Laughing, I peer around the room along with her and find a woman standing alone in a dark corner. As I start to point her out to Molly, I halt when I realize that I recognize her as the woman who was sitting outside Dayton’s office the day I told him I was pregnant.

His assistant and the woman Billy is—or was—having an affair with.

Also, the person who Dayton is supposed to be fake dating.

Though, if that is still the case, it would be obvious to anyone paying attention that they are not together. Molly and I arrived here with Dayton, not her, and even though he and I have spent most of the evening apart, I haven’t once seen the two of them talking.

As I take a sip of my drink, I study her over the rim of the glass. She’s very pretty. She also looks totally uncomfortable.

Understandable. I would be uncomfortable, too, if I had to be in the same room as the guy I’m sleeping with and his wife. Taking my eyes off her, I scan the room for Shelly, finding her and my mom still together.

I wonder if she knows that Billy’s mistress is here.

And if she doesn’t, I wonder what she would do if she found out.

Most likely nothing. She wouldn’t want to cause a scene. But that doesn’t mean she wouldn’t be embarrassed—and hurt—that she was put in that kind of situation by her husband, who is supposed to look out for her.

“What are you two doing?” A heavy arm is slung over my shoulders and Molly’s as Jacob comes to stand between us.

“Nothing.” I shake him off. “I didn’t know you were coming tonight.”

“Mom said she’d pay my credit card bill if I showed up.” He takes my drink from me and downs a huge mouthful. Swallowing it with a scowl, he shoves the glass back at me. “What the hell is that?” He wipes his mouth with the back of his arm.

“Sparkling water.”

“Why the hell are you drinking that?”

“I’m really starting to think Mom is paying for you to be on the dean’s list,” I mutter, and Molly laughs.

“Ha-ha, very funny.” He looks around. “Where is Mom anyway?”

“She’s with Shelly.” I point across the room, then ask, “Why do you need Mom to pay your credit card bill? I thought you were working.”

“I am working, but I’m not ashamed to take a handout every now and again.”

“Of course, what was I thinking?” I roll my eyes.

“Oh, okay, Miss Goody Two Shoes. Is your baby daddy here tonight?” Thank God he’s always in my corner, so at least he keeps his voice low.

“Jacob,” I warn, even though it’s unnecessary.

“It’s just a question.” He grins.

“Don’t be annoying.”