But why wouldn’t she want to keep her child? I just couldn’t imagine. I could never do that no matter the circumstances.
Poor Charlotte. I couldn’t even imagine growing up without my mom.
To my astonishment, Beckett called me. Maybe that was for the better. It felt a bit bizarre to have this conversation on a dating platform.
“Hi,” I replied, unsure what else to say.
“Piper, I thought it best if we talk.”
“I was thinking the same.”
He sighed. “I’m sorry I dropped all that on you.”
“I asked.”
“Still, that’s no way to start a business relationship.”
Oomph, what a way to bring me back down to earth.
“You’re right. Consider it forgotten.”
“That easy?”
“Honestly, no. I’ll pretend I forgot. I can’t pretend to understand how a mother would do that. It’s cruel. I’m truly sorry that Charlotte will grow up without her mom.” I pressed my lips together. “And now we start pretending that I know nothing.”
“You’re quite something, Piper. You know that?” Beckett’s voice was softer than before. “Thanks for being so indignant on behalf of my daughter.”
Clearly neither of us was ready to change topics yet.
“I’m also indignant on your behalf.”
He started to laugh. “I’m just reaping what I sowed. But my daughter is paying for my mistakes too.”
“Beckett, she’s very loved. And from everything you told me, your family will shower her with attention too. Now… let’s get back to business.”
I had to get my wits together even though all I wanted was to continue chatting about him and Charlotte.
“I got everything I need from your team. I’ll come to the office fully prepared,” I continued.
“I’m looking forward to officially kick-starting our collaboration.” His voice changed completely. It was professional—no trace of the softness from before.
“You’ll be there too?”
“Of course. This campaign is very important to us. I want to be involved in all aspects.”
“Right, right.” For some reason, I’d assumed that I’d work closely with his team and that he’d just want to be kept in the loop, similar to Josh. “All right, then. I guess I’ll see you at the office.”
“Yes, you will.”
And I wasn’t counting on that at all!
CHAPTER 10
PIPER
“Oh,I’ve got your back, no worries,” I murmured to myself as I strolled down Royal Street, emailing with a client. This particular one was a bit scattered and could never remember deadlines. I patiently listed them out again and sent the email as I arrived in front of LeBlanc-Broussard.
I was usually full of enthusiasm and energy when I stepped into a new client’s office, but I could also feel butterflies in my stomach. That hadneverhappened before. I took a deep breath and entered through the back of the building as the email from Beckett’s team had instructed me to do. When I came for my initial appointment, I’d used the wrong entrance.
