Page 37 of Kiss Me, Mr. Bridge

I wave him over, taking the contract from his outstretched hand. As my eyes scan the document, my heart drops to the floor at seeing Lucia’s name listed as the primary lawyer.

“Dad? Are you still there?” Amelia’s voice pulls me from my stunned silence.

“Uh, yes, I’m here.” I clear my throat, trying to regain my composure. “Sorry, I just had something come up that I need to take care of. Is there anything else you need?”

“No, I just wanted to check in. No, I wanted to say I’m sorry. I had no right to go off on you like that.”

“I get it. I hurt you—”

“You did.” She sighs. “Oh, and I’m staying in Boston for a bit.”

“Really!”

“Yeah! I want to be closer to Olivia and as the lease on the apartment is ending, I emailed Lucia to let her know I wasn’t re-signing. I’m looking for an apartment here in Boston. I can sleep on Olivia’s couch for a few weeks, but—”

“Good for you.” Normally, I’d be the one who offered to transfer what I pay for her rental lease to another apartment. I don’t. If my daughter is adult enough to decide on my relationships, she is adult enough to pay her own way.

She’s silent.

“I’ll come and visit you and Olivia in a couple of weeks. Or maybe we could all meet up in New York. I haven’t been to the New York club or watched one of Oscar’s games for a while. Maybe I can get my three kids together for dinner one night.”

“Yeah. Okay. See you later, Dad.”

The car nears my home in The Gables as I scroll through the last of the contract on my tablet, noting the changes. My finger hovers over Lucia’s name. I hit it.

It’s three long rings before she answers. I suspect she doesn’t want to.

“Potter and Associates, Lucia Simmons speaking.”

My back shackles because she knew full well it was me calling. I keep my cool and professionalism, just as she is. “Hello, Miss Simmons. It’s Mr. Bridge here. I’ve checked the extra details on the contract. Most of the changes look good.” My voice sounds rougher than intended.

“I’m glad they meet your requirements, Mr. Bridge.” Her professional tone cuts deep.

“There is one thing I’d like to discuss.”

“Go on.”

“If the buyer was to try to pull out before making the purchase, does the wording allow for that? Because the way I read it, it does. But as per auction conditions, that shouldn’t be allowed.”

She sighs. “I’ll take another look at it and I’ll tighten the wording.”

“Thank you.” I stare at the landscape as my driver continues into the private estate.

“Was there anything else you needed clarification on?” she asks.

“No.” I shift in the back seat of my car. “How are you?”

She doesn’t answer.

“Lucia.”

“Is there something else you need, Mr. Bridge?” she asks. Her voice is so sharp, it cuts.

“Drop the Mr. Bridge.”

“I’m busy. But I’ll have the final revisions for you by tomorrow morning. After that, Jessica Green will handle any additional changes. She’ll be taking over your account starting next week.” Her voice flattens a little.

My chest tightens. “Why?”

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