Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 111732 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 559(@200wpm)___ 447(@250wpm)___ 372(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 111732 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 559(@200wpm)___ 447(@250wpm)___ 372(@300wpm)
I flap my lips together. “Yeah, well, he somehow topped himself today. Anger and disdain can make it extra hot, I guess.” I look at the clock on my car’s dashboard. “I’d better go. I’m finally meeting Dad’s new girlfriend. She’s got a painting on display at an art gallery downtown as part of a local artists showcase.”
“Aw, good for her. Keep me posted.”
“Will do. Hey, don’t tell the rest of the girls about what happened with Max and me today. I don’t even want to think about what kind of snide comments Victoria would make.”
“Oh, god. She’d be ruthless.”
“I also don’t want to risk Selena telling Grayson and the whole story somehow getting back to Max.”
“My lips are sealed tight, baby.”
“Thank you.”
Lucy snorts. “Unlike your legs with Max today.”
I snort-laugh. “I’m only human, girl. You saw him.”
“I sure did. And I don’t blame you one little bit.”
“I’ll call you tomorrow, babe.”
“You’d better. Bye.”
I disconnect the call, text Selena my effusive congratulations and sincerest apologies, and then exit the car and head off toward the gallery around the block, determined to put Maximillian Vaughn—and Alexander and Geraldine and the mess I’ve made because I can’t control my hormones around Max—firmly behind me.
10
MARNIE
When I get to the front door of the art gallery, a sign announces today’s showcase, while a smiling, elegant man in a suit welcomes me and hands me a pretty program.
Inside the gallery’s airy space, there’s a chic party going on with paintings and sculptures as its focal points. After surveying the large room, I spot my father standing in a short line at a bar, so I beeline over to him.
“Hey, Pops. Where’s Ripley?”
“Hi, honey. Thanks for coming. She’s with Gigi and one of Gigi’s sons. Ripley has been stuck to Gigi like glue since we got here.”
“Aw, I hope Gigi doesn’t mind. I know how chatty and intense Ripley can be when she finds a new best friend.”
Dad chuckles. “Gigi’s in heaven. She’s got two boys, both fully grown, and she said she’s always wanted a little girl.”
“I can’t wait to meet her.” I glance around, but I don’t see a woman attached to my tiny doppelganger. “Where are they?”
Dad looks around. “They went over there somewhere with the gallery owner.” He looks at me sheepishly. “Listen, I invited Gigi to come back to the house after the show and spend the night. Conditionally, of course. Assuming that’d be okay with you.”
“Okay with me?” I chuckle. “It’s your house and you’re a big boy. You don’t need to ask your daughter’s permission to have your girlfriend sleep over.”
“Well, it’s not only my house. It’s yours and Ripley’s, too. I want you to be comfortable.”
“Aw, Dad. Thank you for thinking of me. But, yes, that’s great. The house is plenty big for all of us.”
Dad looks equal parts thrilled and relieved. “This whole thing is so new. I don’t have a clue what I’m doing.”
“You’re doing great.”
“Gigi and I talked about maybe picking up some takeout on the way home and inviting her two sons to join us for dinner. We thought that’d be better than celebrating Gigi’s first art show at a restaurant, since Ripley has school tomorrow. I know how much you like her to get a good night’s sleep on a school night.”
“Thank you so much for considering that. That sounds great.”
“It was Gigi’s idea. She figured this party would be highly stimulating for Ripley. Plus, she thought it’d be a more relaxed environment for both of our families to talk and get to know each other at home, instead of at a noisy restaurant.”
“Gigi’s already impressing me. I can tell we’re going to get along great.”
We reach the front of the line and Dad orders four wines and one apple juice. Drinks in hand, we make our way into the heart of the party to search for Gigi, Gigi’s son, and Ripley. Quickly, we find Gigi and Ripley standing with their backs to us, alongside a young, fit man, in front of a painting.
Instantly, even from the back, I like Gigi’s style and energy. Her dark hair is in a cute, chic bob. Her dress is casually glamorous. And best of all, she’s holding Ripley’s hand and gesticulating with the other as she explains something about the painting. As Gigi talks, her body language and voice are gentle. Comfortable. Nurturing. Indeed, just this fast, I’m certain Dad’s made a fabulous choice in his first girlfriend since becoming a widower.
“Got our drinks and found Marnie, to boot,” Dad says as we approach, at which point Gigi, Ripley, and the fit, young man turn around to face us.
“Geraldine,” I gasp, the moment Gigi’s face is revealed to me. She’s the woman I befriended in yoga class last year. The woman I’d wanted to introduce to my father. And also the woman who gave birth to the man I screwed like a wild banshee about an hour ago.