Page 60 of Taking the Pitch
“It’s fine. I totally get it. He’s really good with the kids at the library.”
They all give me a weird look, like they know something I don’t. I really don’t know how to describe it. “I should get back to the potatoes,” I say, throwing a thumb over my shoulder.
Lucy and Kessler follow Marlene and I back to the kitchen. Both taking a seat across from us.
“I’m surprised Marlene is letting you help her. She never lets me help,” Lucy comments.
“I uh, kinda didn’t give her a choice. I just washed my hands and told her to put me to work,” I say sheepishly.
“Guess I should try that next time.”
Marlene sets apple slices and a bowl of what looks like caramel in front of Lucy and her eyes light up. “Ooh yes, come to mama,” she says, dipping a piece of apple into the caramel. The amount of caramel she scoops up makes my teeth hurt by just looking at it, but Lucy shoves the whole slice into hermouth, moaning in delight. “So good,” she mumbles around the mouthful.
Kessler looks to the ceiling and shifts in his seat. Marlene and I chuckle from the other side. Lucy’s eyes meet mine and she gives me a wink before dipping another piece in, repeating her sounds. Kessler pushes back from the island, mumbling something about going to the shop and disappears out the back door, still in his socks.
We all burst out laughing. Lucy reaches for a napkin, wiping tears away. “I’m sorry. I know that was cruel, but I had to.” She sighs and settles back into her chair.
“Is he still being overbearing, hun?” Marlene asks, putting the finishing touches on her apple dessert before sticking it in the second oven. Whatever she’s making looks amazing, and my stomach rumbles in agreement.
“Not nearly as bad as he was. Judd helped me talk to him on Halloween, so it’s been better. But you know Kessler. Always the worrier.”
I cut the last potato up and take them over to the sink for a final rinse. After placing them into the pot Marlene gave me and filling it with water, Marlene takes it from me and thanks me for my help. “Anything else I can help with?” I ask, feeling like I should do more.
“No dear, now we sit and wait for things to cook.” Marlene grabs a bottle of wine out of the fridge and pours herself a glass, then looks up at me. “Would you like one?”
Lucy whines, “I miss wine.”
Marlene gives her a sympathetic look. “You’ll be back to enjoying wine before you know it.”
Lucy turns to me. “Have a glass for me. Please, I’m begging you.”
I smirk and nod. “Well, when you put it like that, how can I say no?”
Marlene turns, grabbing another glass out of the cupboard and pours me a glass. “Let’s go sit in the living room where it’s more comfortable.”
Lucy tucks her feet under her once we’re settled in front of the fireplace and turns to me. “So, Judd said you wanted to talk to me?”
I take a sip of my wine and nod. “I’m working on the next book in my baseball series and I’m stuck.”
Lucy sits forward. “Is it Dean’s story?”
I nod.
She plops back into the pile of pillows behind her. “I’m going to be ruined by his story. I’ve been dying for it.” She sighs. “But how can I help? I know nothing about writing.”
“Well,” I start, “I’m pairing him up with a single mom. I know nothing about being a parent, let alone having to do it on your own.”
She raises her eyebrows and sits up. “Really? Oh man, he’d be such a good DILF.” She pauses, eyes shooting to Marlene and cringes.
Marlene waves her off. “I was your age once too, you know, plus you’ve gotten me into these books, remember? I agree, Dean would be a good DILF.”
My face flushes. Normally I’m not embarrassed with what I write, but knowing Judd’s mother has read…scenes, has me taking a bigger drink of my wine.
“You’re very talented, dear.”
“Oh god,” I groan, covering my face.
Lucy and Marlene both chuckle. “Nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s human nature,” Marlene says before taking a sip of wine.
