Page 30 of CEO's Baby Scandal

I laughed with her. “I try to be clean.”

“And most of all, you have a good heart. You don’t judge people based on the way they look or the way they dress. Their financial status isn’t important to you. And I think that makes you okay in my book.”

I thought of how Emily’s apartment was so rundown that I cringed at the thought of sitting on her couch, and Ginny’s words made me feel guilty. I had judged Emily, not outrightly, but in my heart. Part of me was discouraged and even made suspiciousby how she hadn’t told me how much she struggled financially. Or maybe to her, that wasn’t struggling.

It remained a possibility that Emily was doing really well for herself, and I just hadn’t seen how she grew up. I didn’t know how to feel about that. I didn’t want to be a judgmental asshole, but I also wanted to know that she wasn’t just out for my money. She’d never done anything that would cause me to believe she was. That was all something planted in my head by Michael and my parents.

“You look troubled.” Ginny’s kind eyes pulled me in.

“Something my mom said, about Emily being a gold digger.” I didn’t really want to get into this with anyone, but Ginny seemed compassionate, not at all like the rest of my family.

“You’re worried she’s using you?”

“Yeah.”

“Has she asked you for money? Asked you to pay her bills?” Her eyebrows rose, and I saw sympathy in her eyes.

“No, not at all. It’s been a pretty normal relationship so far.”

“And did you pursue her, or the other way around?”

I had to think about that because even though I put the moves on her first, it felt like it was more a mutual interest. “I don’t really know. I do know I asked her to kiss me first.”

“Well, then, I think you sort of have your answer. Just trust your heart. Don’t let other people influence your thoughts. If you love her, you go get what you want. If you feel hesitant, then wait and see.”

Mom appeared in the door carrying a glass of wine and a bottle, and that was my cue to leave. I stood and nodded. “Thanks, Ginny.” She shook her head and then looked back down at her plate. I turned to Mom. “I’m headed out. I’ll give you a call later this week, okay?”

“Yes, Daniel. Run away before your brother can talk any sense into you. Just be careful out there. The world is full of evil women hoping to swindle you out of your heart.”

I rolled my eyes and headed into the house and out toward the front. I wanted to call Emily now, not wait another second. After talking with Ginny, I knew what I wanted. I wanted to see her, to tell her I loved her and it didn’t matter where she came from or what her desire for me even was. I wanted her no matter what.

21

EMILY

Isat in the booth near the back of the restaurant, waiting. Evelyn was late, which wasn’t normal for her, but it gave me time to think. I ordered for both of us because we both enjoyed the same things. After weeks of thought, I wasn’t as angry about her telling my parents about me and Dan dating. After all, she was my sister and she did care about me. And it had taken the stress of my telling them off my shoulders, so that was a bonus too. I hadn’t been around for their initial reaction. What I’d gotten from Mom was just a well-thought-out speech. Probably better that way.

Tonight’s “sister dinner” would be an opportunity for me to really just be with Evelyn and try to relax a little. When Charlotte came over, she just wanted to sit and talk about the baby and my decisions. I needed space from that conversation tonight, so I hadn’t invited her to come.

The place wasn’t very busy. It was a rainy night. When that happened, people stayed home and had delivery services bring their food. I had ventured out into the rain because it reminded me of back home, walking where I wanted to go even if it was raining. I had a good umbrella, and for the most part, I stayeddry, but when Evelyn walked in with soggy feet, I could tell she wasn’t as happy to enjoy the melancholy weather as I was.

“God, it’s awful out there,” she said, flopping into the seat. She stashed her umbrella in the same place I’d hidden mine, under the table. “You ordered?”

“Yeah, the grilled chicken Caesar salad.” I pushed her glass of water toward her. “That’s what we always get.”

“Yes, it is…” She huffed out a sigh and reached under the table. “My feet are soaked. I’m going to have prunes for toes. I think it’s flooding out there.”

“I’m sorry that happened.” I felt guilty, which she knew I would. Even though the rain wasn’t my fault and she could have worn galoshes like me, it was my fault. Always my fault with Evelyn.

“Ah, well, at least you’re dry.” She smiled, reminding me of my mother so much.

“So, how is the family?” I asked, trying to change the subject. Tonight was about relaxing. I had to remind myself a few times so I didn’t get too irritated by Evelyn’s behavior.

“Same old, same old.” She pushed some damp hair out of her eyes and looked up at me with a stern expression. “Have you told your boss to buzz off yet?”

I stared at my empty place setting and let my shoulders droop. “I was hoping we could just have a good evening, Eve. I don’t want to argue.”

“I’m not trying to argue, Em. I care about you.”