There’s a knock at the door, and Danika enters carrying two steaming mugs of coffee.
“Coffee?” I say to Lottie
She raises an eyebrow in much the same way Elijah does. Okay, they may not be genetically linked, but bloody hell, they are father and daughter.
“I’m almost fifteen and spent the past three months in Italy.”
As if that explains it all.
“Not to mention, every one of your uncles and aunts is a coffee addict,” I say smiling.
I thank Danika and take the coffee, leading Lottie over to the sofas in the corner of the room. The whole office ethos is casual. I find it helps with creativity. We have lounge areas, beanbags, and a games room with old and new style games. The main office is open plan, but there are also break-out rooms should anyone want to focus. So far, this approach has made me a very wealthy woman.
“Your offices are much cooler than Dad’s,” she says, taking a sip of her coffee.
She flinches slightly, but I say nothing.
“Of course they are,” I say. “Although designing games and developing hardware allows us to be a little less stiff. Your dad has to give his clients the right professional atmosphere when they visit.”
Lottie nods. “I know, but it’s still not as fun.”
“Well, as you know, you’re welcome here anytime.”
Lottie looks down at the coffee mug in her hand, her forehead wrinkling.
I pause, knowing her artwork and loving my office is not the reason for her visit.
“Aunty Pen?”
“Yes, Lottie.”
She looks up, and I watch as she bites the inside of her cheek.
“You know you can talk to me,” I say.
She nods and puts her coffee down on the table in front of us before letting her eyes meet mine.
“You knew Mum and Dad when they were at uni.”
It’s more of a statement than a question.
“I did. Your dad and I were on the same course.”
Lottie goes silent.
“Hey, what’s on your mind?”
I place a hand on her forearm. Lottie looks at me, and I’m surprised at the anguish I see in her eyes.
“Come on, you can talk to me.”
She always has before, especially when things were bad between her mum and dad. I was that much further removed than any of her aunts and uncles.
She inhales, pushing her hair out of her face as her eyes lock on mine.
“Do you know who my bio dad is?”
I stop sharply, a knot forming in my stomach.
