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“She’s a really lovely person,” I tell him, not wanting to hear anything bad he has to say about Georgia. We’ve always been close and she’s the sister I never had. “And really sweet. She looks out for me.”
“She’s also really nosy.”
“She was only asking what you did. I’ve been telling everyone about how wonderful you are.”
His eyes find mind again. This makes him smile as he pulls me into his chest. I take a much needed sigh that we’re finally having a proper cuddle. “You have?”
I nod. “Yes. But playing God sounds a little… cold.”
“I came here for you, not them. I don’t care what they think. I also didn’t realize I had to impress your ex’s siblings.”
“Kirk…”
“I’m kidding, cupcake.” He kisses my nose again and this time I find it a little irritating than when he did it before. “If these people are important to you, then so be it. I’ll play nice.”
If they’re important to me?
These people?
He’ll play nice?
He’s just tired… That's what I tell myself.
I’ve always known Kirk lives in a different universe to my own, but it’s becoming a little more apparent that he thinks a little highly of himself. Still, he’s never acted this way before. He’s always been generous and kind. But ever since he walked in the door, he’s been acting like he’s better than anyone else. Maybe that’s just because he’s uncomfortable? I try not to think too much of it as I take deep breaths.
It’s wildly uncomfortable with him being here at the same time as the Bassetts, and my parents, while I introduce them to my new boyfriend, but it had to happen sometime. And Kirk insisted that he come along to Blake’s birthday, which I thought was sweet at the time. Now I can’t help wondering if he has some other ulterior motive.
“Did you want to head back to my place, freshen up?” I ask, trying to change the subject. “I’ve still got a little bit of time before the party starts.”
He looks around, and I try to imagine what he’s seeing through his eyes. Of course Kirk is used to all kinds of fancy stuff being a surgeon; he can afford a luxurious lifestyle. But this just somehow doesn’t seem to suit his tastes. He looks kinda out of place.
“I’m sure I’ll manage. Is there anything I can do?”
I feel my smile soften my face. There’s the Kirk I know. “That’s sweet of you. I still have some balloons to blow up.”
He frowns. “Balloons?”
“Yup. There’s a machine. You don’t have to blow them yourself.”
“Whatever you say, Cupcake. I’m happy to help.”
This man is sending so many mixed signals that I don’t have time to decipher them. I’m pushing them to the back of my mind to sort through later. I just hope that he does play nice, because today is about Blake and her friends, not about him or us or if any of the Bassetts or my parents like him.
I try to remind myself that before I take him by the hand and lead him over to the balloon station.
An hour later
The party is in full swing and Blake is hugging her friends as the music blares and the kids are all bouncing around the barn having a great time.
I hug myself and feel proud that we managed to pull this off. Without Brook and the rest of the Bassett family, along with Autumn and Carrie, and my parents, I never would have been able to get everything ready on time.
In all the commotion and Blake being distracted by surprise presents and a round of cupcakes — courtesy of Verne — and some double chocolate layered birthday cake from Gayle, Brook and Kirk haven’t had a chance to meet officially. I did, however, see Brook staring at him from across the other side of the room. When his eyes shifted to mine, he did not look pleased.
The last thing I need is two grown men acting like children. Maybe it’s just my imagination, but Brooklyn has no reason to act any such way toward my new boyfriend. Giving him dirty looks is childish and annoying… Just as I think it, Brook approaches with a big smile on his face and I’m glad his frown seems to have disappeared.
“You look deep in thought, Mama.” He tilts his head sideways, grinning wider.
“I’m just taking it all in. It’s been fantastic, no hitches whatsoever.”
