Page 89 of Trials of a One Night Stand
Lottie shakes her head. “You hate that I work at the same law firm as you. If I work for Jayne, you won’t have to worry about that any longer.”
Trace rolls his eyes. “And when her firm goes out of business, I’ll be the one supporting you.”
“Like I supported you through law school?” she counters.
I take a deep breath, reminding myself to stay calm. “I appreciate your concern, Trace. But Lottie and I are both adults capable of making our own decisions. No matter what I decide to do, I believe in my abilities as a lawyer and a mother. But opening my own practice is my chance to build something meaningful.”
Lottie nods emphatically. “I believe in Jayne, and I want to support her if she does this.”
He shakes his head, sending a lot of hair falling over his forehead. “You can do that without quitting your current job.”
I see why Lottie finds him attractive, but lately, he acts like he’s got a stick up his butt, and I don’t like it. I preferred when he was the sweet boy who adored the ground Lottie walked upon.
As they continue debating, I tune out their voices, and my hand drifts to my stomach. Am I crazy for thinking I want to do this? But then I remember all the late nights studying in law school, the cases I’ve won against impossible odds. I’ve never backed down from a challenge before, so why start now?
Just as the tension reaches its peak, I see a mischievous glint in Lottie’s gaze. “Hey, if I go work for you, Jayne, Trace can get us a fancy espresso machine for an office-warming present. Because that’s a deal-breaker for me.”
I can’t help but laugh, the knot in my chest loosening. Trust Lottie to defuse the situation with her quick wit.
Even Trace cracks a reluctant smile. “I’ll see what I can do if Jayne decides to do this. I might know someone who can get me a discount.”
Lottie shimmies her shoulders. “Oh, please do, hon. That would be amazing.”
As the two stare at each other with heart eyes, I wonder what my life would be like if I’d allowed myself to date and fall in love in high school like Lottie and Trace. I take another sip of my drink, thinking back to that terrified girl who left our small town with nothing but determination and a college scholarship as her ticket out. I’ve come so far since then. From graduating from college to attending law school to the thrill of my first courtroom victory. Now, I have the unexpected twist of impending motherhood. It’s been quite the journey.
My hand rests on my belly again. The fear that initially gripped me when I saw that positive pregnancy test has transformed into something else. Strength. Resolve. I’m no longer that small-town girl worried a baby would keep me from achieving everything I wanted for my future. Now, I’m Jayne, a soon-to-be mother and possibly the founder of my own law firm.
Possibly or …?
As Lottie waxes on with her caffeine-fueled fantasies about our future office, my determination solidifies, and I straighten. “I’m going to do it. I can be a kick-ass lawyer with my own practice and a great mom. I’ll prove it to everyone who’s ever doubted me.”
Trace leans back in his chair, his hands steepling the same way Jason did when he fired me. “I get you’re excited, but you really need to think this through…”
“Trace, honey, if anyone can do it, it’s Jayne.” Lottie’s voice is soft but firm. “You’ve seen her in action.”
I appreciate Lottie’s support, but I can handle this. I’ve considered all sides of the argument, as is my habit from my profession. I just needed a push in the direction I wanted to go, and Trace gave that to me. Nate’s agreement to co-parent with me has also factored in my pros, as I know he’ll put effort into being a father. Whether or not there’s a future for the two of us.
I meet Trace’s gaze, my chin lifting slightly. “I understand your concerns. But let me ask you something: Would you be as worried if I were a man starting his own firm while his wife was pregnant?”
His eyes widen, and I can see him struggling to formulate a response. That’s all I need to know.
“I may not have planned on becoming a mom right now, but I’ve never backed down from a challenge,” I continue. “And let’s be real. After dealing with entitled corporate clients for years, a baby will be a piece of cake. At least the baby won’t try to argue with my billing hours.”
Lottie bursts into laughter, nearly spilling her latte. Even Trace cracks a smile, but that fades as quickly as it appeared.
He turns to Lottie, his brow furrowing. “But that doesn’t mean you need to quit your job. That’s a huge risk when we’ve worked hard to get where we are.”
Protectiveness flares for my cousin, who’s always been there for me, and now it’s my turn to have her back. “You’ve both done great, but Lottie’s not just a receptionist. She’s smart, organized, and knows the ins and outs of a law firm better than most associates. She’ll be an asset, not a liability, whether she stays at the firm or comes to work for me.”
Lottie reaches across the table, squeezing my hand. Her eyes are shining as she looks at me. “I can’t begin to tell you how much your faith in me means. You’ve always believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. We’re family, and family sticks together.”
I swallow hard, fighting back the sudden wave of emotion. Damn hormones.
“We’ve always been more than cousins.” My voice is husky. “You’re the younger sister I never had.”
As we share a watery smile, I can’t believe how lucky I am. Sure, my life might be taking an unexpected turn, and well, Nate and I have yet to work out what we are, but I’m ready to face whatever comes our way. I won’t be alone.
“The two of you are very sweet.” Trace leans back in his chair, his jaw clenching. “But if you’re serious about doing this, what about the baby?”
