapped at his chest. “Very funny.”
“I’ll be quiet if you can.”
“Stop,” I hissed. “I’ll tell Jace you’re here. I have to warn you, he’s going to be very excited. Brace yourself.”
“I think I can handle it.”
“Jace,” I said as I walked to his room. “We’ve got company.”
“Is it Caitlyn?” he asked.
I pushed open the door. “No, it isn’t Caitlyn.”
“Hey, buddy,” Nash said from behind me.
Jace’s head popped up and his eyes went wide. He tossed his book on the bed and jumped up. “Nash!”
“Hey, dude,” he said.
“Are we going in the plane?” Jace asked.
Nash laughed. “Not today.”
“Do you want to watch the movie with us?” he asked.
“Movie?” Nash asked and looked at me.
I nodded. “We were reading for a bit and then we were going to rent a movie and eat popcorn. You’re welcome to stay.”
He smiled. “I might be a little overdressed.”
I looked at his jeans and sweater. “I think you’ll do fine.”
“Then if you’ll allow me to crash your party, I’d love to watch a movie.”
“Are we making cookies?” Jace asked.
I nodded. “Sure. I bet Nash is an excellent baker.”