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The house was cavernous. In the back was a spacious den that overlooked a manicured lawn and pool.
“I’ll be right back,” Roberta said, heading to the back of the house.
It was a good time to nurse, so she quickly pulled out the Hooter Hider in case one of the brothers came in unexpectedly. After five minutes, she heard a door open and the sound of voices approaching. It was Joey with a pretty redheaded woman.
“Hey, Bridget, this is Candy.”
They greeted each other, Candy curious about the cover-up.
“I bet there’s a baby under there,” Joey said, laughing. “I guess my dad and brother went out to that call?”
“They did.”
“I was up all night and had just left the firehouse, so Charlie told me to leave. I’m dangerous at this point. Where’s my mom?”
“Here I am,” Roberta said, having changed into her classic capris and high heels. “Can I get you to look at my toilet?”
Joey laughed out loud. “Sure, Ma, what’s wrong now?”
They left the room, and Candy sat down next to Bridget and pointed to the baby. “Can I see him?”
Bridget pulled the cover-up away from Flynn, and there he was, latched on, taking a few drinks and then snoozing.
“He’s so cute. You know he’s the talk of the family.”
“Ew, no, I didn’t realize.”
“Yep, the discussion about the camper started it all. They are thrilled, truthfully. Big Mike might need a little time to come completely around, but he’ll be fine.”
“Okay, yes, I guess I should have realize that must have caused some upheaval.”
“I think they were glad to get it out of the driveway. Anyway, we needed some new blood. You’re perfect. Another Irish girl, like me!”
“Ha! That’s funny.”
“The other one was Italian, and she was a bitch, if you’ll excuse my language. Not that one thing has anything to do with the other. Tony is so sweet, oh my God, you can see that, right? He’s just a doll. All the boys are special. You know about Roberta, right?”
“Nothing,” Bridget said cautiously, wondering if Candy was going to tell her about the face-lift.
“She’s been in rehab.”
“Ugh. For what?” Bridget thought if this woman had exposed something so private to a stranger, then it was okay to ask for details.
“Alcoholism.”
“Oh, how sad.”
“Yes. I’ve known them all my life, and she was always a drunk. But about five years ago she had an epiphany, went to AA and then to a dry-out program, and hasn’t touched a drop since. It was hardest on the older boys, Joey, Tony and Mike.”
“I guess I’m surprised you’re telling me this.”
“You’re a keeper,” Candy said as Roberta and Joey came back into the room.
Flushing, it was such a compliment that Bridget was speechless.You’re a keeper.
She fussed, putting the cover-up away and getting out a diaper. She’d focus on a diaper change to stem the discomfort the veiled compliment had induced.
“We’re going to Wild Pancake,” Roberta said. “Joey, do you two want to come with?”
