Page 88 of Trials of a One Night Stand
I start the car, a new determination settling over me. I don’t have all the answers anymore. But I’m ready to start asking the right questions. And more importantly, I’m ready to listen to the answers.
Tomorrow. Tomorrow, I hope she’s done wanting space and ready to talk. All I have to do is wait for her to reach out to me. And this time, I’ll make sure she knows—really knows—that I’m here to support her, not direct her.
It won’t be easy. But then again, nothing worth having ever is.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
JAYNE
The aroma of freshly ground coffee beans envelops me Saturday morning as Lottie and I settle into the worn leather chairs at our favorite café. Sunlight streams through the large windows, catching the steam rising from her mug. Me? I’m having a vanilla steamer, but with each sip, I pretend it’s an Americano loaded with caffeine.
Ever since telling Nate to give me space, which surprisingly he’s done for more than a week, I haven’t slept well. I’d like to think it’s because I lost my job and the humiliation that caused me and what comes next. But I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s also because he told me he loves me—and our baby—and how much that both thrilled and terrified me.
I haven’t been able to stop thinking about our argument. Okay, fight. We might be too hardheaded for each other even though the thought hurts my heart. Still, I know I can take care of myself and the baby. I don’t need to rely on his money or have him try to control my future. If that’s how he’s going to be with me, I’d rather do it on my own.
“It’s amazing you’re thinking of starting your own firm, Jayne.” Lottie’s eyes shine with pride. “You’ll be incredible if you go this route.”
I take a sip of my steamer, savoring the warmth. It’s actually not bad. The sugar does give me some pick-me-up. “Thanks, Lott. It means a lot to hear you say that. Though one lawyer and an assistant doesn’t make it a firm.”
“Not an assistant. Me.”
“I mean, that would be a dream come true.” And a part of me wonders if this whole idea of my own practice is just a dream, something to focus on so I won’t think about anything else—or Nate. “But would you really want to quit your job at the firm to work for a fledgling startup?”
“Yes, if it is your startup.” How I love that there’s no hesitation in Lottie’s answer. Could we really do this? “And one day, you’ll go from a law practice to a law firm, and I’ll be employee number two.”
“You sound so confident.”
“Because I am. You’re the smartest person I know. If anyone could juggle a new business and a baby, it’s you. Especially with me there to help you.”
Her unwavering faith in me brings a lump to my throat, and I swallow hard. “I hope you’re right. Sometimes I wonder if I’m crazy for even considering this with a baby on the way.”
“You’re not crazy. You’re brave,” Lottie insists. “And just think how much fun it’ll be to work together.”
Yes, but that would also be more pressure if my sweet cousin relied on me for her salary and benefits. I need medical insurance, so that is something I’d need to find and offer to her too. God, maybe this is too much right now.
“You’ll be the first I tell if I decide it’s a go, so please take your time deciding if working for me is what you want.” I don’t want Lottie making a rash decision she’ll regret. The same as me. “There’s no rush.”
A familiar figure appears beside our table, blocking the natural light through the front window. Trace. He wanted to take Dodge for a short walk before joining us.
“Ladies.” Trace slides into the empty chair with the grace of an athlete. He was a three-sport varsity player in high school. “I’m sorry you lost your job, Jayne, but you should’ve known better. It’s also unfair for you to ask Lottie to come work for you.”
I should’ve remembered he’s brutally honest.
“Trace, she didn’t ask. I offered to work for her,” Lottie says, chastising him.
“Lottie hasn’t quit her job yet,” I remind him. “And I haven’t decided if I am opening a law practice.”
Trace’s brow furrows. “Good, because this isn’t a good idea for either one of you. Starting a new practice is a risky venture, especially with a baby on the way and your reputation in tatters after what happened.”
He’s not wrong, but I didn’t expect him to be so blunt about it. “True, which is why I’m considering all sides before I decide, but I’ll also never know if I can do it if I don’t try.”
Lottie raises her mug. “That’s the spirit, cuz.”
Trace shakes his head. “What if you open a practice and it doesn’t work out? What will you do then?”
That question was swirling through my mind too, and I still don’t have a good answer. I shrug. “I can find another job somewhere.”
Trace’s jaw tightens. He stares at me. “Okay, but dragging Lottie into your scheme would be irresponsible.”
