Opinionated & Out of Control by Amanda M. Lee

Author:Amanda M. Lee [Lee, Amanda M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: WinchesterShaw Publications
Published: 2022-09-12T16:00:00+00:00

THE FAMILY RESTAURANT BUZZED with activity. The family booth—which was built into the wall and allowed multiple tables to be placed inside—was half full. We immediately headed to our normal spots and slid in on the same end as Derrick and Devon.

“I’m surprised you’re out,” I said to Devon by way of greeting. “Do they allow you to leave your baby less than a month after she’s born?”

Devon’s glare was pronounced. “Nevaeh is right there.” She inclined her head toward the far table, where my mother cradled what looked to be a large potato in a blanket. “Your mother said she would hold her so I could eat. She’s a great woman, your mother. I have to wonder how she became responsible for you.”

“It’s one of life’s great mysteries,” I agreed as I leaned back in the vinyl seat. I decided to take advantage of the lull. “So, what’s the deal with Sarah Covington?”

Devon’s lips twitched. She recovered quickly, but there was no missing her initial response. “What about her? She’s filling in for my maternity leave. She’s from the Bay City market.”

“Yes, and she clearly has designs on keeping your job.” I decided feeding the fire was my best move. If Devon decided to go after Sarah, it could only benefit me. “She won’t be content to be shuffled back to Bay City when you return.”

“She won’t have a choice in the matter.” Devon sounded prim now. “That’s my job, and I’m good at it.”

“You’re the best,” I agreed.

Suspicion filled Devon’s eyes. “Why are you saying that? You don’t like me.”

“No, but I prefer competing against you. She’s a pain.”

“You’re just angry because she scooped you,” Derrick interjected, speaking for the first time. “She had the mob angle on the Russos before you did, and it’s eating you up inside.”

“She didn’t have it before me,” I shot back. “I don’t print innuendo because I’m a responsible journalist.”

Everybody at the table except Eliot laughed.

“I am,” I snapped.

“Baby, they have prime rib,” Eliot said in a soft voice. “Your favorite.”

It was his favorite too, but I didn’t point that out. “I’m fine,” I reassured him. “I’m not going to have a meltdown.”

Eliot exchanged a quick look with Derrick, something that wasn’t lost on me, and then nodded. “Of course you won’t.” On the heels of the Justin discussion, I couldn’t possibly miss the way he shifted on the booth bench next to me. “We should get some cake to take home. I love when you get all sugared up.”

“Yes, I am a delight when I channel the Cookie Monster,” I readily agreed. Because I needed a moment to collect myself, I rested my cheek against his shoulder and took a breath. It was only his reaction that informed me I was treading a fine line and that calming myself felt necessary.

“Have you held the baby?” Mom asked, jolting me out of my momentary retreat. When I shifted my gaze to her, she was holding the swaddled potato. “She’s beautiful. You should hold her, so your ovaries start yearning before it’s too late.

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