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I can't help but laugh at his attempt to be helpful. "You really have no idea about any of that, do you?"
"Hey, I may not know much now, but I promise I'll learn fast," he says with a grin.
I shake my head, amused by his sudden enthusiasm for fake fatherhood. If only he knew that he was the actual father.
A stab of guilt hits me, but I push it away. This is all for the best. Besides, he doesn't need to know the truth. That would complicate things even more.
I go to retort but the sound of my phone interrupts.
Ding!
It’s another text from Nonna. "Speaking of George, I bet he has a grandmother he actually visits. You've been gone so long, I'm beginning to forget what you look like. Why don't you come over? You know my hip's been hurting more and more. I can barely get to the kitchen to make myself my morning vodka and prune juice."
I chuckle, shaking my head at Nonna's humor.
She's always been the sassy grandmother who can still outdrink us all. And she's right, I have been out of commission, focused on the new job—and baby—now…
My chest squeezes as I type back a quick response. "Wait a minute. Does that mean you didn't eat dinner tonight? Or did you just have vodka and prunes?"
I hit send and wait for her response, already mentally planning a visit to her apartment this weekend.
Nonna may not be the most conventional grandmother, but she's always been there for me, especially after my parents moved away.
Now living in Bali, they've been sending me pictures of the beautiful beaches and sunsets. And while I love seeing the accounts of exotic places, I have to bite back the wave of anger that usually crops up. Anger that my parents spent most of Gio’s and my childhood chasing gorgeous locales, leaving us with Nonna.
But I can't dwell on it now.
I have a baby to take care of and a job that's finally taking off. Plus, Nonna has always been more of a mother to me than my own mom ever was.
I revise my text. "Forget this weekend. I'm coming over tonight. Drop off some food and a bottle of wine on my way. And I'll bring some extra prune juice for you."
I hit send with a grin and I turn back to Jacob who's been watching me intently during my exchange with Nonna. "So, do we have a deal?" he asks.
I take a deep breath and consider his offer. It's not like I have many other options at this point. And having someone to help me out with the baby does sound appealing.
"I don't know." I sigh. "I'll have to think about it. I've gotta go."
I start to stand, and Jacob reaches out to help me. Being five months pregnant definitely has its challenges. Mobility being one of them.
"You have to go?" His blue eyes narrow. "Go where?"
"To Nonna's," I say, grabbing my purse from near the coffee table. "She hasn't eaten, so I need to drop off some food and wine."
He seems to consider something for a moment before nodding. "I'll come with you."
I smile and shake my head, knowing he's just trying to be chivalrous.
"You don't have to do that," I say, grabbing for the bag of lasagna and moving around the couch. "I can handle it on my own."
"But what about the baby?" Jacob insists, following me. "Should you be carrying all that food and wine?"
"I'll manage."
"Manage to what? Waddle over to Nonna's on your own?"
I glance back at Jacob, at his handsome face. His sandy-blond hair is long overdue for a cut and he has a five o'clock shadow that's slowly creeping towards ten. His blue eyes sparkle with humor, making me smile despite my exhaustion.
"Fine," I say, giving in. "You can come with me."
