Unexpected Eva (Triple Trouble #3)(62)

“Great question, Fraser,” Hunter throws in. “Because when Eden and I drove off about ten minutes later, the lights were still off.”

These two asshats.

“There was a fault with the lights,” I say a little too quickly.

“First I’ve heard of it.” Ella hitches a perfectly preened brow. “Did you report it to Dad to check it out for us, get his maintenance team to have a look?”

“Eh, yeah, I think I did. Maybe I forgot.” My new nickname is Fibsterina.

“Ooooo, and what about that echoing on the phone on Saturday? Knox said he doesn’t have a pool, but…” Ella holds a manicured finger in the air to make her point. “Dad tells me he does.”

“What did you say to Dad?” I gape.

“Uh-huh. And there’s all the evidence we needed.”

“I’m not sleeping with Knox,” I protest.

“No, you’re not, because I am,” a voice butts in. “And he doesn’t take women back to his home. He’s very protective of his personal space.”

Aw, hell. Just brilliant. Tabitha ‘the princess’ MacEvoy.

But a nice save.

She stands at the foot of our table, just off to the side of the three-seater stroller where my triplet nephews are all snuggled up, sleeping. So damn cute.

“See? Told you.” I point to Tabitha. “Knox and Tabitha are a thing,” I say, knowing good and well they are not.

“We’re more than a thing.” Tabitha’s tight lips curl. “We’ll be getting married. Watch this space. And as if he would go with you, Eva.” She looks me up and down like I’m a piece of dog shit on her shoe. “You are way too young for him. And look at the way you dress.” She flares her nostrils as if the stench from my outfit offends her. “You are so not his type.”

I look down and question my vintage dark-green and red leopard print wrap skirt and simple tucked in white tee shirt I am wearing today. I thought I’d matched it perfectly with my forest green Fedora hat with a contrasting white leather band. Clearly not.

I love my outfit today.

“Hey, uptight Tabby. You watch your tongue.” Ella squares her shoulders.

“Rude,” Eden mutters.

“Do us a favor, Tabitha.” Fraser looks at me as he covers Archie’s ears. “Cover Hamish's ears, please, Eva.” I do. He continues. “Go fuck yourself, sweetheart. If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say it all. It’s true what they say about you, Tabitha. You’re a class A bitch with no class.”

Holding my tongue, I maintain my cool and sit up straighter, grateful for Fraser having my back.

“And what they say about you it true too, Fraser. A Neanderthal with a filthy mouth. I also read in the papers you’d cheated on your ex-wife. Good luck, Ella.” Flashing her wears, she pulls her caramel designer tote bag into the crook of her elbow and leaves on her red-soled heels.

“Motherfucker,” Fraser hisses with his hands still over Archie's ears as he continues eating his never-ending ice cream.

“Don’t let her upset you, Fraser. She doesn’t know the full story.” Comforting him, I remove my hands from Hamish’s ears and reach my hand out, gesturing for him to take it. I cover his hand with mine and give it a squeeze. “Thank you for sticking up for me.” I like having two big burly brothers-in-law. It’s quite nice.

Even when they are teasing me.

“Oh, she will know the full story. Trust me. She knows everything. She’s a wind-up merchant.” Fraser watches Tabitha’s back as she leaves the parlor.

“I know. Seeking Knox out, like she was on some kind of hunting expedition, she turned up at the studio on Wednesday evening and she was mean to me then too. She said I was artsy-fartsy. I don’t like her.”

“Whoa, she must be really awful if you don't like her. You girls like everyone.” Hunter takes a sip of his soda. “She seems incredibly likeable, too. What’s not to love?” he says sarcastically. “And what the hell does Knox see in her?”

“Pussy,” Fraser says without thinking.

Argh. I’m jealous of her, knowing what Knox is like in bed. The thought of her even so much as pressing a finger to his skin gives me the collywobbles.

“I would like a pussycat, Momma. Can we get one?” Hamish asks, all sticky fingers and gooey mouth.

“Can we call it Tabby?” Archie chimes in.

We all burst out laughing.

Well, that diverted the conversation from Knox and me.

Thank you, Tabitha, Hamish, and Archie.

Nice diversion.

“Oh, I need your help with the centerpieces for the wedding reception and picking the wedding favors, Eva. Eden isn’t free on Monday anymore when I have the appointment. Could you come with me instead, please?”

“Yes, no problem at all.”

More to-do list stuff and more childcare to reshuffle.

Great.





“Which one are you fucking?” Beth, my forthright friend, shouts into my ear over the infectious beats of “Tell Me Something Good” by Ewan McVicar.

We’re at the Vault. The only nightclub in town. It’s beautifully styled in shimmering golds and plush black fabrics. Beth’s brother, Roman, manages the venue. She always scores us a VIP spot up the stairs. Tonight is no exception.