A Million Little Things (Mischief Bay, #3)

Jen held in a sigh as she forced herself to smile. “Hi,” she said as cheerfully as she could. “Thanks so much for coming.”

Lucas winked at her. “I can’t remember the last time I had Easter dinner. I think I was twelve. What about you, Caitlyn?”

The twentysomething smiled. “Oh, we don’t celebrate Easter. My family is Jewish. I looked it up online, though, so I can talk about whatever you’d like.” She held out the lilies. “You’re Jen, right? Hi.”

Jen nodded and shook hands, all the while trying to keep from laughing. Jewish? Then her humor faded as she realized they were having ham for dinner.

“Do you have dietary restrictions?” she asked, wondering if there was time to send Kirk to the store for a chicken.

“I eat pork,” Caitlyn told her. “I read that’s the traditional Easter meal. It’s fine.” She greeted Kirk and waved at Jack.

Lucas took the squirming toddler and swung him around. “Happy Easter. Did the Easter Bunny leave you something good?”

Jack laughed as he flew through the air. Jen watched, wondering how someone so inappropriate when it came to his choice in girlfriends could be so good with her son?

Lucas set the boy on the driveway. “All right. What else do I have in here?”

He handed Kirk the requisite six-pack of beer, then opened the trunk of his ridiculous car. “I have something for you, my man.”

Jen swallowed her involuntary protest. Whatever it was, it was going to be something that would make her crazy. Like the guitar. It was loud and, of course, Jack loved it. She watched as Lucas lifted out a toddler-sized car. But not just a car, she thought with dismay. A pedal car painted black and white, like a police car.

“There is no way he’s old enough for that,” she began, but found herself ignored as Jack rushed to the car and grabbed hold of the sides.

Kirk lifted him inside as Lucas squatted next to him. “Put your feet there, kiddo. Now pedal. You know how to do that?” Lucas leaned in and showed Jack how to start pedaling. It took him several tries but he got the car moving. He squealed as he drove it around the driveway.

Jen couldn’t believe it. She could already see the crashes and injuries sure to follow. Dammit, why did Lucas have to always bring the one gift that Jack would love and that would make her crazy? The man had a talent, and not a happy one.

“There’s room in the backyard,” Kirk said. “Come on, Jack. Drive this way so we don’t have to worry about you going out on the street.”

Right, Jen thought grimly. Because in the backyard, she only had to worry about him driving through the sliding glass doors.

Caitlyn smiled at her. “Isn’t Lucas the best? He’s so thoughtful. He ordered the toy car last week and couldn’t wait to bring it over.” She sighed.

Jen wanted to point out that Lucas was, in fact, old enough to be her father. Her not very young father. But why go there?

“He’s the best,” she managed, between clenched teeth. She nodded at the flowers. “I should get these in water.”

*

Apparently no one had read Jen’s email about what time to arrive because by two forty-five the entire guest list was making themselves at home. She was grateful she’d gone a little crazy with the crostini because people were hungry and there was no way the ham was going to be ready before five.

In a surprising turn of events, Lucas kept close watch on Jack while Kirk supplied everyone with drinks. Jen was in and out of the kitchen. Zoe joined her and handed over a bottle of champagne.

“Your mom has been talking about this drink she tried in Phoenix. A French 75. They’ve been around forever, but I’d never heard of them. Apparently they go down really smoothly.”

“I don’t think I should cook drunk,” Jen said. “Although I’ll admit to being tempted.”

“Who could blame you? Or me.” Zoe tore off the foil wrapping, then began untwisting the wire around the cork. “I keep telling myself that I shouldn’t judge. I’m dating my best friend’s brother. Why isn’t that just as weird as my dad dating your mom?”

Jen glanced toward the living room where Miguel and Pam sat on the floor helping Jack with a puzzle. “You really think they’re dating?”

“They came to Easter dinner together. What would you call it?”

“Two old people hanging out for companionship?”

Zoe rolled her eyes. “Is that what Lucas sees in Caitlyn? Companionship?”

“That’s different. He’s not as old as...” She did the math and swore. “OMG! Lucas is only a couple of years younger than my mom and he has sex all the time. If they’re dating...” She covered her face with her hands. “You don’t think they’re—”

Zoe pulled the cork out of the champagne. “So you up for trying a French 75 now?”

“Yes. A big one. You didn’t answer the question.”

“Pam’s your mom and my friend. My dad is my dad. I don’t want to think about that. Honestly, I think they’re just getting to know each other right now but who knows what will happen.” She set a bottle of gin on the counter. “Steven’s not happy.”

“About Mom and Miguel?”

Zoe nodded. “He thinks my dad’s a player and your mom will get hurt. I know he used to be, but he’s different now. It’s hard. When we talk about it, I get uncomfortable. Like I have to defend my dad or something.”

“Then don’t talk about it.”

“I’m going to take your advice.” Zoe got out a martini shaker from the cupboard. “Are you concerned about me dating Steven?”

“No. You’re my best friend and he’s a good guy. I don’t want any details when you guys take things to the next level, but I’m okay with whatever happens.” She looked toward the family room in time to see Miguel touch her mother’s cheek. “It’s so different when it’s parents.”

Zoe made the drinks and Jen had to admit, they were delicious. The scalloped potatoes went into the oven and she sent Zoe to tell Kirk that Jack needed to eat a snack. But instead of her husband, her brother was the one who carried his nephew into the kitchen.