Baby (Laundromat Chonicles Book 3) by Angie Merriam Read Free Book Online Page A

excitement.
    “My little drama mama. Dig up that dirt and bring it home to me.” I’m probably just as excited as she is to hear some dirt. I know, makes me a pussy but whatever. If anything, it gives Lena and me something to talk about. I love her and she loves me, but when you’re with one person day in and day out, things can get monotonous. I really put effort into keeping things fresh for us. It’s not always easy.
    “Drama mama?” she repeats, laughing at the term.
    “Yeah, it’s cute right?” Chuckling myself, I rest my hand on her thigh.
    “Maybe, but since when do you want in on girl gossip?”
    “Since I don’t have a lot of dudes to chill with,” I reply honestly. “Besides, Jase is a nice guy and it’s obvious he has the hots for Amanda, so I’m just curious to know what’s going on. You know, in case he asks me about it.” I leave out the part that I just like having something for us to talk about that doesn’t have anything to do with our lives.
    “Awe, my gossip prince,” she teases, running her hand along the side of my face. I shoot her a glare that causes her to burst out laughing. “What, it’s cute right?” she said through fits of giggles, mocking me.
    “Ha, ha. You’re pretty funny.” I pull into the parking lot of the baby store.
    “I know I am,” she smirks. “Oh look, there’s Miss Ruby.” She points toward the front of the store, the excitement rolling off her. I pull into the spot beside Miss Ruby’s car and kill the engine. Hustling around to Lena’s side, I open her door, helping her out. Not many dudes these days still open the car door for their woman but if my dad taught me anything, which wasn’t a lot, it was how to treat a woman. Before my mom passed away he always did things like open the car door, hold the door for her to go in first, hold her hand in public. There wasn’t a day that went by that my dad didn’t show my mom how much he loved and respected her. There won’t be a day that goes by that Lena doesn’t know how much I love and respect her.
    “Well hello, you two.” Miss Ruby beams as I help Lena up and out of the car. “Lena, are you ready to shop til you drop?” The old woman’s excitement is as tangible as Lena’s. I am beyond thankful for her, especially since Lena’s own mother basically disowned her. Finding our new friends from the laundromat is a blessing for both of us.
    “Hi, Miss Ruby, yes I am so excited. Feeling a bit large but excited anyway.” Lena flashes her million dollar smile while rubbing her growing belly.
    “You look beautiful, dear. Pregnancy suits you.” Ruby pulls Lena into a hug, reiterating her words.
    “Thank you,” Lena responds shyly before turning to me. “So you’ll be over at Jase’s house?”
    “Yep, gonna go watch the game and stuff. Man stuff,” I joked.
    “Good for you, dear. Jase seems like a good man. Don’t you worry about Lena, she’s in good hands,” Ruby assures me, but there is no need.
    Offering her a smile and a brief hug. “I have no doubt.” I return my attention to Lena, leaning in to kiss my girl’s cheek, resting my hand on her belly. “See you later, babe. Have fun. I’ll pick you up around five?” I asked and glance back at Ruby for confirmation.
    “Make it six. We’re going to go to dinner after shopping.”
    “I don’t have much money, Miss Ruby,” Lena admits quietly, and I felt immediately like an asshole. I wish I had money to spare for her to have fun, but what I make goes to bills and saving for the baby.
    “My treat, don’t you worry about a thing today. This whole day is my treat,” Ruby says, rubbing her hands together. “Now, you go and leave us to do girl things.” She shoos me to my car just as Jewel and Amanda pull in. Yeah, all the women have arrived which is definitely my cue to exit.
    “Thank you again, Miss Ruby. I’ll see you a bit later, babe, have fun.” With a nod of my head to Miss Ruby, another kiss for Lena and quick wave to