“That’s none of my business.”
“No, but I think it helps you to learn where I’m coming from.”
“My worry comes from what happens next.”
“What happens next is I stay and spend time with her. Meet her friends and get to know her life. In a few weeks, she’ll be at Stephanie’s wedding. Hopefully, she can come back to Charleston.”
“Then what?”
“I don’t have a crystal ball, Darby.”
“I want you to be happy, but selfishly, I want you to be happy in Charleston.”
My mind has been waging this war since I left Poppy at the pool today. Staying behind is only delaying the inevitable because Poppy and I live two very different lives.
“To be honest, I don’t know what the hell I’m doing. I’m not ready to get on a plane tomorrow and leave without spending more time with her. There’s something between us that’s unexplainable.”
“She’s special.”
“I think we already established that.”
“I’m being irrational. There’s no need for me to question you. This is your life and your decisions.” She attempts a smile but fails. Her eyes brim with tears.
Pierce moves, but I get to her first. “Is something else going on here?”
“My baby boy is named after you, and my daughter is coming in a few months. I’ve waited my entire life to be where I am. You are my rock—I can’t lose you now that everything is perfect.” Her face crumbles.
I place my glass on the table and pull her to me gently. “You’ll never lose me.”
She lets out a few sobs before sucking in a breath to get control. “Gah! I’m such an emotional wreck. I blame it on this baby being a girl. The hormones are much more unbalanced this time around.”
“Maybe so, but I think you’re jumping ahead here. Me staying behind doesn’t mean the movers are on standby. Give me some time and see how this plays out.”
“Pierce said he picked up on some intense vibes this morning when he ran into you two in the lobby.”
I glance at my brother-in-law. “I have you to thank for this? You couldn’t help yourself, could you?”
“Not a chance, I call it as I see it. Besides, you’re the one laying the seeds.”
“Why don’t y’all let me figure out what is happening before you plan my going away party?”
My sister nods against my stomach, sniffing a few times before lifting her head. “There is one good thing that comes out of this; you’re taking that time off.”
“Yes, and I sent Jackson a text this afternoon requesting a full-time assistant.”
“Excellent news.”
“Now that’s all straight, you okay? Poppy’s on the stage in twenty minutes.”
“Yes, I’m good. Sorry to bombard you like this.” She stands, sliding past me, then spins quickly. “One more thing.”
“Of course there is,” I mutter.
“This is important. Poppy mentioned something today about her last boyfriend being an asshole.”
“That would explain why he is her ex.”
“She’s been single a long time. You’ve been single a long time, too.”
“Is there a point?”
“If either of you ever needs to talk, Peirce and I are available.”
“No offense, but I’m good.” I refrain from pointing out that they are far from relationship experts. Then I think of something she can do. “I have one job for you.”
“What?”
“I need you to handle Mom.”
Her eyes bulge and face twists in dread. “You want me to handle Mom? There’s no way.”
“It’s a tough job, but try to avoid her questions.”
“How can I do that when she’s taking care of our children?”
“Just keep to the basics. I’ll tell her and Dad I’m staying. Your job is to avoid the subject of Poppy until I get back.”
“We’ll do what we can.” Pierce wraps his arm around Darby’s waist. “You won’t be able to keep your secret for long.”
“Poppy’s not a secret. There’s just nothing to discuss yet.”
“Yet,” he reaffirms with a smug smile. “I bet next weekend there will be a lot to discuss.”
“My business.”
Darby giggles, shoving her shoulder into his side. “Okay, we’ll do our best.”
I grin, knowing I’ve given her an impossible job.
“She’s on her way.” Dante strolls over. “Ryanne called after the show.”
“No problem.”
He props against the wall, evidently sticking around. “How long did you extend your stay?”
“Until Thursday.”
“Don’t know what you have planned, but the helicopter tour is cool, there are awesome shows all over the strip, and the new stadium isn’t too far if you’re into that.”
“Not staying in Vegas to sightsee.”
He turns toward me, his eyes stormy, his expression hard. Last night, his protective instincts were obvious, but he had an ease about him. Opposite of the way he’s eyeing me now.
“I think you get Pips is my girl.”
“Picked up on that.”
“Which means I look out for her, all the time.”
“Glad to hear it.”
“Poppy Malone isn’t the dreamer she portrays. She’s one of the smartest and kindest people I’ve ever known. She’s also one of the toughest.”
“You want to get to your point?”
“If you’re looking for a casual hook-up to have fun, move on. She’s not that woman.”
“You don’t know shit about me.”
“I know your type. A big shot executive that comes to Vegas to have a little fun. A gorgeous performer catches your eye, and suddenly you’re buying presents, paying for private cabanas, extending your stay at a swanky hotel, and expecting her to stay with you.”
Anger boils in my blood at his assumptions, and I stand to full height, crossing my arms to keep from curling my fists. He doesn’t balk, challenging me with his glare.
“Poppy told me you’re her family. Out of respect, I’ll let that slide. What happens between Poppy and me is between us, and I figure she’ll share what she wants. But I’m not expecting anything from her. Everything that happens is her choice. What the fuck is wrong with me hanging around to get to know her?”
“If she told you I was her family, then you need to know I take the job seriously. The family she grew up with chewed her up and spit her out. They fucked
