Page 26 of Flirting with Trouble

“Oh, honey, why do you think I asked for him?” My mother nuzzles Stevie as she walks over to Keira and then hands her the baby.

“At least now we know who Mom’s favorite is.” Bellamy rolls her eyes.

Keira flashes her own cheesy smile.

And so begins our typical family get-together.

Breakfast is delicious, and as usual, there’s never a lull in conversation. “Jules, honey, how are you feeling?” my mother asks, as if she and Jules’s mom haven’t been by their house every other day to see the baby.

“Like I just pushed a watermelon out of my body, but it is totally worth it.” Jules gazes lovingly at Stevie, nestled in the crook of Grant’s arm.

“Fitz, is there a problem at the resort?” my father asks.

“No,” Fitz says, focusing on his phone.

“Then how about putting your phone down and joining us?” my father suggests.

“Sorry.” Fitz pockets his phone. “I was just checking out the hotel for that conference you’re sending me to.”

“There’s plenty of time for that later,” my father says.

“Fitz, you’re going away?” Keira asks. “As in, leaving the island?”

We all look at him with surprise.

“Yeah. I’m taking Mom and Dad’s place at the resort owners’ conference in December,” Fitz says.

“Try not to sound so excited about it,” I tease.

Fitz gives me a look that says he’s not going to fake excitement for my benefit.

“I know you love the island, Fitz, but you need to get used to going to things like that,” my mother says. “This place is going to be yours one day.”

“It’s about time you got out of here and saw the world,” Grant says.

“A conference sounds exciting,” Jules says. “Where are you going?”

“Costa Rica,” Fitz says.

“I’ll go with you!” Bellamy offers. “We’ll have so much fun, and it’ll be great for my social pages. Think of all the women you’ll get with that kind of exposure.”

“As if Fitz needs your help?” Keira says. “He has to fend women off every time he goes out.”

“Think of all the new female resort customers he’ll get if he’s featured on my social pages,” Bellamy says.

Fitz picks up his coffee cup and shakes his head. “Sorry, Bellamy, but this is a solo excursion.”

Bellamy rolls her eyes. “You’re no fun. What if I promise to stay out of your hair?”

Fitz looks amused. “You think I’d let you run around Costa Rica alone? Not a chance.”

“Whatever,” Bellamy says. “Hey, Kei, you and I should book a trip. Have you thought any more about selling your goodies online?”

“What goodies are those?” Grant asks sternly.

“Her tasty treats, you weirdo,” Bellamy says.

“Don’t worry, Grant, I’d never sell my body or my baked goods online. I don’t like working for other people,” Keira says.