I grit my teeth and give him a sweet, reassuring smile. “I’m sure she can find a way to crush her enemies without you lurking around, bringing her more coffee and snacks. She did it countless times before you popped into her life.”
“Yeah, but it’s different now.”
“I’m sure. Well, you shouldn’t have contacted Edgar if you didn’t want to get dragged into things like this.” I’m not upset with Hugo about that anymore, but it’s a convenient little stick to swing from time to time.
“So you’re really serious about him? You aren’t going to go back to Aaron?” Hugo crosses his arms. “If I’m going to help you with this, I need to be sure.”
I roll my eyes. Thank God we’re only cousins and not siblings. “Yeah. Edgar took care of Aaron permanently. And moving in is serious. Obviously.”
“Mm.” He runs his tongue over his upper teeth, contemplating the situation. “You’ve never done that with anybody else.”
“Never got pregnant with anyone’s baby, either.” I sigh. Edgar and I would never be moving in together if it weren’t for the baby. Then I remember what Mama said and shake myself. I can only focus on the present, not all the other possible choices. And why shouldn’t I take advantage of the fact that Edgar wants to be with me? People have fallen in love with much weaker ties than that. Hilary and Mark fell in love while fake-dating. So did Kim and Wyatt, for that matter, now that I think about it.
“Don’t sigh and frown like that. It’s not good for the baby.” Hugo hugs me. “Look, Jo. I think you’re a great gal. The best chica out of all my cousins.”
I laugh. “Geez, thanks.”
“Got you laughing, though.” He grins. “But seriously, Edgar only said he doesn’t love you because he hasn’t spent much time with you. Once he gets to know you better, he’s going to realize how perfect you are and fall in love. I’m sure of it.” He gives me a warm, reassuring smile.
Oh my God, Hugo. “Really?”
“Uh-huh. And if he wants you to sign a prenup or anything like that, just forward it to me. I’ll take care of it for you. We’re family.”
“You’re the best.” I hug him because he deserves it. I’m lucky to have family whose support and love I can always count on. Then I realize that Edgar hasn’t said anything about a prenuptial agreement. Maybe he hasn’t drafted one yet. He probably hasn’t had time to see a lawyer when he was working remotely and looking for a way to stop Aaron as soon as possible.
But a prenup has to be coming soon. A billionaire would absolutely want to have something like that before tying the knot. Hilary’s husband didn’t, but he literally followed her around the country to woo her. He couldn’t exactly wave a legal document while screaming, “I love you, Hilary. Marry me!”
“So. You want to take everything with you?” Hugo asks, looking around at the mountains of stuff in my apartment. Despite all the heartwarming things he said just moments ago, he looks pained now. “There’s no way I can do it by myself.”
“Don’t worry. I packed what I need over there.” I gesture at a pile of boxes.
“Okay. What about the rest? Donating them?”
“Don’t even think it! They’re just staying here for the moment.”
Hugo raises both eyebrows. “You aren’t getting rid of this place?”
“Nope.” It’s my backup plan, in case things don’t work out after four months. I know I shouldn’t think like that, but I’ve never had a relationship last longer. Though I can’t exactly tell Hugo that. “I just renewed my lease two months ago, so I can’t break it already. Even if I wanted to, I’d have to pay the entire lease amount.”
“Seriously? Did you talk to your super about it?”
“He was adamant.” Then, before Hugo can lecture me, I raise my hand. “I know I should’ve read the contract more carefully, but I honestly didn’t think this would happen. So it’s not really my fault. Besides, the location’s great.” I gesture around the apartment. “It’s fairly central, so I can just stop by and nap or relax if I’m tired while consulting with some difficult client who doesn’t care that I’m pregnant.” Most of my clients are okay, but when they feel panicked about what to wear, they can get a little crazy.
Hugo shrugs. “Okay, if that’s what you want.”
“I do. I mean, I have to pay no matter what, so why not keep the apartment and use it for the next ten months?”
“Makes sense. All right, let’s get going.” He grabs a box and grunts while lifting it. “What the hell is in this? Lead?”
“Fabric weighs a lot.”
“Good thing you called me,” he says, wheezing slightly. “I’m taking it downstairs. Don’t touch anything.” He leaves the door propped open and leaves.
Despite his overbearing attitude and being full of unsolicited advice, he’s a sweetie who means well. I should buy him dinner, whatever he wants.
Then I realize I haven’t even offered him something cold to drink. Ugh. Mama taught me better than that. I open the fridge to see what’s in there.
The door creaks behind me, and I hear footsteps.