Chapter 6 "A baby, Sloane?" Gigi's hand abandons her knitting to clamp over mine. "Looks like it." I decided that confessing my sins while I braided her hair was the best approach. I knew she would never admonish me. But when she turns in her seat to peer up at me, her wrinkled face is brimming with excitement. "This isn't good news, Gigi. I'm terrified and feeling incredibly stupid." Compound that with Ronan's visit yesterday, and I can add confusion to the mix of emotions that grips me with unrelenting fervor. I thought I had him all figured out. Now, I don't know ... Dare I hope that he's a decent guy? "Oh, honey, that's normal." She squeezes my hand before releasing it. "I remember when I was pregnant, I had never even changed a real baby's diaper before." "Neither have I," I admit, tying off her braid. Sure, I've held a baby here or there, but as soon as they started to fuss, I've happily handed them back. "And this was totally avoidable." "That doesn't mean it's wrong." Gigi pats the chair next to her, silently instructing me to sit. Her brow furrows with thought. "You know, your mother said almost the same thing when she came home after her fling with that fool." She has always refused to call him my father. As far as she's concerned, he doesn't deserve the title. "It was unplanned too, and she was petrified. Didn't know what to do. Thought her life was over. But she managed just fine." "She was nineteen, Gigi." When I was that age, all I cared about was making money during the day and having fun with my friends at night. "Plus, she had you to help her." I might not have had a father in my life, but I had two strong women who supplied me with a fierce amount of affection and care. "And you're thirty-one, which is a far cry from nineteen. You have a house and a thriving business." As long as Cody's tongue-wagging doesn't lose me my staff. "And you still have me. Don't dig my grave yet," Gigi chides with a soft laugh. "Plus, you have Frank." I chuckle. "He's not exactly a wet nurse." "No, but he will always be there for you. That man is more loyal than a honeybee to his queen." She peers at me. "Did you tell him yet⁠-" "No." I can't imagine he'll be more pleased with Ronan when he finds out. Skye and Rebel said they thought they'd have to form a barrier when Ronan strolled past them yesterday, his clothing sopping wet. And the look Frank gave me after was priceless-half amusement, half disappointment. I'm not ready to be judged by him, or anyone, yet. "You're the only person I've told. Ronan doesn't even know yet." "That hotel director. He's the father?" "Yes. It's his." Saying it out loud feels wrong. I shouldn't be telling others when he doesn't even know. But this is Gigi. She trumps all. "When are you going to tell him?" "I don't know if I will. We don't really have that kind of relationship." "Ah ... I see." Her eyes twinkle with amusement. Gigi was a heartbreaker in her day. There was never any shortage of admirers, her spunkiness drawing them in like cats to a sun spot, but she was never willing to settle down. She pauses. "Do you want that kind of relationship with him?" I'm shaking my head, but the denial is stuck in my throat. I don't know the answer anymore. I'm still sure he's all wrong for me, but what if he's not? If what he said was true, he can handle a relationship. He's looking for one. "I really don't know, Gigi. I don't know anything anymore." "Well, like I always say, a good, hard test will let you know quickly if you should waste your time with this hotel man." "You mean like an accidental pregnancy?" I chuckle. "He's going to run for the hills." "Then he can stay up there with the rest of the chickens. You'll do just fine without him." She waves her hand dismissively. She always makes things sound easier than they are. Then again, at her age, she's seen and done a lot, and lived through a lot, always coming out on the other side. "There's also the thing about Mom. Her cancer? She was thirty-one when she died." "No need to remind me, dear." A dark cloud passes across her face before it's gone in the next instant. Gigi was stoic about Mom's passing. We can't control these things. It was just her time, she'd tell me. But sometimes, late at night, I'd hear her crying. "What if it's hereditary?" My checkups have always come back clear, but that doesn't mean the next one will. My doctor suggested genetic testing and to not wait too long to have children, in case the worst case happens and I'm facing treatments and surgeries. "What if this is my shot?" "It's fair of you to consider that. It's a worry." She nods in agreement. "But I don't recommend making big decisions based on what-ifs. Better to have solid footing." The last thing I have is solid footing. "Please don't say anything. I'm not ready for people to know. Not until I've figured out what I'm doing about this giant mistake." "It's no one's business until you're ready to make it theirs." She reaches out to squeeze my knee. "And it may be a mistake, but that doesn't mean it won't also lead into a wonderful thing. My marriage was a colossal disaster, but I got your mother out of it. She fell for an idiot, but we all got you out of it." Her face lights up. "For what it's worth, you'll make a wonderful mother, Sloane." Her validation brings me a wave of comfort I didn't know I needed. "You really think so?" "Of course I do. I've always thought so. And, selfishly, I hope I get to see it happen. But only if you're ready. The good thing is you have some time to get ready if that's the path you decide to take." I let out a huge sigh of relief. My problem isn't solved, but Gigi always knows just what to say to lift the weight off my chest, even if only temporarily. "Ronan invited me to dinner tonight." "Well, that's a good start." I give her a