The Family Plan by Gina Wilkins Read Free Book Online Page B

some grocery shopping?”
    Resisting the impulse to make a smart-aleck remark to that very obvious question, Nathan merely nodded.
    Betty’s attention had already turned to his companions. “The law partner, right? Kate?”
    “Caitlin,” Nathan corrected her.
    Caitlin’s smile was only slightly strained. “Hello, Mrs. McCloud. It’s nice to see you again.”
    Her hawk-like eyes zeroing in on Isabelle, the older woman asked, “This your little girl? Didn’t know you had one. She’s a cutie.”

    Uncertain how to respond, Caitlin looked at Nathan. “I, uh…”
    It might not have been the noblest choice Nathan could have made, but he decided to take the easy way out. Escape.
    “You know, it was great to see you, Aunt Betty, but we really have to hurry. I’ll call you soon and explain everything, okay?”
    “Explain what?” she asked, frowning at him.
    He merely smiled and pushed the cart so quickly away that Isabelle’s fine hair ruffled in the resulting breeze. Her eyes big, she gazed up at him. “Who was that?” she asked in a stage whisper.
    “That was my great-aunt Betty. Yours, too, I guess.”
    “She’s loud.”
    Nathan nodded. “I know.”
    “She thinks I’m Miss Caitlin’s little girl.”
    Nathan avoided Caitlin’s eyes. “I know. I’ll explain to her later.”
    “But why…?”
    “What kind of fruit juice do you like, Isabelle?” Caitlin asked quickly.
    Isabelle seemed to debate for a moment whether to continue her line of questioning or allow herself to be distracted. But then she conceded and requested apple juice.
    Staying well ahead of Betty, Nathan practically jogged down the rest of the aisles, tossing food items into the cart until it nearly overflowed. He kept his eyes focused on the shelves, operating on the theory that if he didn’t see anyone else he knew, they wouldn’t see him, either.
    Caitlin helped him pile his purchases on the conveyor belt at the cashier’s station. He paid the sizable bill with a bank debit card, then pushed the cart full of now-bagged groceries toward the parking lot. A golfing buddy hailed him just outside the door; Nathan waved and kept moving, successfully avoiding conversation.
    “You have to talk to your mother,” Caitlin said as they reached their cars. “There’s no way you can keep this quiet for long.”
    “I know.” He glanced into the back of his car, which was filled with his bags and Isabelle’s. “Think we can put some of these bags in your car? I’m not sure everything’s going to fit in mine.”
    Caitlin hesitated a moment before opening the trunk of her Saturn. He wondered if she had considered parting from him here rather than accompanying him home. “If you have other plans for the evening, I’m sure Isabelle and I can manage by ourselves…..”
    She sighed and reached for a bag of groceries. “No, I don’t have other plans. I’m happy to give you a hand this evening. We are partners, after all.”
    Partners. Maybe she was trying to downplay the cozily intimate nature of their shopping expedition by reminding him of their business relationship. He couldn’t think of any other reason for her to bring it up. But he merely nodded, thanked her and helped her transfer the groceries to her car. He should probably feel at least a little guilty about shamelessly using her this way, but he needed her help too badly.

Chapter Four
    I t took several trips to transfer all the groceries and belongings into Nathan’s house. They unpacked briskly and with little conversation, Isabelle gamely carrying as much as her little arms could hold. Dumping suitcases in the den, they concentrated first on putting away the groceries.
    Caitlin lifted an eyebrow at the empty state of Nathan’s pantry and refrigerator. “You weren’t kidding when you said you were out of groceries, were you?”
    He made a face as he stashed milk, eggs and cheese in the nearly empty fridge. “You’re not the only one who survives on take-out