Free Baby Kisses by Verna Clay

"So, Miles, Dad tells me you're considering writing a romance in the vein of Nicolas Sparks. I think that's wonderful. What made you want to do that?"
    Miles gave his sister a look of appreciation. "Actually, Tooty talked me into writing a romance scene in the last Mac Righteous book and I kinda liked it. Writing romance would certainly be a stretch for me and I need a challenge."
    Cecelia looked at Tooty. "I've been telling Miles he needs to write in a different genre for years. Finally, he's met someone to whom he'll listen. Thanks, Tooty."
    Tooty smiled at Cecelia and chanced a glance at Monica. Her eyes sparked contempt.
    By the time lunch was over, Tooty felt certain Monica and Mrs. Brightman had asked her to join them for the purpose of making her realize just how lacking she was in refinement. Hell, she didn't need this lunch to show her that. The only bright spot in the whole affair had been meeting Cecelia.
    After lunch, Miles and his sister bid hasty goodbyes because they had pressing appointments. During the return ride to the penthouse after a lengthy silence, Monica said bluntly, but dripping with fake sweetness, "Tooty, I hope you don't have any romantic illusions about Miles. You're young and he's worldly and successful. I can understand how that might turn your head."
    Tooty looked at her dumbfounded, unable to believe her ears.
    Monica continued, "Miles and I have been seeing each other for a long time and I expect we'll marry. He's had other women fall for him, and it breaks my heart to see them hurt when they realize he's already taken."
    Mrs. Brightman nodded her agreement.
    Tooty gazed out her window and garnered her courage. Finally, she turned and looked at them both dead on. "You really didn't need to go to all this trouble to make me feel uncomfortable in your social circle. I am Miles' personal assistant, nothing more. By your warning, it appears, however, that you're not as sure of your relationship with him as you profess. Otherwise, you wouldn't need to keep reinforcing it with me. Please do yourself, and me, a favor and stop trying to convince me of my unsuitability for Miles. I think I know that better than anyone, and it only makes you appear jealous and spiteful."
    Mrs. Brightman gasped and Monica narrowed her wrinkleless eyes at Tooty. Before Monica could respond, the limo stopped and Tooty jerked open the door and jumped out. Without a backward glance, she walked into the building and rode the elevator to the penthouse.
    That night, Tooty and Harris ate supper in the kitchen and enjoyed Mryna's and Harvey's company. Miles had called and said he wouldn't be home until late. While Myrna served hot apple pie with vanilla ice cream, the intercom buzzed and Cecelia said she was on her way up. After she joined them, she hugged Myrna and Harvey and then turned her attention to Tooty and Harris, warmly greeting them. She handed Harris a small wrapped gift. His eyes got big when he unwrapped a miniature race car.
    "I been wantin' a car like this!" He rolled it on the island countertop.
    "What do you say, Harris," Tooty prompted.
    "Thank you, Ms. Cela." He couldn't quite pronounce her name, but it was close enough.
    After Tooty tucked Harris into bed, she came back to visit with Cecelia in the living room. Miles' sister was holding a family album when she entered. She patted the spot beside her on the couch and Tooty sat down. Thumbing through the pages, she pointed out pictures of her and Miles as children. "We were always in trouble. Our parents did the best they could to refine us, but I think they finally gave up." She pointed to a picture of her parents standing on a sailboat. "Please don't let my mother and father scare you. They can be off putting at best, but I know their hearts. They love Miles dearly and went through hell after his accident. Their idea of what's best for him, however, isn't really what's best for him. Maybe someday they'll understand that." She sighed, and then turned to more