knowing look. "At the hotel, with his boss, who doesn't know Ronan is inviting me." "You mean, Henry Wolf?" She hoots. "This Ronan fellow may be handsome, but he doesn't seem too bright." "Yeah, I don't know what he's thinking, honestly. But it gets better, Gigi. Henry warned him to stay away from me because of all the problems I caused. And now Ronan wants to bring me there, even though Henry Wolf will probably fire him for cavorting with the enemy." "Let's pray the child gets your brains." She breaks off a chunk of her macadamia scone. "Did Ronan say why he wants to bring you into the lion's den, so to speak?" "Just that he wants them to get to know me. He doesn't seem to like Henry, but he's good friends with Abbi Wolf, Henry's wife. It's her he wants me to meet." "Introducing you to his friends. That says something." "I guess." You don't introduce the new woman to your close female friends if she's just a casual fuck. Is this Ronan's way of proving he has feelings for me? But what will Abbi Wolf think about the crazy rooster commune lady who plastered all sorts of unsavory posters, including headlines that dragged her? Does she know about those? Which reminds me ... Talk of Abbi Wolf and Alaska last night has stirred up dust in the far recesses of my memory. I can't quite remember why it all sounds so familiar, and the only thing I can think of is that I likely read something in an article. I need to go mining for information again. Gigi watches me quietly as she nibbles away. "So, what do I do about dinner?" "Do you want to go?" "No." She arches a wrinkled eyebrow. I could never get a lie past Gigi. "I mean, I want to know Ronan better, especially given our situation." "That he has no clue about," she chips in. "Right." In a public setting where our clothes have to stay on. Then again, Starfish Island is pretty public, and that didn't stop us. "But it's the hotel. Aren't I being a giant hypocrite by showing up there now, after everything?" "Why? You were invited." "Not by Henry Wolf. He doesn't know what Ronan's planning." "Maybe he'll have no idea who you are." "I guess there is that possibility." I've never met the man; he never involved himself in any of the council meetings. Unless Ronan makes a point of introducing me as the crazy rooster commune lady, I could be completely incognito, just arm candy. "I could pretend I'm someone else." Am I that good of an actress, though? Likely not. Gigi hums. "I imagine it'll be a nice meal." "I would hope so. And it's not just him and his wife. There will be a bunch of people there. Ronan said it's a casual, friendly thing." "Aren't you just a little curious to meet this billionaire man and see what all the fuss is about?" "Maybe," I admit with reluctance. "At least so I can say, yes, I've met him and can confirm once and for all that he is, indeed, the douchebag we all think he is." She tsks. "Neither the hotel nor the man is going anywhere, whether you like it or not, so you may as well make peace with it." "You're beginning to sound like Frank." "Frank's a wise man. Why do you think I kept him around all those years? You should listen to him!" "But can you imagine how awkward a dinner with Henry Wolf would be?" "For you or him? I say put on a dress and let the man feed you. Be sweet as peach pie. That's what I'd do." "I'm not good at that." "Fine, then spit in his face and call him a filthy ghoul while you get your fill of caviar." She cackles. "Oh, to be a fly on that wall." A knock sounds. Like a child about to get caught doing something naughty, Gigi stuffs the last piece of her scone into her mouth and, crumpling the packaging, drops it into the nearby trash. I shake my head but grin as I call out, "Come in." Frieda pushes through the door, a tray of medications in one hand and a blood pressure machine in the other. She's one of the daytime nurses and probably my favorite. "Good morning, ladies. How are we feeling today?" "Pretty well," I offer as Gigi chews and swallows the evidence. "I just braided her hair, and we were catching up on things. I've got to head out now. Lots to do." A blood test or two, for starters. Rita sets the tray down and begins opening caps. "How'd you sleep last night, Gigi?" "The usual. Had that strange dream with those monkeys again." "Oh yeah? What were those little rascals up to this time?" "Can't remember. But they were definitely there." Frieda hums. "Must be all those sweet treats you've been sneakin'." "I don't know what you're talking about. You have me confused with someone else." My phone chirps then with an incoming text, and I choose to answer it rather than get dragged into Gigi's lie. Ronan: Don't flake out on me, Sea Witch. 6pm sharp. My stomach flutters with nerves. He's not going to let up. This is beginning to feel like a chase. I'll admit, I like it. "What's that about?" Gigi asks. "Is that your baby daddy?" "Haha, funny." With Frieda's back to us, I shoot Gigi a glare in warning. What the hell? She used to be a vault for unmentionables. If this is her idea of keeping a secret, half of Mermaid Beach is going to know within the week. "Oh, silly me, I'm getting my slang mixed up. Too old to keep up, I guess." She flashes wide "oops" eyes at me. Good recovery attempt. I hope it's enough. "Okay, Ms. Parker, let's check that ticker of yours." Frieda mouths "congratulations" as she passes. Nope, not good enough. With a heavy sigh, I bend over to kiss Gigi's forehead. "I'll talk to you soon." She seizes my cheeks and holds my face close to hers. "You're never alone, remember that. The Sea Witch is your family. Your village." I smile to mask my apprehension. I wish that were true, but the deeply rooted community Gigi fostered over the decades feels like it's slipping away. How long before everyone is gone? She releases