Page 16 of A Baby For Her Billionaire BFF

I take a deep breath, steeling myself with the determination I need to face the day ahead.

The bell above the door chimes a quaint welcome as I step into the cozy embrace of the coffee shop. I’m immediately surrounded by the rich, earthy scent of freshly ground coffee beans and the gentle sound of indie music wafting from hidden speakers. A barista behind the counter catches my eye and offers an easy smile, but I barely return it before scanning the sea of patrons for Lynn’s familiar face.

“Over here!” Lynn’s voice cuts through the chatter, and I find her waving from our usual spot by the window. Shedding my jacket, I slide into the seat opposite her, grateful for the semblance of normalcy she brings to this tumultuous morning.

“Hey, you,” I greet her, forcing a smile that doesn’t quite reach my eyes.

“Rough call with the ’rents?” Lynn asks, her brows knitting together in concern as she takes in my appearance.

“Is it that obvious?” I sigh, leaning back and trying to shake off the tension in my shoulders. “Yeah, they know about the job — or lack thereof.”

“Ugh, Nora, I’m sorry.” She reaches across the table, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. Her nails are painted a bright turquoise today, always perfect-looking, just like her hair and makeup.

“Thanks. It’s not just that, though.” I hesitate, biting my lip as I contemplate how much to divulge. “They want me to move back home. To Rawlings.”

“Back to small-town life?” She tilts her head, her curly hair bouncing with the movement. “But you’re not considering it, right?”

“God, no.” The words come out stronger than I expect, fueled by my determination to cling to the life I’ve built here. “I love them, but I can’t shrink myself to fit that place again.”

She nods, understanding etched in her features. “So what happened at the firm, anyway?” she probes gently, steering the conversation back to safer waters.

“Where do I start?” I exhale, picking up the menu despite knowing I’ll order the same thing I always do. “It’s no secret that I’ve been butting heads with the senior partners over cases. Environmental law isn’t just a job for me, Lynn. It’s my calling.”

My fingers trace the edge of the menu, already feeling the absence of my office, my caseload, my purpose. “But that wasn’t it in the end. My boss put me on this sliding scale case, one that was actually doing good. And then he changed his mind. Wanted to take me off it and drop the client. When I pushed back, he fired me. I guess I’m too radical for them.”

“Radical?” Lynn scoffs, shaking her head. “It’s an environmental law firm! Since when is fighting for the planet radical?”

“Since it started affecting their bottom line, I guess.” The bitterness in my voice surprises even me.

I’ve always believed in the power of justice, in the righteousness of the law. But now? Now I’m not so sure.

“Those corporate suits don’t know what they lost,” Lynn says firmly, her gaze fierce. “You’re brilliant, Nora. You’ll find somewhere that values your passion and?—”

“Passion doesn’t pay the bills,” I interrupt, the reality of my situation sinking in. I need to find work, and fast. The city is expensive, and my savings won’t last forever.

“True,” she concedes, her expression softening. “But you’re resourceful. You’ll figure something out. You always do.”

I nod, clinging to that sliver of hope. Because if I don’t, what else do I have left?

“I’m gonna get a latte.” I start to stand, but Lynn reaches out to stop me.

“No. My treat.”

I open my mouth to argue, to tell her that I’m not poor now — not yet, anyway — but it feels nice to accept the kindness of a coffee. It’s a small, simple gesture, but it also speaks volumes.

She walks to the counter, and my eyes drift out the window. Something catches my eye — a tall, broad-shouldered man walking away. There’s something familiar about his gait. He almost reminds me of…

Could it be? Oliver?

I’ve thought about him plenty since moving back to Chicago, but he made it clear years ago that he’s not interested in being friends, so I’ve moved on.

Kind of.

He still haunts my dreams, and hardly a day goes by when he doesn’t at least flit through my mind for a few seconds. I don’t have to wonder about him because he’s all over the news on a regular basis. Once, he was even on the cover of a business magazine — a real estate mogul, a true rags-to-riches story.

I haven’t run into him here, and I probably never will. Chicago is a huge city, and we don’t run in the same circles. The Ollie I once knew is way too successful for someone like me.

Lynn returns with our drinks, and I take a grateful sip of the toasted coconut latte — a treat that I stop in here for at least once a week.

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