I glance from side to side, then decide to knock before pushing my way in.
It’s like I’ve stepped into a different dimension. Music plays from a surround sound system, and staff sit casually on sofas having glasses of wine and chatting.
True to its name, there’s a dartboard in a corner, a ping pong table, a miniature golf course, hoverboards, and a foosball table that two people are going hard at right now.
My shock fades as I recall why I’m here. I find Baxter in an area that looks like a mini-living room from its setup. Two sets of chairs facing each other with a glass coffee table in between.
I cross the room toward him. His eyes lift and brighten as they fall on me. He says something to the people he’s talking to and rises to meet me.
“Maddie, I didn’t expect you in the fun corner of the building.”
“I didn’t know it existed!” I look around. “How is this allowed?” I spy the head of sales throwing darts. “How…”
He catches my gaze and shrugs. “For morale and shit like that.”
My eyes narrow. “It was your idea, wasn’t it?”
He grins proudly. “You know me too well, Maddie. Now, what can I do for you?”
I glance at the conversing men he was with moments ago. “Julia said you were with clients, but…”
“Whatever reason you’re here bothered you so much you didn’t mind interrupting.”
“Yes. Do you have the time?”
“I think I can spare a few minutes.” He excuses himself and speaks to the men, then returns to my side. “I’ll find us a quiet spot.”
He leads the way out of the game room to a room covered end to end with shelves that carry documents. There’s no one here but us.
He stops and turns, nodding. “What’s up?”
“It’s about Chance,” I admit.
“I knew this day would come.”
I frown at his smug smile. “What?”
“No, no. Ignore all of this.” He gestures at his face. “Just lay your heart bare.”
“Lay my heart— What do you think is about to happen?”
He laughs. “It’s not about what I think. It’s about what’s meant to be.”
“I have no idea what you’re insinuating.”
He tries and fails to rein in his smile. “Sorry, I won’t rush you. Take your time. Tell me everything.”
“Okaaay.” I give our surroundings a cursory scan. It’s only us. Sighing, I spill. “Last night, Chance said something when he was about to sleep. ‘Don’t leave me, Mom.’ And he has been awkward around the subject of his mom—your mom. I know she passed but I don’t understand his reaction and I think it’s only you that can tell me why that is.”
Baxter’s smile falls until there’s nothing left but severe lines and a tight frown.
“Baxter?”
He looks away from me. “I’m sorry, Maddie. Whatever you noticed, take it up with Chance yourself. It’s not my place to say.”
He starts to move around me. What the hell? I catch his arm, forcing him to stop. “Baxter, what is it? Did something bad happen? Why can’t you tell me?”
He sighs, his broad shoulders sinking. “I’m sorry.” He extracts his hand easily from my hold.
