Page 7 of The Hook Up
“It’s fine, just like I told him,” Ellie insisted. “I sell sex toys for a living. I’m obviously not offended by dirty talk, especially the unintentional kind.”
“That’s what I explained to him.” Miriam rested a hand on her pregnant belly and took a sip of her grape juice, which Ellie had poured into a wineglass so her sister-in-law could still feel fancy. “Anyway,” Miriam continued, “did Ty give you some good info?”
“He gave me something, all right.” Ellie’s cheeks warmed, and she wanted to smack herself. Seriously, how out of practice was she? “Sorry, I shouldn’t ogle your colleagues.”
Miriam laughed. “I promise not to tell. So, you thought he was hot?”
Ellie’s face got warmer, and she took a sip of water to cover. “I suppose he’s attractive if you’re into the whole tall, dark, and ridiculously handsome thing.”
Miriam nodded. “He’s a war vet, too.”
A war vet? That was interesting. Ellie could picture it, actually. There was something a little haunted in those dark eyes. Something noble, too, or maybe she was projecting. Aside from her brother, there hadn’t been that many noble men in her life.
“He definitely seemed to know his stuff,” Ellie said. “Marketing stuff, I mean. And bowling balls.” She smiled at the memory, wondering how he might have approached the conversation differently if he’d known what she really sold.
“He’s ridiculously smart,” Miriam agreed. “And a hard worker.”
Ellie did her best not to release the dreamy sigh welling in her chest. “Smart, hot, good work ethic, war hero—God, women must chase him down the street to throw their panties at him.”
Miriam looked thoughtful. “Actually, I don’t think he dates much.” She shrugged. “He never talks about it, anyway.”
“Huh.” Ellie was dying to ask more about him but didn’t want to be too obvious. She settled for changing the subject. “Did I tell you I had a voicemail from Chuck?”
Miriam frowned. “What did the sperm donor want?”
Ellie smiled, appreciating that Miriam never called Henry’s father his “dad.” Chuck sure as hell hadn’t earned the title.
“He wants to make changes to his child support payments,” Ellie continued. “The state garners part of his wages every month. There’s this complicated formula based on his income and how much time Henry spends with each parent.”
“Which is zero time in his case, right?”
“Right,” Ellie said. “Anyway, I haven’t called him back. I’d rather just let the state handle him. I don’t want to give him the chance to try and sweet talk me into taking less for Henry.”
“Good girl,” Miriam said. “Way to stick to your guns.”
“Thanks. I’m trying. I just wish he weren’t such a bastard. Henry’s such a great kid, and Chuck wants nothing to do with him.”
“His loss. Truly.” Miriam winced, and Ellie guessed the baby had probably just socked her sister-in-law right in the bladder. Ellie remembered that feeling. She’d loved being pregnant with Henry, even with the swollen ankles and weird cravings for things like arugula and cheesy eggs.
“So,” Miriam said when her grimace faded.“Henry’s healthy. Your business is booming. You’re looking great.”
“Thanks.” Ellie smiled. “I’ve been biking more now that Henry’s in school. It’s so nice to get back to something I’ve always loved.”
“I swear, you and Jason must have been born wearing cycling jerseys and ski boots with a tennis racquet clutched in each hand.”
“Please.” Ellie gave a mock shudder. “I’m way too uncoordinated for tennis. But I do love getting out on my bike again.”
“Smart mama. All the parenting books I’m reading talk about the importance of hobbies and self-care.”
“It does make a difference.” A flicker of pride warmed Ellie’s core as she thought about how hard she’d worked to reach this point. To survive divorce and Henry’s cancer and to carve out a happy, healthy place for the two of them.
“So life’s going great for you,” Miriam said.
“Uh-huh,” Ellie said, not sure where this was headed.
“Ever think about dating again?”
Ellie shrugged and tried to keep her expression casual. “Sometimes. Starting a relationship is tough when you have a kid.”
