Page 71 of Rowdy & Kat

“Sure. Kat’s the same way. On paper, she doesn’t seem to have a use for a man like me. But the sisters crave family and someone to lean on besides each other.”

Farley glanced around the quiet courtyard. “I’m nervous this thing with Maria won’t pan out. I feel like I ought to back off and wait until she settles into her life here.”

“Or, and hear me out, maybe you should race toward what you want and roll with the consequences.”

Farley flashed a dark frown at me. “That’s easy for you to say. You already won over Kat.”

“You’re letting that old shit with Cordy and those other bitches taint your thinking. Maria is a good chick. She likes you. Just have fun and enjoy her company. If things work out, move her into your place and marry her. Maybe have a set of twins. Try not to make them cuter than mine.”

Farley exhaled deeply, seeming overly bothered. “My moms have already heard about Maria and Kat. They’re talking about riding up here to meet them.”

“Good. Maria needs more family.”

Farley turned toward me like he might take a swing. “Dude, Zadie hasn’t even met Maria yet.”

“Who cares? My parents met Kat before my sisters did.”

“At the hospital, right? You’re trying to make it seem like the way your relationship came together was normal.”

“Hey, don’t you dare bring up how my unofficial wife ghosted me,” I said and flipped him off. “Just for that, I’m not asking you to learn Estonian with me.”

“Learn what?”

Loosening up, I helpfully explained, “The twins speak Estonian whenever they’re having a private conversation.”

“Why learn it then?”

“So, Kat can teach my boys the language without me feeling left out.”

Farley’s brown eyes flashed around the courtyard before he nodded slowly. “Maria feels special. That’s why I’m nervous about getting attached. I’ve struggled to let go of far worse women than Maria. I can’t imagine how pathetic I’d become if she ditched me.”

“I get it,” I said and patted his shoulder. “You want to be sensible. I tried to be that way when Kat ghosted me. I figured she was a lost cause, and I should stop texting her. Do you know how much of a fucking loser I felt like when I messaged her repeatedly without her responding? My ego demanded I stop chasing someone who didn’t want to be caught.”

“But Kat did want to be caught.”

“At the time, I had no reason to believe Kat would ever respond. Hell, I was expecting her to block me. My ego took a bruising, but I couldn’t help myself because I knew Kat was special. Can’t you chance humiliating yourself for Maria in the same way?”

“I don’t know.”

“Have you imagined Maria living in your condo? When you look at my boys, do you picture your own twins? If the answer is yes, you’re already in too deep. Just ride these feelings wherever they go.”

When Farley sighed and seemed unsure, I tried to keep my cool. To me, the situation was obvious. He wanted Maria. She wanted him. They should be married by next week. Why make it more complicated?

“Do you still want Cordy?”

“No. In fact, I’m embarrassed that I ever wanted her.”

“She’s hot and lies well. I would have fucked her given the chance back in the day. Most guys would have. Her crazy is subtle and insidious.”

“Yeah, and Clint had to send the foxes after her.”

“You’re a chump. So what? Does that mean you never get to be with a good woman?”

“Maybe.”

Growing frustrated, I muttered, “This is madness.”

“He’s just scared,” a voice said from behind the bushes.