Page 39 of Baby I'm Yours

“Well, I do,” I cut in. “I’ve turned around seventeen manufacturing facilities in the last decade. Your ventilation system alone is going to cost north of two million to bring up to code.”

Brian shifts uncomfortably from one foot to the other. “Not sure about that, either, but my client believes the brand value alone is in the high?—”

“The brand was valuable fifteen years ago. Now, it’s a liability. You’re trading on a reputation you can no longer support with your current infrastructure or performance overthe past six years.” I roll my shoulders back, offering a tight smile. “But I’m still interested. I’m prepared to offer thirty-two million. Final offer. Discuss it with your client and get back to me at your convenience. The offer’s good through close of business next Friday.”

His eyes widen at the figure, a full twelve million less than their asking price. “Well, thank you, Mr. Mendelssohn, but I don’t think?—”

“That’s fine. You don’t have to think, Brian. Just deliver the message.” I lift a hand as I back down the hall. “I think meeting the office staff can wait until we’ve decided whether we’re moving forward. Have a good day. I’ll show myself out.”

Leaving Brian gaping, I stride back down the depressing hall, with its flickering fluorescent lights. At the base of the stairs, I pull out my phone, dialing my mother’s number as I move back through the warehouse.

I need to keep my focus on why Elaina’s really here. She’s not my woman of the moment; she’s the woman who’s going to help me give my mother the send-off she deserves.

The sooner we move on to that phase of the plan, the better.

And I need to get out of the apartment. The more time I spend alone with her, the deeper she gets under my skin.

“Hunter?” Mom answers after the third ring. She sounds tired but pleased. “Good morning, sweetheart. I assumed you’d be working all day today, catching up after your vacation.”

“I’m caught up,” I say, lifting a hand to the foreman I met earlier as I exit the warehouse and turn left, moving down the dock toward the park that runs beside the river. “And missing a home-cooked meal after all that lobster and chowder. Looking forward to a real dinner tonight.”

She chuckles. “You are so spoiled. Onlyyouwould complain about too much lobster. But yes, me, too. I’m so excited to seeyou. And I already ordered all the ingredients for those short ribs you like.”

“Fabulous,” I say. “But don’t worry about cooking if you’re not feeling up to it. I can come early and take care of it. Or feel free to ask Katie to stay and start the meal if you’d rather. I’m happy to add extra hours to her check.” Katie, the companion I hired to keep Mom company, has been every bit as valuable as the nurses, helping Mom continue to cook and visit the park and museums and other things she enjoyed before her health took a turn for the worse.

“Oh, nonsense, I can handle it, and Nurse Nina is here in the afternoon if the pan is too heavy for me to get in the oven,” she says. “And I have all day. I’ll pace myself and be fine. The pain and dizziness aren’t too bad this morning. So far, it’s a good day.”

A good day…

She doesn’t have as many of those as she used to, just another reason to move forward with the plan with Elaina as swiftly as possible.

“Glad to hear it,” I say. “I’ll be there at six thirty. And…the real reason I called. I wanted you to know that I’ll be bringing a friend. If that’s okay with you.”

“Oh, a friend,” she says, clearly intrigued. “This wouldn’t be a lady friend, would it?”

“It is, actually. She’s someone I’ve been wanting you to meet for a while. I think you’ll like her. She’s…special.”

And she is. That isn’t a lie, a fact that makes it easier to push guilt aside as Mom coos, “Oh, Hunter, I’m so happy to hear that! So happy. You have no idea. I can’t wait to meet her! What’s her name?”

“Elaina,” I say. “We met in Maine last year, and she’s just moved to the city.”

“For you? Oh, please, tell me it’s for you, and you’re finally thinking about settling down,” Mom says, so delighted I can’t help but smile.

“Well, wehavemoved in together.” I cut off her happy gasp with a firm, “But nothing is set in stone. I have to introduce her to you first. Make sure she has the Margaret seal of approval.”

Mom laughs. “Oh, stop. You think I don’t know my own son? You’re going to do as you darn well please, no matter what I have to say about it. You were born knowing your own mind. And I’m glad. You’ve got a good head on your shoulders, better than I had when I was young, that’s for sure.”

“Thanks, Mom,” I say, wondering what she’d think about my “good head” if she knew just how far I’d gone to give her the happily ever after she’s always wanted for me.

Or the appearance of it, anyway…

“See you tonight,” I add. “I’m about to head into the subway.”

“See you tonight. And your special girl!” Mom ends the call, and I shoot off a text to Elaina, confirming that dinner with my mother is on, and that I’ll pick her up at six.

Just a few seconds later, she shoots back—Great. I’m already going stir crazy in here. Your house is too clean. I can’t find anything to keep me busy now that I’ve rearranged your spice cabinet and taken over half your closet.

Lips twitching, I suggest—You could head to the pool. Or the gym, work on that cardio your doctor suggested.

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