“Um, yes. That’s my last name.”
“I heard about that arrangement.” Her mouth tightens. “He’s not forcing you, is he, Victoria?”
Wynter, back on some semblance of solid ground, snorts. “You can’t force Victoria to do anything she doesn’t want.”
“So, you genuinely wanted a dog?”
I twirl a strand of hair around my finger. “I like to live down to expectations.”
“How… interesting.” Her focus shifts to Wynter. “You’re very different people, aren’t you?”
Wynter pulls a face. “You can say it. I’m a dork and she’s cool.”
“Hardly!” Rachel loops her arm around her daughter’s shoulders. “I don’t think you’re a dork at all. You’re just…” She hesitates. “A people pleaser.”
Insulted, she tsks. “A people pleaser? Ugh.”
I smirk. “If the shoe fits…”
“Bitch!”
We both cackle.
Rachel’s gaze softens as it settles on me. Somehow, I think I gained her approval?
I didn’t intend on meeting Wynter’s family. Just thought I’d do a drive-by dog fostering, but Rachel insisted on me coming in for coffee before heading to the city and I’m super glad that I did now.
“So, who’s the date?”
Wynter groans, “MOM!”
“What? You owe me an answer if you’re skipping out on the gala!”When Wynter covers her face with her hands, Rachel confides, “I thought she was all about Priest.”
I scold, “You have a crush on your priest?!”
Apparently, the O’Donnellys have instilled some Catholic values into me.Who knew?
“No. It’s his road name,” she mutters from behind her hands where she’s still hiding.
“Ohhh. A biker?” I yank on her wrists. “Didn’t think you had it in you. You’re such a good girl.”
“I am not!”
“Are too!”
“Girls.” I can tell Rachel’s intrigued as she peppers, “So? Who’s the date?”
“A hockey player.” I repeat the lie before Wynter forgets.
“I didn’t know you liked hockey.”
“She doesn’t. She just likes his glutes.”
“Well, I can’t blame you for that, sweetie.”
“MOM!”
“She likes other things too,” I sing, grinning when Wynter swipes at me with her hand.
