Nova gave Tristan a piercing look, her voice chilly, "Your wife and your mom are headed this way. What's your plan if they catch you talking with me?"

Tristan kept his face neutral as he shrugged off her concern. "It's no big deal, Nova. Ruby and I? We're just in name only. Never had a marriage license, never had a wedding."

Nova let out a mocking laugh, her lips twisting sarcastically. "Oh really? That's quite the story, especially with a kid. You're still playing the 'in name ...