Page 27 of Joey

“Who told you that?” I ask.

“Emma told Jesse, and Jesse told Zach, and Zach told me that you needed an office this morning in Emma’s building to hold interviews. What are you doing?”

“Not that it’s any of your fucking business,” I say. “But I was interviewing for a nanny position.”

“Nanny,” Johnny growls. “I told you not to get involved with that family.”

“She’s my daughter, Johnny. I’m not walking away.”

“And we’re winning, anyway,” Huck says.

“You’re not doing shit, Huck,” Johnny says. “This has nothing to do with you.”

“Sorry you feel that way,” I say. “But you’re wrong. Huck, Wald, Brooke, and I do everything together. This is my team now.”

“Your team,” Johnny huffs. “And what the hell is going on with her?” He points to Brooke in my lap.

“Hello,” she sings. “I’m Brooke Alder. Your brother’s better half. Nice to meet you, Johnny. Joey’s told me so many good things about you.”

Johnny laughs. “I seriously doubt that, Brooke. You can lie about this all you want, but I know you’re not his girlfriend.”

Brook turns to look at me. “Hmm. Then I guess I should stop letting you fuck me.”

“We’re been dating for three years,” I say.

“On and off,” Brooke adds. “He’s not really one of those settle-down guys, right. But I’m wearing him down. Aren’t I?” she asks me. And then she coos, “I know you’ve been shopping for rings. Huck told me.” Then she winks at Huck.

And damn. I have to give this girl credit. She does not miss anything. Huck’s name was dropped three seconds ago and Brooke picked that ball up and ran.

“Anyway,” Wald says. “The nanny thing was a bust.”

“I’m up for the job, anyway,” Brooke adds. “You know how much I love kids. I can’t wait to meet your little precious princess, Joey. We’re gonna have a blast.”

Johnny is absolutely fuming. But what can he say?

Nothing.

“Nice seeing you again,” I deadpan, looking him in the eye. “Now if you don’t mind… get the fuck out. You’re the one who has nothing to do with this.”

CHAPTER EIGHT - BROOKE

Johnny Boston points his finger at Joey and says, “I won’t bail you out when things go south. Keep that in mind, brother.”

“I don’t expect you to,” Joey says back, voice and tone even and low. “It’s not like you ever have before.”

“Fuck you,” Johnny spits. And then he glares at the rest of us. First me, then the bulldozer, Huck, then the scowling guy, who is apparently called Wald. “Fuck all of you. You have no idea who you’re up against.”

He walks out, slamming the door behind him.

I’ve heard of him. Hell, everyone’s heard of him. But seeing him in the flesh, and all angry and worked up… “Holy shit,” I say, in the wake of his anger. “Wow.” I get up off Joey’s lap and walk around the other side of the desk. “OK. So… good to know what I’m dealing with here.”

Joey is glaring at me. “You don’t seem surprised. Why is that, Brooke?”

“I’m still processing, of course,” I say, trying on my most friendly smile. “But there’s no going back now. He thinks I’m your girlfriend.”

“No,” Joey corrects me. “He was told you’re my girlfriend. What he thinks is a whole other matter.”

“Sure. But I’m up for it.”