Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 61900 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 310(@200wpm)___ 248(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61900 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 310(@200wpm)___ 248(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
“I have not, don’t be silly. I wouldn’t know what they’re talking about.”
“So you don’t want to weigh in on the fact that Maggie is working for Delilah, then?” Gabby says, raising her brows.
Doris chews on her bottom lip, the lines in her face deepening as she frowns. Then, she can’t help herself, she blurts out. “I’ve heard all about that family. They own that big country club. Have you been yet? I hear there is some really sketchy things happening there. Like cover ups for murder and rape, or human trafficking. I’ve heard it all.”
Jesus.
I smile, in an attempt not to laugh. “I haven’t been there yet, but we’re due to go on the weekend. I’ll let you know if I find any bodies lying around.”
Doris raises her brows and leans in close. “I’m serious. A few years ago, there was a big investigation into them because girls were going missing and they all linked back to that country club, but nobody could prove anything. It’s very real.”
Oh, boy.
“It is very real.” Eve nods. “But I think we’re pretty safe, Doris.”
Doris wiggles her finger. “Don’t ever think like that, Eve dear. You’re never safe.”
“Well,” I say, slapping the table. “That is enough dark talk.”
“I hope you’re feeding that baby enough,” Doris tells me, glancing into the stroller, stretching her little old body as far as she can to get a good look. “I hear that formula isn’t as nutritious these days. Back in my day, we didn’t have formula. Mothers had no choice.”
“She isn’t mine, Doris. It’s not my choice, but formula is just as safe, and Star here is thriving.”
“Well, I wouldn’t imagine her mother would breastfeed anyway,” Doris scoffs. “She wouldn’t want her breasts to go south, and trust me, they do. My dear friend breastfed all of her children, five of them to be exact. Now when she takes them out of her bra, they just roll down like a carpet unravelling. She hasn’t had cleavage for forty or more years. The only thing she has between her breasts now is her belly button.”
I giggle.
Eve snorts.
Gabby stares in horror.
“Well, on that wonderful note, I think we can safely say I’m okay without kids for a few more years yet,” Eve says, grinning as she walks off.
Doris turns back to her muffin, but not before she gives me a brow raised expression to let me know just how serious she is.
She’s hilarious.
“So, Hugh and Delilah don’t get along then?” Gabby asks, continuing our conversation as if the interruption never happened.
“Nope, not at all. She came home drunk last night and tried to dry hump him right there in the hall. It was awkward as all hell.”
Gabby laughs. “Jesus, that is horrifying. I thought they might have gotten along. They did move in together after all. Why is he there if he doesn’t even like her?”
“Something to do with his childhood and wanting to show up for Star. He said he wouldn’t be a good man if he didn’t at least try to do the right thing.”
“That’s a decent man right there,” Doris says, spinning around again. “Most men would do a runner. Delilah is lucky to have someone that looks like him showing up for her.”
I shake my head with a smile.
“If things don’t work out between them, you should snatch him up, dear. All these other girls have gone goo goo over those bikers, you might as well hop on the train.”
Oh, god.
Gabby laughs. “Jesus, Doris.”
“It’s true, dear. You’re all like star-struck teenagers when those men walk in the room.”
“Well, have you seen them?” Gabby retorts.
Doris nods. “Indeed, I have, which is why I’m telling Maggie here to go and give it a try. Hugh is very attractive, my personal favorite if I’m being honest. He’s the cleanest, the others look too ... scary.”
Gabby grins at me, giving me a look.
“Well, I’m good for now, but thanks,” I say, giving her a nod. “And according to Delilah, he’s not clean enough.”
“Delilah is spoilt,” Doris mutters. “I remember her as a child, when her father would take her everywhere. Such a little brat. It’ll never work, but I admire his effort.”
Star starts crying, and I lean in, picking her up. “Oh, it’s okay, baby girl.”
“She’s so damned cute,” Gabby says, exhaling. “God, I want to squeeze her.”
“She is something.” I smile, kissing her cheeks. “I’m not sure Delilah likes her being seen with me, though. She had a million questions about where I’d be taking her today.”
“Why not?” Gabby asks.
“Because of her social status, dear,” Doris throws in. “Girls with rich lives like hers don’t like girls like Maggie, they think they’re better than them.”
“What she said,” I point out.
“Well fuck her, you’re bloody gorgeous. She’s probably jealous,” Gabby mutters. “Bitch.”
“It’s fine.” I shrug. “I’m used to it. Besides, Star likes me, and that’s all I care about.”