“Really? Why?” I ask, surprised.

“Because she finally realized that this wasn’t a way to get a date with Simon,” Violet replies. “But that’s just between us.”

“I don’t know, Simon looks at Charly like he’s interested,” Heidi says, looking at me thoughtfully.

“He does not,” I reply immediately and smile when our plates are set before us. “God, this looks good.”

“Yep, that’s how he looks at you,” Heidi says.

“How?”

“The way you’re looking at your burger.”

We all crack up and dig in, sighing in delight. “So good,” I say around a huge bite of burger and fries. “I should have ordered two.”

“Back to the subject at hand,” Violet says, ignoring my bad manners, “I think Heidi’s right.”

“Trust me, I have way more lust for this burger than Simon has for me.”

“Whatever,” Heidi says, rolling her eyes.

“Besides,” I continue, “he’s made it clear that this is strictly professional, and I already know that he’s not right for me.”

“You already know that?” Violet asks.

“Yep. I always know.” And it’s not just a little disappointing that I haven’t found the right one yet.

“Now, this is advice I need,” Heidi says and leans in. “Because I always choose badly. How do you know?”

“I can tell in the first five minutes if a man is the one. And trust me, Simon isn’t him.”

“How in the hell can you tell in five minutes?” Heidi asks.

“I just can,” I reply with a shrug. “Sometimes it’s based on the clothes they wear, or what they do for a living, or their opinion on food.”

“Oh Lord,” Violet says and laughs. “You can’t be serious.”

“Of course I am,” I reply. “These are all deal breakers for me. And, Simon is out of the running based on geography.”

“Now I’m intrigued. Do tell,” Heidi says.

“He’s international, and I live in New Orleans. It would never work.”

“So, just like that, he’s out.” Violet nods. “Okay. How many times have you found the one based on this theory?”

“None,” I reply with a frown. “But I’ll know it when I do.”

Heidi starts to speak, but my phone beeps with an incoming text from Eli. It’s a picture of an ultrasound with the caption You’re gonna be an aunt again!

“Look! My brother just sent me this. His wife is pregnant.” I show the photo off proudly. “It’s the most beautiful baby ever.”

“Yep, it’s a blob,” Heidi says with a laugh. “I have three of my own, and they all started just like this. Congratulations.”

“Thanks. I’m going to step out on the deck and call him really quick. I’ll be right back.”

“Take your time,” Violet says with a smile. “We’re in no rush.”

I nod and dial Eli’s number as I step out into the summer sunshine.

“Hello, Aunt Charly,” he says.

“Hi, Daddy,” I reply with a giggle. “Congratulations, Eli.”

“Thanks. We had a bit of a scare, but everything’s okay.”

“Van told me. I’m so happy that Kate’s okay and that we’re going to have a new bebe to love on soon.”

“How are things there?” he asks, his voice serious again. “Are you learning anything valuable?”

“I’m learning all kinds of things,” I reply. “And you sound like Dad.”

“Well, that’s good because I’m about to be one,” he says. “Holy shit, Char, I’m gonna be a papa.”

“You’re going to be an amazing father, Eli. You’re a wonderful man. This baby is lucky.”

“Okay, let’s not get too touchy feely here.”

I roll my eyes.

“You’re okay?”

“I’m okay,” I reply, meaning it. “I’m enjoying it more than I ever thought I would, but don’t tell Van. I’m going to let her think that she made me come against my will for a while longer.”

“Women are mean.”

“You beat your brothers up every day at lunch.”

“That’s called martial arts, and a workout,” he replies easily. “Not the same.”

“Whatever. Kiss Kate for me. I’ll see you next week.”

“Be safe, darlin’.”

I end the call and look at the ultrasound again, smiling widely. There’s a little baby coming to join our family soon. I can’t wait!

“Is that yours?”

I spin to find Todd standing behind me.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to look over your shoulder, but that’s hard to miss.”

“No, it’s fine,” I say with a laugh. “It’s definitely not mine. It’s my brother’s. His wife is pregnant, and he sent me this to tell me.”

“Excellent,” Todd says, his accent as thick as Simon’s, yet not quite as sexy. “Did you know that the baby is the size of a peanut right now?”

“Did you know tidbits like that during every phase of your wife’s pregnancy?”

“Hey, I did my homework,” he says with a wink. “Congratulations.”

He pats my shoulder and walks away, and I gaze down at the photo one more time.

I love you, little peanut.

***

I’m late. I hate being late.