The idea makes me smile, just a little, as I let out a breath and push back from my chair. I grab my jacket, sling it over my shoulder, and head for the elevator.
I’m halfway there when Trudy intercepts me, her heels clicking sharply against the tile. “Mr. Basen, where are you going?”
“Home,” I say simply.
“Mr. Basen-” she starts, the nervous edge in her voice betraying her.
“Trudy,” I cut in, keeping my tone calm but firm. “I was just called names by my boss in front of half the floor. So, tell him I needed a personal day.”
She opens her mouth, then closes it again, nodding.
I step into the elevator without another word and press the button.
This time, I don’t take the subway like I usually do. I step out onto the street, lift my arm, and hail a cab. For once, I just want to get home fast.
But the second I cross the threshold of our apartment, whatever small flicker of relief I had evaporates.
It’s quiet.
She’s not here.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Brooke
My key sticks as I wiggle it in the lock. I try to open it quietly, but obviously not quite enough, Penny wakes up from her blissful after-lunch nap and immediately starts wailing.
“Shhh,” I whisper, trying to soothe her while fumbling with the damn key. It finally aligns, and I push the door open, rolling the stroller inside. The door clicks shut behind me as I shrug off my jacket, scoop Penny into my arms, and wrap her in her blanket. I bounce her gently, rubbing slow circles on her back.
I startle when I finally glance up at the living room.
Matthew’s sitting there. Just… sitting. Staring at me.
“You could’ve helped,” I snap, my nerves already frayed.
“It’s not like you care about my input,” he says flatly.
I take a steadying breath. “I don’t have the energy for this,” I mutter, moving toward the nursery.
But he steps into my path. “Where were you?”
“Meeting the nanny,” I say, bouncing Penny, who’s still wailing.
“I asked you not to.”
“No, you didn’t,” I shoot back. “And besides, youcan’t-”
“Ican’t?” he cuts me off sharply. “Can’t have an input on who’s raising my daughter?”
“She won’t be raising her,” I say, my voice trembling with frustration. “She’ll justhelpus. Look after-”
“That’s your job,” he snaps, voice rising. “But no, you wanna leave. Go out. Work.”
My arms tighten around Penny. “I’m going to put her down,” I say, keeping my tone low. I’m not having this argument while she’s in my arms.
But Matthew blocks me again, eyes dark and wild. “No.”
“Excuse me?” My voice sharpens.
