Page 90 of Trials of a One Night Stand
“This is for the baby,” I snap, my patience wearing thin. “I want to create a future where I can show my child that it’s okay to take risks and believe in yourself. That’s the example I want to set.”
Lottie, who’s been quietly listening, straightens. Her eyes brighten as she looks at me, then at Trace. “You know what? I don’t need time to decide what I want to do. I’m submitting my resignation on Monday so I can work for Jayne.”
Trace’s head whips around to stare at her. “What?”
A smile spreads across Lottie’s pretty face. “She needs someone she can trust, someone who believes in her. That’s me.”
I love my cousin so much, but… “Are you sure? It’ll be tough at first.”
She reaches across the table and grabs my hand. “Of course I’m sure.”
Trace sputters, his face reddening. “Lottie, you can’t be serious. This is—”
“My decision.” Lottie’s tone leaves no room for argument. “Just like it’s Jayne’s decision to start her own firm. We’re not asking for your permission. We’re telling you what we’re doing.”
The thought of facing this new challenge with Lottie by my side fills me with hope and excitement. “Well,” I say, raising an eyebrow at Trace, “looks like you’re outnumbered, Counselor.”
Trace groans. “I can’t believe I’m surrounded by such stubborn women.”
Lottie giggles, the tension in the air dissipating. “You love us Everton women, admit it.”
“I plead the Fifth,” Trace grumbles, but a grin tugs at his lips.
I lean back in my chair, feeling lighter than I have in weeks. “This calls for a toast. To new beginnings, big risks, and the world’s most unconventional law firm.”
Lottie raises her coffee mug. “Here’s to kicking ass and taking names while balancing a diaper bag and legal briefs.”
We all laugh, clinking our mugs together. As I look at Lottie’s excited face and even Trace’s reluctant smile, my confidence surges. I am a woman ready to take on the world, armed with nothing but my brains, my determination, and okay, maybe a few hormones.
Whatever challenges lie ahead, I’ll face them. After all, I have the best support system a pregnant, soon-to-be law firm owner could ask for.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
NATE
My office is quiet. I slump in my chair, staring at the blinking cursor on my screen and wanting a do-over with Jayne.
Fuck, I miss her. My every thought, my every breath is centered around her.
I keep waiting to hear from her, but so far, nothing. It’s been thirteen days, and when I showed up for her OB appointment, they said it had been changed.
Are we done? Did wanting space mean she wants nothing to do with me?
I’ve thrown myself into work because, without her in my life, that’s all I have. I can only spend so much time at my brother’s before he asks me to leave.
I have billions, and I’d give all my money away for a chance with her.
The report I’m reading on a new clinical trial being run on an improved version of the Happy Pill Max has been working on might as well be written in ancient Sumerian for all the sense it’s making to me. My mind is elsewhere, stuck in a loop of regret and self-pity even my most brilliant mind can’t decipher.
The ping of a new email jolts me out of my trance. It’s from Cliff with the subject line: URGENT: Zentello Case.
Interesting. I wonder why he didn’t call me.
I click open.
Dear Mr. Lowe and Mr. Z,
I am pleased to inform you that the case against Zentello has been dismissed.
