Page 38 of Like You Love Me

She already knew what he wanted. Sierra.

Bianca realized she had been holding her breath and blew out a lungful of air in a rush. She had avoided him long enough. Sheyna was right; there was only one thing left to do. Her hand trembled as she reached inside her purse for her phone. She loathed making the call but knew it was time. She punched in the number and listened to it ring. He instantly picked up as if he’d been standing by the phone, waiting.

“Bianca, you finally called.”

She avoided all the niceties and got straight to the point. “Do you know whereDebbiecakesis?”

“On Main Street?”

“Not that one,” Bianca blurted and then took a deep breath. “The one in the shopping district.” The one on Main Street was too close to her husband’s restaurant.

“No, but I am sure I can find it.”

Bianca, let out an audible sigh. “I’ll see you there at five-thirty.” She hung up before he could say anything further.

London was scheduled to pick up Sierra after school, so Bianca left the office at five and headed to the new side of town. After Walmart moved to the area, followed by Lowe’s, Sheraton Beach started to expand. She drove her car passed acres of what used to be farmland that was now the first phase of a new housing development. She passed two more new subdivisions before reaching the shopping district and driving into a high-traffic strip mall parking lot where Debra had opened her first bakery. The delicious gourmet cupcakes were in high demand. A few years ago, she decided to expand. She smiled as she remembered her cousin Rance surprising her with the shop on Main Street. He was the best decision she had ever made.

Bianca climbed out of her car and sauntered into the shop. The chime over the door signaled her entrance. Sofia, the manager, and a sweet young mother of two, greeted her with a wide smile.

“Hello, Bianca.”

“Hello, Sofia, what do you have irresistible today?”

“Well, this month, the lemon raspberry is the seasonal favorite.”

Bianca grinned. “Then that’s what I will have with a cup of coffee, please.”

“I will have Rachel bring it to you shortly.” The young clerk smiled as her blue eyes shifted in their direction.

“Thank you. Debra said it was OK for me to use her office for a meeting.”

Sofia nodded. “Yes, she called and told me that you were coming. I’ve already unlocked her office for you.”

Bianca’s smiled. “Thank you. I am expecting a gentleman to drop by here shortly. Could you please just send him on back when he arrives?”

“Yes, I can do that.”

“Wonderful.” Bianca realized she was trying to avoid eye contact. She didn’t want anyone to think for a moment that anything else was going on. Her meeting was strictly going to be about business. “I’m going to set up for my meeting. Please come back whenever you’re ready. No worries about interrupting me.” She hurried back to the office she’d been in many times and opened the door. She smiled as the smell of lilies ruffled her nose.Debra and her aromatherapy candles.Leave it to Debra to make things feel just like home. Last year, she had decorated the office even had a fresh coat of silver-white paint added to the walls. A huge abstract tapestry hung on the far wall behind a pink swivel chair and a glass top desk. To the right were bookshelves and file cabinets. On the floor was a white and gray rug. It was girly and everything you would expect from Debra. She was such a diva, Bianca thought with a soft giggle. In the corner was a small refrigerator sure to be filled with artesian waters and fresh fruit. Bianca moved around the desk, and the smile slipped from her lips as she took a seat.Now what, she told herself.

She reached for a stationary notepad and monogrammed ink pen and pretended to be taking notes. And when Rachel walked in, it looked like she was working on a presentation.

“Thank you.”

The young girl set the small plate and coffee on the desk and then hurried out.

Bianca took a sip of coffee, hoping to settle her nerves. It wasn’t long before she heard a knock at the door and looked up to see Collin hovering in the doorway with a big grin on his face.

“Come in,” she told him as calmly as her pounding heart would allow. “Please close the door.” She felt very uncomfortable about being in the office with the door shut, but she felt more uneasy about someone overhearing their conversation.

Collin pulled the door behind him and lowered onto the chair across from the desk. “I appreciate you finally meeting with me.”

“You didn’t leave me much choice.” Bianca made a show of frowning so that he would know where she stood.

“Look, Bianca, I’m not trying to ruffle anybody’s feathers or cause any trouble. I just want—”

“How much?” she said, interrupting him. Reaching inside her purse, she pulled out her checkbook, grabbed a pen, and scribbled her name on the signature block. “25,000, 50,000, how about we just say 100,000 to get rid of you once and for all?” Her hands shook as she completed the dollar amount, but it would be worth every penny. “This time, you need to stay away.” She ripped off the check and held it out to him.

Collin stared over at her and looked confused. “One hundred thousand dollars? You are willing to pay me that much to walk away from my daughter again?”

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