me. "Oh, to be young and wild again. Such exciting times." "Glad I'm able to entertain you." "You kidding? This is better than those daytime soaps in the rec center. Have fun tonight." "You're so convinced I'm going." "Of course you are. You can't help yourself." She's likely right. "Into the belly of the beast!" Gigi shakes her fist in the air before stretching it out for Frieda. "Wear that peach number." "I forgot about that dress." It was a splurge for a friend's wedding. Cody got drunk and spilled an entire beer on me. I was so angry. But the dry cleaners worked their magic. I haven't worn it since. I haven't had any reason to. "It's stunning on you. Oh, and the perfume." She winks. "You know the one." I squeeze the Cherokee into a parking spot outside my doctor's office, but I don't rush for my appointment just yet. There's something-or someone-I need to speak to first. Digging out the scrap of paper I jotted Ryan's number down on, I punch the digits into my phone and hit Call. And wait as it rings. Maybe I should have called from the main line. She's likely screening random numbers. I don't blame her; I do the same. I'll just leave a message⁠- "Hello?" The feminine voice in my ear is wary. "Hi, Ryan? It's Sloane from the Sea Witch." "Sloane! Hey! How are you?" "I'm great," I lie, staring out at the medical center sign. "Listen, I wanted to check in to see how Katie's doing." Another lie. Ronan has already filled me in on their friend's injury, and while I may have a valid reason to call on behalf of my business, why I'm really calling has nothing to do with Katie and everything to do with learning whatever I can about Ronan. "Better! The swelling has gone down, but her foot is basically purple, and she can't walk on it. We hung out around the house for most of yesterday, which I don't mind because this place is incredible, and I am so jealous," she rambles. "Kyle went out and got her crutches, so that should help with the flight home." Her boyfriend seems like a great guy. "When are you leaving?" "Later this afternoon. Kyle and I are enjoying a few hours on the beach." Sounds of a child's squeals and a man's shout of greeting punctuate her claim. "Great. Well, I hope you guys had a decent time on the cruise, even though it didn't end well." "Oh my gosh, we had the best time." "Even when you puked?" a deep male voice chimes in the background. I assume that's Kyle. "Right. Other than the epic hangover. I may have been a little bit drunk." "Really? Couldn't tell." "You're lying, but thank you for that." I smile, even though she can't see it. I like Ryan. I'm struggling to picture her with Ronan, though. "I'm actually glad you called. I'm a little fuzzy about parts of the afternoon, but I'm pretty sure I said a few things I shouldn't have." Normally I would shrug it off with a "we've all been there" excuse, but that won't get me the answers I need. That's why I don't waste any time when I say, "You mean about Ronan and your brother going home to screw Katie and Rachel?" "Yeah, that." Her nervous laughter betrays her awkwardness. "Listen, I don't know what's going on with you and Ronan, and it is none of my business, but for what it's worth, he's a really decent guy. It might not be obvious in the beginning, but trust me, he is. He's super loyal and a good friend, and if he says he'll do something, he'll do it. Or he won't do it. Do you get what I'm saying?" "I think I do." She said the same thing on Sunday, though she's trying to be more discreet now, given her current boyfriend is next to her and probably doesn't want to hear about how wonderful her fuck buddy was. "Honestly, Ronan's biggest fault is that he's best friends with my brother, who is an ignorant meatball with only one thing on his mind. I think he might actually die if he goes too long without getting laid." I chuckle. "Yeah, Connor seems like he'd be a lot sometimes." "Try all the time. Don't get me wrong, I love him to death, but sometimes I want to put a pillow over his face while he's sleeping and hold it there until he⁠-" "Babe," Kyle chides softly. "Right. I would never do it. I just want to sometimes. Anyway, Ronan was kind of lost for a while there, after his breakup with his ex." "Tasha," I offer. "Yeah, I think that's her name. I'm surprised he mentioned her. He doesn't talk about her much. He's not one to divulge personal things, as I'm sure you've noticed." I hum in agreement. But Ryan seems to chatter plenty, which is to my benefit. "So, he's not lost anymore?" "You mean because of her? Oh, that's long over for him, ever since he came back from Alaska." "What about anyone else? Has he been seeing a lot of other women?" It's probably wrong to pump the girl for information, but it's the best way to validate what Ronan told me last night. "I don't think so. I mean, I don't live with them anymore, but I know he's settled down some. Connor's been calling him a monk for months. He talked about running an intervention." That guy really is something. Kyle laughs. "Obviously, I said no. There's nothing wrong with him. I just think he's tired of living that life. Anyway, I'm glad you called. I hope I didn't ruin things for him with you." "No, it's okay. We aren't serious." What an ironic claim, given where I'm heading now, which is as serious as it gets. "Listen, I hope you guys come back to Mermaid Beach again, and when you do, we'll make up for the lost hour next time." "Oh, we will definitely be back, and absolutely! I was actually going to leave a review for your company. I'm gonna go do that now." Mention of a review brings back my conversation with Ronan on the cruise. My cheeks flush. "Okay, well ... until next time!" We end the call, and I take a few moments to digest everything Ryan said. 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