His Nasty Virgin

VIVIAN

“Well,” Wally said, clapping his hands together.

“This is it. What do you think?”

Jesse and I stepped into the apartment. It had two bedrooms with a shared bathroom at the end of the hall and a cozy living room that opened into the small kitchen. Video game and movie posters decorated the walls. The furniture was all mismatched, likely purchased over time from different places -garage sales, picked up off the side of the curb- but that’s what gave Wally’s apartment so much charm. A definite bachelor pad, but there was a spark of pride in his eyes.

I recognized it, that look. I’d felt the same about my apartment. It was his, something he could have all to himself. And, of course, his roommate with whom he split the rent.

“It’s lovely,” I said. I nudged Jesse in the ribs with the tip of my elbow. “Right, babe?”

Jesse nodded slowly. “Yes. Lovely.”

I cleared my throat. A warning.

Jesse brightened his tone. “I’m proud of you, son. How’s the new job treating you?”

Wally smiled wide. “Good. Long hours, but it pays great. I’ve already got enough saved for my flight to Paris next year. In the meantime, it’s a great learning experience.” He waved us into the kitchen. “Please, have a seat. Dinner’s almost ready. I just need to add the final touches to a couple of things.”

“Thank you for inviting us,” I said as Jesse pulled my chair out for me, ever the gentleman. “I’ve been looking forward to trying your cooking. Oh, did you remember the thing about the tuna?”

Wally nodded. “Yes. Tuna’s not on the menu tonight. Dad made sure to remind me. Twice.”

Jesse shrugged as he sat down next to me at the table. “I thought it needed repeating.”

Although the kitchen was small, Wally moved fluidly around like it was his kingdom. His knives were sharp, his timing impeccable, his measurements precise. The way he played made our meals look like edible works of art. He wasn’t shy about the seasoning, and he delivered our food piping hot and ready to be devoured. It was quite literally dinner and a show.

And Jesse looked like he couldn’t be prouder.

“Dig in,” Wally said. “Tonight we’re having pan-fried halibut in a buttered panko crust with a side of scalloped potatoes and sauteed vegetables. The omega-three in the fish’ll be good for you and the kiddos.”

I took a bite and practically swooned. The halibut was delightfully crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, practically melting on my tongue. The potatoes were creamy, and the vegetables offered an earthy finish.

“This is amazing,” I mumbled, not the least bit concerned that I was talking with my mouth full.

“Five-star worthy,” Jesse said, nodding in agreement.

Wally smiled, clearly pleased. “Thanks, Dad. Thanks,

Viv.”

“How long is that culinary program again?” Jesse asked.

“Two years, give or take.”

“You must be excited.”

“I am.”

“My offer still stands, you know. I don’t mind paying for the flight. You might as well save your money and use it on whatever supplies you need when you get there.”

“You’ve already paid the tuition, Dad. I think I can handle the plane ticket. Besides, the school pays for our

things. It’s built into the program.”

“Well, I’m here if you need anything.”

“I know,” Wally said meaningfully. “Thank you. Really.” We continued to eat, conversation light and pleasant.

“So, how’s the baby name debate going?” Wally asked.

I groaned, rolling my eyes. “Don’t even get me started.”

“We’re stuck between Alexander or Matthew if one’s a boy,” Jesse explained.

“No,” I said firmly. “You’re stuck between Alexander and Matthew. If they’re boys, I want to name them Peter andUpstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

Jack.”

“Peter and Jack are such boring names,” Jesse argued.

“And Alexander and Matthew sound way too stuffy!”

“We can always shorten it and call them Alex and Matt.”

“Oh, sure. It’s the length of the names that’s the problem.”

Wally chuckled. “And if they’re girls?” Jesse rubbed his temples. “No, not this again.” “Anastasia and Charlotte,” I announced.

“No,” he said. “I thought we agreed on Isabella and Daisy.”

“Oh my God, we’re never going to agree on anything. Can we just pull an Elon Musk and give them numbers in their names?”

“I love my children too much to do that.”

“Okay, fair. I guess it’s back to the drawing board.”

Jesse sighed. “Look, how about we let Wally decide?” Wally threw his hands up and shook his head. “Nope.

Leave me out of it.”

“Maybe we could ask Molly?” I suggested.

“She’s biased. She’ll agree with you.”

“And what? Wally isn’t biased? He’d just agree with you.”

“Maybe I should give Theo and Ava a call.”

“But there’s two of them. We need an odd number of votes for a deal breaker.”

“Ugh, okay. How about-” Jesse’s phone rang, interrupting him mid-sentence. He checked the screen and frowned. “Ah, shit. It’s work.”

“It’s after work hours,” I pointed out, mildly disappointed. “You promised, babe. No phone calls after seven.”

“I’m sorry, angel. It’s Devin. You know he only ever calls if it’s an emergency. I’ll be sure to tell him off.” “You’d better,” I mumbled.

“Excuse me just a sec. I’ll be out in the hall.” Jesse got up from the table and kissed the top of my head before leaving for a more private area to speak.

“Things seem to be going pretty well between you two,” Wally observed aloud. “Apart from the whole baby name thing.”

I giggled. “Yeah. We normally agree on everything, but this is turning out to be a lot harder than we first thought.”

Wally took another bite of his food, chewing slowly. “I’m happy for you two. Really.”

“Thank you, Wally. That means a lot to me. To us.”

“I can’t believe I’m going to be an older brother in a couple of months. That’ll be weird.”

“Well, think of it this way: you don’t have to share any of your toys.”

“That’s true. I’m probably going to spoil them, either way.”

“Oh, Molly’s way ahead of you on that one. She’s for some reason taken it upon herself to be the one the kids run off to when they’ve got problems.”

Wally laughed softly. “Maybe I’ll be the one they run off to when they get sick of your cooking.”

“Who says they’ll get sick of my cooking?”

He held up his hands in mock surrender. “I’m sure your cooking’s fine.” He pulled a face. “You’re not going to make me call you my stepmom, are you?”

I nearly spat out my water. “Oh, God no. That’d be so weird.”

“Oh, good. Yeah. Very weird.”

“But I doubt that’s something you’ll have to worry about any time soon.”

“Oh? You mean he hasn’t popped the question yet?”

I shook my head, heat filling my cheeks. “No.”

“Do you want him to pop the question?”

I peeked over my shoulder to make sure Jesse was still in the hallway taking his call. I leaned forward and whispered, “Yes and no.”

“Could you be any more confusing?”

“Yes, I’d like him to ask, but not right now.”

“Really? Even with the twins on the way?”

I shrugged. “I like the way things are right now. And I know Jesse will be there for me and the kids no matter what. With or without a ring, I love him and I know he loves me. For now, that’s all I need. Besides, it’s the twenty-first century. Just because I’m expecting doesn’t mean we have to tie the knot.”

“That’s very true. Although…”

“What?”

“I don’t know,” Wally mumbled. “Dad’s always been such a traditional kind of guy. You’ve changed him.”

“Nah,” I said lightly. “I think he did that all by himself.”

Jesse returned some minutes later, shaking his head as he shoved his phone into his back pocket. I arched an eyebrow at him, to which he responded, “One of the bodyguards couldn’t remember where they put his duffle bag.”

“Ah, so not a work emergency, then?”

“I mean, it did have his gun in it. I can’t have work-issued firearms floating around for anyone to find.” Jesse kissed my cheek apologetically. “Sorry. No more work calls after hours, I promise.”

“You have changed,” Wally muttered as he took another bite of his deliciously prepared meal.