I smile. “I’ll be out to speak with them shortly.”
“Thank you.”
Lowering my head, I inhale and release the breath slowly. I don’t have my usual enthusiasm for work lately. I haven’t seen or talked to Faye in over a week, and the wait for Warren to set things up has been torture. I start to drive to her home and turn away at the last minute at least once a day. I want to know if her back is hurting, what she’s craving now, and how much Flora has grown. Sleep eludes me until exhaustion takes me out. Rolling my shoulders, I put on my business face and walk up the hall to the entrance.
I freeze at the sight of Preston holding Monty in his arms.
“Well, hello, Dr. Bailey.” Preston smiles so wide I’m shocked his jaw doesn’t break.
I grit my teeth. He has some fucking nerve showing up here.
“Did you know he found my Monty when he ran away during Christmas?” Preston purrs, playing the part of grateful owner.
“You never told us about this,” Jen says.
I shrug. “I was just helping out a four-legged friend.”
“You’re a hero.”
“So modest, Doc. Take some credit.”
“I’m glad to see Monty is doing well.
“The whole family is.”
The fake smile freezes on my face as I fight the urge to pull him across the front desk and beat him senseless. Monty yips and struggles to get free.
“It looks like he remembers his rescuer.” Jen laughs.
Preston smiles thinly. “Looks so.”
“Hey, buddy.” I scratch him behind the ear. “You’re a good boy, aren’t you?”
“Why don’t you walk us out, for old time’s sake.”
I tense, unsure if he’s warning me away or rubbing things in.
“Sure. Are you ladies okay here?”
“Of course. Put the sweet thing out of his misery. He’s ready to jump out of his skin to get to you,” Carole insists.
I step from behind the counter and follow Preston.
“You know it’s a matter of time until she agrees to relocate to California. You put up a good fight, but my girl is smart. She knows what’s good for her and the baby.”
“Does she?” I arch my brow and smile. The bastard has no clue what’s coming.
“Of course.”
“And that’s you?”
“Obviously.” He rolls his eyes.
“I think you actually believe that.” I shake my head, disgusted.
“It’s the truth.”
“Why? Because you have money? You think your bank account is going to make you Father of the Year?” Preston blinks dumbly. I press on. “How are you going to help her grow up and be the best version of herself? Emotionally, how will you provide? You’re bullying your way into getting what you want with Faye. Is that how you plan to control Flora? Because kids tend to rebel against that sort of thing.”