Page 25 of Secret Baby's Second Shot

The café smelled like fresh coffee and warm cinnamon, a comforting mix that usually helped me unwind. Not today.

I sat at a small table near the window, stirring my latte absently. Ava was at a playdate with one of her friends, and I was supposed to be enjoying a rare moment to myself. Instead, I was bracing for what I knew was coming.

“Summer Bowen,” a familiar voice called.

I looked up to see Mia striding toward me, her long dark hair bouncing with each determined step. She wasn’t smiling.

“Mia,” I said, forcing a weak smile as she sat down across from me.

She set her bag on the chair beside her and leaned forward, her eyes sharp. “Don’t you ‘Mia’ me. Spill.”

I blinked, feigning innocence. “Spill what?”

She scoffed, crossing her arms. “Oh, don’t play dumb. I was at the clinic fundraiser last night.”

My stomach dropped. “You were?”

“Yes, and imagine my surprise when I see you and Dr. Dreamy acting like you’re some picture-perfect couple.” Her voice was low but incredulous. “Since when are you two a thing?”

I winced. “It’s… complicated.”

“Complicated,” Mia repeated, arching a brow. “That’s all you’ve got?”

I glanced around the café, suddenly hyper-aware of how public this conversation was. “Can we not do this here?”

“Oh, we’re doing this,” she said firmly.

I sighed,setting my mug down. “Fine. It’s not what it looked like, okay? Enzo and I aren’t… together.”

“Then what the hell was that?” she asked, her eyes narrowing. “Because from where I was sitting, it sure looked like you were playing house.”

I hesitated, debating how much to tell her. “It’s… for Ava,” I said finally.

“For Ava?” Mia repeated, her skepticism clear. “You’re going to have to do better than that, Summer.”

I pressed my fingers to my temple, frustration bubbling up. “The clinic’s medical foundation is covering Ava’s surgery and recovery. But they have this archaic preference for married couples and stable families.”

Mia’s jaw dropped. “So, what—you and Enzo are pretending to be a couple to get their approval?”

“Pretty much,” I said, wincing at how ridiculous it sounded out loud.

She stared at me, her expression a mix of disbelief and concern. “Summer, what are you doing? This is insane.”

“You think I don’t know that?” I snapped, my voice sharper than I intended.

Mia softened slightly but didn’t back down. “You’ve always been independent, Summer. Fiercely independent. And I get that you’d do anything for Ava. But pretending to be in a relationship? With her doctor? How is that not crossing every line imaginable?”

“It’s not like that,” I said quickly. “Enzo is just… helping.”

“Helping,” she said flatly.

“Yes,” I insisted. “He cares about Ava. He wants to make sure she gets everything she needs. That’s all it is.”

Mia frowned, studying me. “And what about you?”

“What about me?” I asked, frowning.

“Are you sure you’re just pretending?” she asked, her tone gentler now.

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