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“Thank you, Piper. Your support is greatly appreciated, as usual.”
She chuckles at my choice of “uppity words,” as she calls it, then gets up and goes back to work. The week isn’t over yet, and we still have a lot to deal with before we evenconsiderscheduling the first round of audits for the company. I’m in a constant back-and-forth with our law firm as well, and my parents have been leaving messages about setting up a dinner date, saying they’ll be in San Diego next month. I’d rather spend a day with the IRS. I’m more fond of inspectors than I am of the family that pushed me away for not fitting into the mold they had preassigned me. It’s a harsh thing to feel, I know, but… I guess my own idea of family is a tad messed up.
As I look at Becky’s social-media profile, however, I see the kind of family I would’ve killed to have. I see three sisters—triplets, by the look of things—laughing and sticking together through thick and thin, through summer and winter, through sunny days and terrible hairdos. It’s nice to see Elliot surrounded by what I can clearly tell are strong women. It’s a shame he doesn’t have a dad, but maybe triple moms are better.
There’s an aching pang that lingers in my chest, and as soon as I close the browser window, it spikes with intensity. I’m compelled to reopen that same browser window and keep scrolling through her photos all the way back to her college and high school days. I can’t help but draw comparisons to where I was at the time. I got served a different set of curveballs from life, but Becky sure had it a lot worse.
She’s always had to struggle, at least on the material side of things. Her sisters were always there, though. I can tell from all the comments they left under each posting. They’re hard-asses but they love her and her kid dearly.
I know I must go out of my way to treat her the way she deserves if I’m to get her to say yes to my proposition. I could sense the doubt in her refusal from earlier.
I’ll get a yes.
I have to.
CHAPTER6
BECKY
Aweek goes by in relatively tense silence.
Every time I walk past Piper, I can tell she wants to say something to me, but she never goes through with it. Todd has made a new habit of coming through the bullpen every morning to personally greet us, even if it’s just in passing. The others like it; they appreciate the personal touch more—particularly the new hires, while the veterans wonder if it’s got something to do with the company sale. Some are inclined to agree, saying it’s his way of reassuring us that nothing will happen to our positions within HeartMatch, while others think it’s just a case of mild guilt over leaving us all behind.
I, on the other hand, know it has everything to do with me and my decision. I’ve already said no, but I think he’s still hoping for me to change my mind.
Frankly, my practical side is screaming for me to just go ahead and take the frickin’ money. Like, what’s the worst that is going to happen? Somebody finds out I lied, that I’m not his wife. But how can they? Oh, right, maybe public records? Damn, I wonder how far Todd has really thought the whole thing through. I’m trying, but I don’t have his resources nor his attorneys on retainer.
Technically speaking, as long as I don’t say a word about it to anyone, it’s not my business or my fault if anything goes sideways. All I need to do is show up with Elliot and play pretend. At the same time, it’s the thought of bringing my son into the conversation that really grinds my gears. Exposing him to a shady situation that he couldn’t possibly understand. How could I get him to play pretend and say Todd is his daddy? That’s insane. Elliot is shy around strangers. I’d have to get them to spend time together before Todd could even hold him. This is crazy.
Not impossible. Just crazy and risky.
“Where’s your head at?” Vincent asks as he comes into the staff kitchen.
I’ve been staring at the coffee machine for far too long, empty mug in one hand and my thoughts scattered all over the place. “Huh? Sorry, it’s been a long week.”
“Yeah, I could tell. We’ve barely spoken and we sit literally next to each other.” He chuckles, then comes closer and pours himself another mug of black, tepid coffee. “Is everything okay with you, Becky? You seem pretty out of it.”
“I’m okay,” I tell him, smiling meekly. “I’ve got a lot on my plate at home and I’m trying to make the right decisions for me and Elliot. Except… sometimes I wonder if I’m not too wound up for certain choices that would ultimately benefit the both of us.”
“That sounds… cryptic.”
“Yeah, I can’t talk about it much. It’s just… it’s been bugging me because there’s something I need and there’s someone who would be able to help me. I’m not sure about the risks—if they’re even to be considered risks, for that matter. Maybe it’s all in my head, and I’ve been overthinking the whole thing instead of taking a chance for once.”
Vincent gives me a long and thoughtful look. “Becky, I’ve known you for long enough to appreciate your empirical nature more than others. You’ve also always played on the safe side with everything. Nothing that could harm you or Elliot is allowed. And I get it; you’re a great momma bear, for sure.”
“Thanks…”
“So, maybe this time… it’s more about you following your gut instead of your reason. You know they can be two separate things, and you know the latter can be a real buzzkill sometimes.”
We both laugh, and I finally detach myself from the counter, leaving the mug in the dishwasher. I grab a bottle of water from the fridge instead and turn to look at Vincent, wondering why I was never attracted to him. He’s a handsome guy—maybe a little wiry for my taste, but he’s sweet and attentive, generous and supportive.
Whereas Todd… damn, Todd is a dream. A dangerous dream, it appears, but a desirable one, too. His confidence, the strength and self-assuredness he exudes… He has a way of commanding virtually any space he occupies. It’s pure power, and very few people are able to emanate it the way he does. Of course, the physical aspect plays a part as well, but frankly, it’s not at the top of the list of reasons why I’d easily fall for Todd Connors if given the chance.
“You’re kind,” I finally tell Vincent. “Thank you for your words, Vin, I mean it. I’m just sorry I can’t tell you more about what it is I’m working with… I made a promise, and I intend to keep it.”
“That’s okay, Becky. Just know that I’m here for whatever you need. Now, in lighter news, what are you and the kiddo doing tonight? I can get us last-minutes toPeter and the Wolfif you want. Remember, I read Elliot the book that one time?”
“Oh, yeah, you’re right, he loved it. But tonight… I don’t think we can pull it off. Mom’s babysitting him right now, and I promised her dinner together afterwards. We’re taking him out as well. Gammy, Mommy, and Elliot time, so to speak.”
