All Fixed Up by Linda Grimes Page A

was following me?”
    â€œYeah. Obviously, he didn’t do a great job of it if you spotted him. My fault. I told him to watch out for anything odd around the house, but not to be stealthy about it. When you left so early, he decided he better see where you were going. Once he reported to me, he went back to watching the house.”
    â€œBut why?”
    â€œBilly insisted. Said he wouldn’t leave you there unless I put men on the house.”
    That made me feel all warm inside, and kind of pissed off at the same time. “You think it might have been nice to tell me? You know, so I don’t get the freaking shit scared out of me when a strange man follows me around?”
    Mark smiled. It was sort of lopsided, because the left side of his face was getting puffy. “I told your dad while you were saying good-bye to Billy. I guess you didn’t hear.” There was a rueful look in Mark’s eyes, which made me remember every second of Billy’s good-bye kiss. Yeah, it was safe to say I hadn’t heard anything. “The guy made you a little jumpy, I take it?”
    No wonder Mom and Dad hadn’t made more of a fuss when I left the house on my own. I huffed a wry laugh. “Tiny bit.”
    â€œThink it might have been a good idea to call Billy or me if you were worried?” he said, sounding a tad perturbed.
    â€œI was here by then. Presumably safe. Didn’t want to disturb your beauty sleep.”
    He looked around the training room. All the gym rats had paused their various workout activities to stare at us, probably trying to decide which of us required assistance. Mark waved them off, indicating he was fine.
    â€œSo, why are you here, Howdy? Isn’t this a little out of your usual New York routine?”
    I sat back, wrapping my arms loosely around my knees. “Had to get out of the house. You know how crazy Mom gets around the holidays. This year she’s positively manic. I needed some breathing space.”
    His eyes sharpened, delving beneath the words, as usual. “You’re happy about the baby, aren’t you? I know Thomas is thrilled, and so is Laura.”
    My breath caught when he said the word “baby.” Stupid, I know. “Sure I am,” I said breezily. “I’m as thrilled as they are. Hey, I’m gonna be an aunt”—please, God, only an aunt—“to what will no doubt be the most gifted child ever born. According to Thomas, anyway. What’s not to be thrilled about?”
    Mark cocked his head, still absently rubbing his jaw, looking like he wanted to ask more but wasn’t sure he should. Ultimately, he stood and reached down to give me a hand up. “So, are you meeting James here?”
    I grinned, happy to get off the baby topic. “Damn, I sure hope so. Otherwise I lied to Mom, and you know that never works out well—never mind, here comes reprieve.”
    James joined us, looking fit and trim in his stylish workout clothes. His boyfriend, Devon the Gorgeous, must have bought them for him, because James normally didn’t care what he wore, as long as it was functional, comfortable, and reasonably appropriate to the occasion. He steadfastly claimed not all gay men were fashionistas.
    â€œFancy meeting the two of you here. Thinking of switching teams, Mark?” he said, teasing.
    Mark laughed, a pleasant rumble no one heard often enough. “Afraid not. I’m trying to keep tabs on your sister.”
    I looked around, for the first time noticing the predominance of supremely—one might go as far as to say scrupulously—fit men. “Geez, my gaydar sucks,” I muttered.
    James caught it, and whispered, “Don’t worry, sis. I don’t think you need it.” And was that a wink? My normally staid brother was loosening up. Go, Devon!
    â€œSo,” James continued, “Mom called to make sure I didn’t ‘forget’ about our date. She seems to be