Page 112 of Charm

Holden

It’s beenthree days since I tore Greer’s world apart, and I still haven’t heard a word from her. Jameson has reminded me twice since then that I need to ask her to consent to a paternity test for our daughter.

I did speak to Rook about this after handing him a dollar. I told him it was to retain him and to buy his silence. He assured me that he would never repeat anything I told him in confidence even to Declan.

From an attorney’s point of view, Rook suggested I seek out an expert in family law to help navigate what comes next. He threw out a couple of names of law school buddies.

I have yet to call either.

I want to talk to Greer before I take another step.

Grabbing my suit jacket off the back of my chair, I start toward my office door. A walk in Riverside Park will help me think more clearly.

Just as I’m about to swing it open, a soft knock comes from the other side.

It’s well past quitting time, so everyone, including my brother, has left the office. The cleaning crew is milling about. That’s why I shut my door. It’s not that I don’t like making small talk with them. I enjoy it. They’re an incredible group of people who work hard for us.

Tonight, I didn’t have the heart to dive into any conversations. Solace has been my best friend since Greer walked out of my apartment.

I swing the door open and instantly feel a sense of relief wash over me. “Greer.”

“Hey,” she says softly. “I went by your apartment. You weren’t there, so I thought I’d try Riverside Park.”

I love that she knows where I go when I need to think.

“Obviously, you weren’t there either, so I thought I’d try here.” She glances into my office. “Are you working late?”

I haven’t done much work over the past three days, so I shake my head. “No. I was just on my way out.”

“Can we go somewhere?” she asks. “Unless you’d prefer to talk here.”

“We can go wherever you want.” I look into her eyes. “You lead because I’ll follow you anywhere.”

“Your apartment?” she asks tentatively. “I’d like to talk there.”

“I’ll order a rideshare.” I tug my phone out of the pocket of my suit jacket. “Have you eaten dinner, Greer? I can order some food to be delivered for when we get to my place.”

“I’m not hungry.”

I’m not either, even though I’ve barely eaten anything since I last saw her. “Okay.”

“We should go down to the lobby to wait for the car,” she says before starting toward my office door.

I watch her walk away from me, noticing the slight tremor in her hands as she does.

She’s as torn up as I am, but we’re going to talk. We’ll figure out what comes next, and more importantly, we’ll decide together what’s best for our daughter.

I tossmy keys and phone on the coffee table as I slide off my suit jacket. I fold it neatly before placing it over the back of a chair. My tie lands on top of it.

Greer stands silently watching it all.

“Do you want something to drink?” I ask. “Water, wine, soda…I could make you a coffee, but I’m not promising it’ll be any good.”

She smiles slightly. “I’m fine right now. Thank you.”

I motion toward the couch. “Do you want to sit?”

Her gaze volleys between the couch and me. “I don’t think so.”

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