Page 1 of One Baddie for Three Daddies

1

BIANCA

Istride into the office, my heels clicking against the polished floor. Today’s the big day. My reflection in the glass doors reassures me: a navy-blue pantsuit tailored to perfection, a crisp white blouse, and my favorite gold earrings. My box braids are neatly cascading down my back with purpose. I'm both giddy and nervous.

As I pass the reception, Rebecca’s voice rings out, "Bianca! Can you come to my office for a sec?"

"Sure thing," I reply, heading over. Rebecca’s got this stern yet caring look about her. She’s like a hawk when it comes to details, but that’s why she’s so good at what she does.

Inside her office, she eyes me up and down before gesturing for me to sit. "Are you ready for the clients today?"

"Absolutely," I say, keeping my voice steady. "I've reviewed everything twice, and I'm feeling confident about this."

She leans back in her chair, nodding slowly, her expression serious but somehow reassuring. "Good. They’re expecting someone sharp. Don’t let them down."

"Wouldn’t dream of it," I reply, forcing a grin that I hope looks confident. Inside, though, my heart’s doing flips. I can practically sense the adrenaline buzzing through my veins. This is my moment, and I refuse to let nerves get the best of me.

"Alright then," she says, waving me off like I’m already halfway out the door. "Let's go knock ‘em dead."

I take a breath, ready to take on whatever comes my way.

I leave her office and immediately dial my mom's number as I walk back to my desk. She picks up on the second ring.

"Hey baby!" she chirps.

"Mom, today’s the day," I say, trying to keep my excitement in check.

"Oh honey, you’re gonna do amazing! You always do," she says with confidence that's like a warm hug through the phone.

"I know... I just need this to go well. It’s such a big opportunity."

"You’ve worked your ass off for this. They’d be idiots not to get how incredible you are."

I laugh softly, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thanks, Mom."

"And don’t forget to breathe," she adds.

"I won’t." I pause as I reach my desk and sit down. "Love you."

"Love you too, Bia. Now go get ‘em!"

Hanging up the phone, I breathe in and focus on the task ahead. My desk is an organized chaos of swatches and sketches—a testament to the late nights spent preparing for today.

I glance at the clock; it’s almost showtime. This is what I've been working towards since I set foot in San Diego—a fresh start with endless possibilities. And damn if I'm not going to seize every single one of them.

It’s time. I straighten my blazer, take a moment to breathe, and head to the conference room. The click of my heels against the floor echoes through the corridor, a reminder of every late night and early morning that brought me here. I push open the door with confidence.

That’s when I see them. Liam and Alex.

Oh shit.

My heart skips a beat. For a moment, the room shrinks to just the three of us. My gaze locks onto Liam’s piercing blue eyes, which have always seen more than I’m comfortable with. His expression hardens, jaw tightening as our eyes meet. He looks like he wants to bolt or maybe strangle me. It’s hard to tell.

Alex sits beside him, his light brown hair perfectly styled as always, one eyebrow quirking up in surprise before composing his expression, a contrast to his usual goofy grin. His dark brown eyes—one flecked with green—sparkle with mischief and something else I can’t quite place. Surprise? Begrudging? Truthfully he looks pissed to see me. I can’t say that I blame him.

I tear my eyes away from them, trying to steady myself. Other people sit around the table—Rebecca included—but for those few seconds, it’s like no one else exists.

"Bianca," Rebecca's voice cuts through the fog in my brain. "This is Liam Olsen and Alex Murphy from Olsen & Murphy Realty."

---