Rayna prepared lunch for herself and Evelyn. Remembering Ethan's "girl dad" comment, she laughed. Evelyn raised an eyebrow.

"Hello? Should I be worried? Is everything okay, mentally?" Evelyn asked with a teasing smile.

Rayna giggled. "Sure. I just remembered something ET said. How many kids would you like to have, Evie?"

"Derek and I should get married for real, then I'll have one more since we have Sam already. That's two kids. Why? Don't tell me you're already discussing kids with him?" Evelyn asked incredulously.

Rayna grinned. "He asked me. We both want three. The discussion made me so hot. I couldn't help but imagine… well, you know. It's been so long since I've had sex," Rayna said, and Evelyn giggled, shaking her head.

"I can't believe you're thinking about sex with a random stranger. You don't even know his real name," Evelyn said, amused.

"Hello, pot! I'm not the one who banged a random stranger the day we met and only found out his name six years later—after having his child, duh," Rayna retorted. Evelyn hissed, feigning offense as she sat down on the couch.

"You're such a bitch, you know that?" Evelyn said, throwing a carrot slice into her mouth.

Rayna laughed. "Hate the message, not the messenger, baby. I speak only the truth," Rayna said, stirring the vegetables.

"How many times do I need to tell you I wasn't in my right mind when I had sex with Derek?" Evelyn asked. Rayna rolled her eyes.

"I won't be in my right mind when I have sex with ET either," Rayna said with a grin.

"Go ahead then. Have sex with him and have ten or twenty kids. Who cares?" Evelyn asked. Rayna winked.

"You do. And no, I don't want more than three. Three is a nice number. Not too many to drive you crazy," Rayna said, changing the subject. "So, the reunion is next weekend. Have you gotten something to wear?"

"I can pick from all the clothes in my closet, and if you don't like them, you'll find me something," Evelyn said dismissively.

"True, but I was thinking we should get something nice. Derek will be there, after all. With that bitch. We can't let her outshine you," Rayna said. Evelyn scoffed.

"Sandra could never outshine me. And I doubt there's anything she could do to take Derek's attention from me. Derek is best for my man. I still can't believe you're letting him go with her. I'm too jealous to do something like that," Rayna said. Evelyn gave her a wry smile.

"Still, my dear, we need to make sure you look your best. I don't mind. I like to return favors, remember? Sandra lent me Michael six years ago, so I'm just lending her my man in return."

Rayna burst out laughing. "That's a bitchy thing to say. I still can't believe those two fools actually tried to blame you for their screw-up the other night. It's hilarious and pathetic!"

"I know. I'm honestly looking forward to seeing how this all unfolds," Evelyn said, a playful glint in her eyes. "And I'm looking forward to the reunion. It will be fun to see who's gotten fatter, balder, or somehow married rich. I like how everyone likes to act successful at reunions," Rayna said, and Evelyn shook her head, amused.

"I know you love me that way. So, you're resuming work on Monday, right?" Rayna asked. Evelyn smiled, then her expression turned thoughtful.

"Yes. I want to see exactly what Sandra's next move is. I wonder what rumors she's going to spread about me and what trouble she'll cause," Evelyn said with a small laugh. Rayna shook her head in disbelief. "You are beginning to thrive on this drama, aren't you?"

Evelyn smiled mischievously. "It's the least I can do. I didn't ask for any of this. But now that they've brought it to me… no problem."

"Speaking of which, is the new house close to the office?" Rayna asked curiously.

"It's a bit of a drive, but I don't mind. The neighborhood is perfect for Sam and isn't too far from her school."

"That's what matters. As long as Sam is happy," Rayna nodded approvingly.

"Speaking of Sam, I should check in with Derek. See how they're doing," Evelyn said, picking up her phone. Before she could dial, her phone rang—Liam.

"Hey, Doc!" Evelyn answered with a wide smile. Rayna raised an eyebrow.

"Hey, Editor-in-chief!" Liam's familiar voice boomed. Evelyn winced; he didn't know she lost her job.

"Guess what?" he asked.

"Surprise me," Evelyn said.

"I'm in Ludus!" he announced.

"For real? You're kidding, right?" she asked in disbelief. He chuckled.

"No, I'm not."

"What are you doing in Ludus? When did you get in?" Evelyn asked excitedly.

"I'm here for a medical conference. I'd love to see you and Sam tomorrow if you're free," he said. Evelyn's face lit up.

"Are you serious? That's amazing! I haven't seen you in forever. Of course, we're free. I'll text you my address."

After a few more pleasantries, Evelyn hung up and turned to Rayna, who was watching her curiously.

"Who's Liam?" Rayna asked, her eyes narrowing.

"Liam's my friend. He was my OB/GYN when I was pregnant with Sam," Evelyn said. Rayna leaned in with a grin. "Oh. Nice. Is he single?" Evelyn rolled her eyes, chuckling. "You have a problem, Rayna. You can't hear about a man without wanting to date him."

Rayna laughed. "Okay, okay! I promise I'll stop… after I'm married. But I'm curious, though. If he was your OB/GYN, that means he delivered Sam, right? And he saw your… kitty?"

Evelyn looked at her incredulously. "What are you driving at?"

"How do you stay friends with a man who has been there without being there?" Rayna asked with a grin.

Evelyn shook her head. "I'm not going to dignify that question with a response," Evelyn said, dialing Derek while Rayna scowled playfully.

"Hey, how's it going?" Evelyn asked when Derek answered.

"Really well," Derek replied warmly. "We just left my parents' place. They absolutely adore Sam."

Evelyn chuckled. "I'm glad they do. How's the date going?"

"It's going smoothly. I'm taking her to the hotel to see my suite, then we'll hang out at the playground before I bring her back. Do you want to talk to her?"

"Of course!"

Sam's cheerful voice came through. "Mommy! I met Grandparents Stone! They're so fun!"

Evelyn smiled, confused. "Grandparents Stone? What do you mean, sweetie?"

"My other grandparents are Grandparents Quinn!" Sam clarified.

Both Evelyn and Derek burst into laughter. "I guess that makes sense!" Evelyn said.

As they continued chatting, Derek's phone beeped—Sandra.

"Hey, Sandra's calling," Derek said, glancing at the screen.

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "I wonder what she has to say this time. I'm with Rayna, so I'll let you go. Just call me when you're done, okay?"

"Sure. Love you," Derek said before hanging up and answering Sandra's call.

"Hello, pretty!" Derek greeted smoothly. Samantha scowled.

Seeing the frown, Derek grinned at her through the rearview mirror and placed a finger on his lips.

"Don't 'pretty' me. Why haven't I heard from you since our last date?" Sandra asked with a pout.

Derek resisted the urge to snort.

"I'm sorry, Sandra. I've been so busy; you should have called or texted," Derek said apologetically.

Sandra sighed. "I've been missing you. When can we meet?"

"I was actually thinking we could have dinner tomorrow. With my parents," Derek suggested. He wanted Sandra and Michael together for his next plan. He wanted to see how they would escape his trap.

Sandra's voice perked up. "Your parents? You mean it?"

"Yeah. We're planning to get married, so I think it's time you meet my family. And soon, I'll meet yours too," Derek promised, sighing inwardly at Samantha's hurt expression. Sandra couldn't contain her excitement. "That's wonderful! I'd love that," she said. After a few more excited exchanges, they hung up, leaving Sandra eagerly anticipating their dinner.