“Hmm.” Zelda peruses me over the top of her favorite mug. It’s a hideous, oversized orange one that proudly proclaims, “I Heart My Grandma.” I gave her that mug when I was still in elementary school though, and she refuses to part ways with it. “So…”

“So?” I parrot back, as Claude delivers a plate of bacon and eggs, cooked just the way I like. I thank him and dig in, admiring the blue water washing onto the sandy white beach. I love New York, but I’d be lying if I said that I never missed this view.

“Callie seems interesting. She certainly speaks her mind,” Zelda says pleasantly.

“Yes, she does.”

“And busy too, what with her job at the store, and this little business of hers.”

“Makeup is a billion-dollar industry,” I find myself saying. “There’s nothing little about it.”

I learned that lesson myself.

“There’s no denying she’s a very industrious woman.” Zelda pauses a moment. “I’m just wondering if the two of you are well suited, that’s all.”

Judging by the heat between us last night, and the way her body fit right in my hands, I’d say we are.

I clear my throat. Thinking about that at the breakfast table is a no-go. “We suit just fine. She keeps me on my toes,” I add. “Besides, isn’t this what you wanted? Me finally getting serious.”

“Well, yes, but—”

“Callie’s smart, ambitious, funny. Beautiful.” I talk over her. “What’s not to like?”

“I’m sure she has many admirable qualities… For a girlfriend. But as a long-term partner? That’s a different matter.” Zelda brightens. “Take Georgia, for instance.”

“Please, don’t.”

“The two of you made a lovely couple when you dated,” Zelda continues, like she hasn’t heard me. “She’s had a stellar education, does so much charity work—”

“—is a member of your country club, and her parents live just across the bay,” I finish for her, getting irritated now. “I’m sorry, did we travel back in time? Don’t think I didn’t notice the stunt you pulled yesterday, with all those debutantes buzzing around. Next thing, you’ll be interviewing potential candidates, and rating the width of their child-bearing hips.”

Zelda looks hurt. “I’m just looking out for you,” she says. “I want you to make the right choice about your future.”

“No, you want me to make your choices.” I correct her gently. I know that everything she does is with good intentions, but damn if they aren’t occasionally outdated, snobby ones. It’s no wonder I’ve been driven to this whole ‘fake girlfriend’ charade to keep her at bay. “I don’t need you playing matchmaker,” I say firmly. “You wanted me settled, and I am. I have a girlfriend.”

“For now.”

I pause. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Zelda gives a little shrug. “We both know how easily you get distracted. Let’s just see how this whole thing with Callie works out.”

She pats my hand, flashes a smile, and turns back to her coffee.

Uh oh.