After I’d calmed down somewhat, I headed to the shower to clean up. Ella hadn’t even asked about Charlotte—not a word. I truly couldn’t understand how she didn’t bond with her own flesh and blood at all. For me, it had been love at first sight. I saw that little bundle and immediately knew she was going to be the most important being in my life.
I checked my phone as I returned to the living room, all the while keeping an eye on the baby camera. I took it everywhere with me. Piper had sent a message a few hours ago.
Piper: Hey, how’s Charlotte?
She cared more about Charlotte than her own mother did.
Beckett: All good. She was fussy and needed me, but she’s asleep now. How’s your evening?
Piper replied with a picture of herself, the empty Aperol glass, and another book. She sent a snapshot of a page. The words “cock” and “clit” caught my attention. I nearly dropped my phone.
Beckett: I see. Moby Dick didn’t have a chance, huh?
Piper: Not one. I’m not even sorry. I’ve got good company for the rest of the evening.
I swallowed hard.
Beckett: Do you have plans tomorrow night?
I wasn’t sure if Agatha would be healthy by tomorrow or if my family had time, but I wanted this to happen. I was heeding Isabeau’s advice right now. My most burning need was to see Piper, and I wasn’t going to ignore it.
Piper: Nothing I can’t cancel.
Beckett: Then please cancel it, starting at six o’clock.
She replied a few seconds later.
Piper: Done.
CHAPTER 17
PIPER
I’m going on a date.I’m going on a date!
I was over the moon with excitement as I got myself ready. When Beckett texted last night that he wanted to take me out, I immediately checked my wardrobe. I’d brought several outfits into the living room because I had a large full-length mirror next to the bookshelf. After trying on seven different dresses, I decided on a bright blue one. It was long and tight around the waist and looked like a fairy dress. I styled my hair with a hot iron, so it was perfectly straight and shiny. Now I was waiting on pins and needles for my man to show up.
Because I still had about fifteen minutes left until he arrived, I decided to call Mom.
“Hey, hon!” She’d answered with FaceTime, but I couldn’t see anything other than the sky. I smiled. She was gardening for sure. “I’m just finishing repotting these. I’ll take off my gloves in a second and pick up the phone.”
“Sure.”
“How are you doing? Do you want to drop by tonight?”
“I can’t. I’m going on a date!”
“That’s wonderful,” she exclaimed. “With whom?”
“Beckett LeBlanc.”
“That client of yours, huh?” Mom’s voice was laced with humor.
“Exactly.”
“I had a feeling it was going in that direction. I’m glad you didn’t let the fact that you work together stop you.”
“I’m still not sure it’s smart,” I admitted, “but I like him, you know?”
