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That evening, he dropped Violet off at Ava’s. “Have fun, but not too much fun,” Ava said, kissing him when he slid Violet into her arms.
“I don’t even want to go,” he replied. “The perfect birthday would be to get on that couch under a blanket and watch a movie.”
Wanting his own vehicle available in case he needed to make a getaway, he drove into Oceanside alone. The other guys, including two of his brothers, were there waiting, and although he knew about it, they yelled surprise when he walked in, the other patrons joining in.
“Great,” he said, laughing. “What about privacy?”
“You have no privacy at Barnacle Ben’s. Isn’t this the scene of the crime with your baby mama?” brother Tony asked.
“Thanks for reminding me.”
They played a game of pool, and then Leon took a break and went to the bar to get refills. He was waiting at the bar when a familiar face came up.
“Leonardo Saint. St. Mary’s, correct? You were in the class before me.”
He looked down at the cute girl, smelling her perfume, something floral, so strong it made his eyes water.
“Francine Walker.”
“You look familiar,” he replied, looking away to give his order to the bartender.
“What are you up to? Are you through with school?”
“I went to the fire academy,” he replied, not interested enough in her to ask for her story.
Several of his friends were single though, so he’d be a nice guy and invite her over to the pool table. The bartender handed him a tray of drinks.
“We’re playing pool. You’re welcome to join us.”
“Okay, thanks. I’ll let my friends know.”
That was how Francine Walker and her posse came to spend the evening with the Saint boys and their friends. Before midnight, a couple of the guy’s wives brought a huge sheet cake in and shared with everyone in the bar.
“It’s your birthday,” Francine exclaimed.
“It’s looking like you might have a date tonight,” Tony whispered.
“I’m not interested,” Leon replied. “Trust me. As a matter of fact, I turn into a pumpkin at midnight.”
“What’s your hurry?”
“I need to get home to the baby.”
“You mean you need to get home to the nanny. It’s okay, bro. Dad’s having a fit, but you knew that would happen.”
“Look, they’re just guessing. But I’m glad they suspect. It will make it a lot easier for me.”
“My brother is burning for the nanny.”
The guys joined in teasing him, although wisely, no one mentioned the illicit backyard photo shoot.
“Oh, are you seeing someone?” Francine asked, clearly annoyed.
“I am. But a couple of my friends here are single.” He nodded in their direction. “That guy with the glasses, Matt, he’s a good guy. You should talk to him.”
“Thanks,” she mumbled, walking away. But she was only interested in Leon.
“Wait, you just turned down Fran Walker,” Matt stated. “Are you nuts? She’s hot.”
