I’ve only got so much self-control. If she is going to openly ogle me, we’re going to have issues.
“It’s a mat,” she finally responds, shaking off the moment.
“I didn’t know she could make any other sounds besides crying,” I admit as she continues to babble on the mat. I look down at my watch, knowing I’ve got to get out of here to get shit done before court. “I gotta go. I’ll be back around one.”
I glance down at the mat and Eli. “Don’t, like … step on her or anything while she’s down there.”
Jessie gives me the death stare. “Get out of here before I step on your face.”
I chuckle at her cruelty. There’s my girl.
Bradly stands tall just as I’m walking into my office, following me in quickly.
“Sorry I’m a little late. Last night was … hectic,” I say vaguely.
He glances out the window to see if anyone is coming, then turns back to me. “Word is, the pharmaceutical company, Solentra Biotech, has officially hired us.”
Heat surges through my veins like fire. My fists clench on instinct as I bite down hard. This is not what I wanted to hear first thing this morning.
“Thanks for letting me know,” I answer.
I fall down into my chair as he backs out of my office awkwardly. Normally, I would be thrilled to hear this news and have him sitting down with me to construct a game plan immediately.
But I need time to process this news. I still need to reach out to an agency this morning to hire a nanny and prep for my court appearance. Then I’m supposed to be done for the day to relieve Jessie.
How am I supposed to find time to plan and execute a strategy to convince Stewart and Henry that I’m their guy? Am I their guy? This is a big case. It will require a ton of hours.
I massage my temples as I try to fight off the headache that’s appeared as well as the foggy brain from lack of sleep.
I just need to get face time with one of them this morning. That will have to be enough until I can gather myself and figure out next steps.
I walk to the other side of the floor, where their offices are located. As luck would have it, they are talking by Stewart’s door, just outside of his office.
I grab an empty file from the top of a filing cabinet, trying to look like I have a purpose for my venture. “Stewart, Henry … nice to see you this morning.”
“Walker, we were just talking about you,” Stewart admits.
“All good things, I hope,” I reply as I pat him on the back.
“Always.” He chuckles. “I’m sure you’ve heard the news. I know there’ve been rumblings around the city about it. There’s no keeping it a secret.”
I smile, shrugging my shoulders. “I guess congratulations are in order. That’s a big case for this firm.”
Henry nods his head. He’s the more serious one of the two. “It is. It’s going to take some time to figure out how to staff such an important case for the firm.”
Here’s my in. “I know this case is going to be brutal—layers of science, red tape, and media heat. But I thrive in messy. Give me the lead, and I’ll not only win it; I’ll turn it into a showcase for what this firm does best.”
Stewart’s eyes light up while Henry’s face doesn’t change a bit. At least I know I got one of them feasting off of my words.
“I knew you were a spitball,” Stewart replies. “Didn’t I tell ya, Henry?”
Henry looks between the two of us. “We have a lot of talent in the office and a big decision ahead of us.”
I don’t want to push him too hard and scare him off. I need to get out now while Stewart is still on my side. “I’m sure whatever you decide will be the right move. I’ll catch you guys later.”
I walk back to my office with a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. What if they do choose me? I’m going to need a live-in nanny at this point to raise my daughter for me. This case would take up every waking hour of mine for months.
Unfortunately, I have too much on my plate today to agonize over what-ifs. First thing is finding a nanny.
