Hotshot (The Bennett Brothers 1)
Mission accomplished. I’m absolutely covered in everything Bizzy.
“Hey,” I say breezily, walking into Caldwell’s conference room.
Sasha sits straighter, eyeing me wearily, as her lawyer gives me a slight wave. Caldwell chuckles, knowing my mood is light because I called him on the way here, explaining the way I wanted to handle this meeting.
I sit and pour a glass of water, pushing the folder in front of me to the side.
“How are you today, Sasha?”
She gives me a grin and sits up, offering a glass to me to fill. “Great.”
“Awesome. I’ve asked you here to iron out some details and to be sure we are on the same page with the baby.”
She sits back, waiting.
“I know there was an unfortunate altercation with my brother and Bizzy last week. I will not apologize. I understand you caught them off-guard, and in their defense, they just learned of a death of a young patient they were close to. He died of childhood leukemia.”
The room goes still, and she has the decency to look shocked.
“However, with that being said, my brother made you uncomfortable, and that will not happen again.”
“I think I can overlook his bad manners during a rough time, Ren. He’s a huge football star with a lot on his mind. I’ll accept his apology.” She sits back, making a point to hold her stomach, and looks at me smugly. “This is his niece or nephew.”
“He’s not going to apologize, Sasha. Not to you and not to me. He will love this child… but he’s never going to accept you.”
“Why the hell not?”
“Let’s move on.” I ignore her questioning glare, opening the folder and pretending to read. Bizzy and Gail’s words from a few weeks ago ring in my ears, and I shut the folder, locking eyes with Sasha. “A few weeks ago in my office, I asked you what you wanted from me, but I think emotions were too high and the conversation escalated out of control. So, I’m ready to listen. Really listen. Tell me how you see this going. What would you like to see happen over the next few months, and even after the baby is born? I assume we both agree this baby is the most important person in this relationship, and I’d like your input”
Boom! She wanted respect; that’s about as respectful as it gets.
She stares at me, her face spreading in a wide smile. She looks at her lawyer, and he nods. “First of all, I’d like to stop having most of our meetings with our lawyers present. I agree that this child is the most important, and we can make decisions as adults.”
“I think that can be arranged.”
She looks pleased and sits up confidently. “As I mentioned several times, it’s time our families met. My parents are very interested in getting to know your family.”
“I agree.”
Her confidence grows.
“As for the next few months, I’d like you to be a larger part of this pregnancy. There are a few specialty classes the hospital offers to first time parents, and if needed, they can do private sessions—for a price.”
“Of course, for a price.” It’s hard to hide my irritation.
“My office, my parents’ friends, and my family are all planning baby showers. I’d like you to attend, but before that can happen, we need to register. These will be big events. We should also start thinking of the birthing plan. I’m hoping for an easy birth, but there are always exceptions. We need to figure out our living arrangements. My condo is only two bedrooms, so if your place is bigger, we can move there. Also we need to think about nannies and names.”
She pauses, and I take the opportunity to break in. “Anything else?”
“I’m sure there’s more, but we can work that out as we go.”
“Okay, well, let me tell you what I see happening. I will support your decision about the birth plan, because this is your body and I respect your wishes. I trust the doctors to tell us how things are progressing, and you can make the choice of drugs or not, as long as the baby is okay. Let me know about the classes at the hospital, and what you’d like to attend. I’ll make arrangements to be there. If you feel more comfortable with private sessions, I’ll also agree to that.”
Satisfaction spreads across her face. I take a deep breath, and Caldwell taps me on the leg, giving me encouragement.
“But the showers, registry, and housing are things we should discuss. My mother is going to help me set up a nursery in my home. We will not be moving in together. If you are unhappy in your condo, I’ll support your decision to move. There will be no need for me to attend showers or help you register because that is all your choice. If you share with me what you’d like me to have at my place, I’ll have it. No questions asked.”
Her face starts to heat up. “You’ve got to be kidding? You still think we’re going to raise this child in two separate places? What’s wrong with you? How do you propose that will work?”