Page 31 of One Baddie for Three Daddies

My heart skips a beat. “Wait what? How?”

“I missed you so much, honey. I just needed to see you. How about we grab dinner tonight? Unless you have plans?” Her voice softens, sounding almost pleading.

Fuck. I close my eyes for a moment, feeling the weight of her disapproval from years ago crashing back down on me. Remembering how against my relationship with the three men she was, lying seems like the easiest option.

“No plans at all,” I lie smoothly. “Dinner sounds great.”

“Oh good! Can’t wait to see you.” She sounds genuinely happy.

“Me too, Mom.” As soon as we hang up, I drop onto my bed and stare at the ceiling. This day just keeps getting more complicated by the minute.

I reluctantly pull off the dress and toss it aside before rummaging through my closet for something more mom appropriate.

I pick up my phone and type out a quick message to James.

Bianca: Hey, I’m really sorry, but something came up. Can we reschedule for tomorrow?

A moment later, his reply pings back.

James: Of course. Tomorrow night then?

Bianca: Definitely. Thanks for understanding.

I toss my phone on the bed and quickly change into something for dinner—a simple navy dress with a matching cardigan.

The restaurant we picked is cozy, with warm lighting and the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the air. I spot Mom at a corner table, already sipping on her favorite Pinot Grigio.

"Hey, Mom," I greet her, leaning in for a quick hug before sitting down.

"Bia! You look lovely," she says, beaming. "How’s the new job treating you?"

"Great," I say, forcing a smile. "It's challenging but rewarding."

She nods approvingly. "Good to hear. So, tell me about this big project you’re working on."

I force a smile, trying to focus on the breadbasket instead of the minefield of my current job situation. "Well, it's a resort hotel. Really high-end, lots of potential. I’ve been sketching out ideas for the lobby and common areas."

She nods, clearly interested. "And how’s it going so far?"

"It’s... going well," I say cautiously. "The clients seem happy with my concepts so far."

"That’s wonderful, Bia! Who’s the client?" she asks, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

I take a sip of water to buy myself some time. "Oh, just a real estate company based here in San Diego. They’re pretty well-known."

She narrows her eyes slightly. "Do I know them?"

I shake my head quickly. "I doubt it. They’re more in the commercial sector, not really in the news much."

"Still," she muses, "it sounds like an exciting opportunity."

"It is," I agree, feeling the tension ease a bit. "The project has a lot of moving parts, but it’s really pushing me creatively."

"And your colleagues? How are they?"

My heart skips a beat. Colleagues? More like former lovers who now complicate every aspect of my life.

"They’re... fine," I say slowly. "Professional and talented. We get along well enough."

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