Page 65 of Playing the Game
“That’s a horrible thing to say.” Ava lunges and shoves me.
I stumble back a step. “But true. If I were you, I’d watch your back.”
“Why are you set on being an ass to me at every turn?”
“Look at how you’ve been to me over the last fifteen years and you’ll have your answer.” I deadpan.
She purses her lips. “But we’re supposed to be on the same side now. Can’t you try to be civil for one day?”
“Considering I’m footing the bill for your security team, I’d say I’m being more than reasonable.”
“For once, can you try to be kind? I’m not as awful as you think.” Her eyes gloss over.
Her vulnerability causes my shoulders to relax and my defenses to lower. I don’t want to see her cry. I’m not here to hurt her.
“Let’s not rehash the past. If you have anything else I need to know, now’s your chance to make it right. If you leave anything out and I find out later, I’ll call the security team off you and you can fend for yourself.”
She wipes away her tears. “That’s all I was keeping from you.”
“Is there any reason she wanted the baby for herself? I ask because she walked away from Jonah and me, so it makes little sense why she would want to raise a child of mine.”
Ava shakes her head and sinks back to her spot on the couch. “Not that I can think of.”
I massage my neck as I sit. “I wish I could make sense of this.”
“Maybe she wants to get back in your good graces.”
My laugh barrels out. “She is delusional, but I doubt that’s her motive.”
“I’ll try to remember anything I can think of that might help, but she never told me why she wanted the baby. All she said was she would pay me for it, and I could visit whenever I wanted.”
An idea formulates in my brain. “Do you know how to get a message to her?”
“Yes. Why?”
“I’m going to need your help.”
I leave the post office with my gut in knots. Sending my mother the chip back and inviting her here to meet with me is only part of the reason for the anxiety thrumming through my veins.
The other part is Dorothy agreed to have dinner with me tonight. She’s been with Jamison for the last week and a half, and I was out of town the week before that.
She’s grown distant. When I asked about it, she said she was dealing with a lot, but her therapist was helping her and I didn’t need to be concerned. I knew then I had a lot to worry about.
Since we can be seen in public now, I arranged for a table at a five-star restaurant. It’s not much, but I’ll do anything to win her back.
She’s waiting for me at our table when I arrive. I take her in as I walk up. She’s wearing black jeans and a silk cream-colored blouse.
She stands when I reach her. “Hi, Hunter.”
“Dorothy, you look beautiful, as always.” I give her a hug. “Thanks for meeting me.”
We sit down, and I take a moment to get centered.
She rests her arms on the table and peers my way. “Thanks for inviting me. I know I said we could talk last week, but things were too stressful. I appreciate you giving me time and space to figure out my feelings.”
“You know I’d do anything for you.” I glance at the table. There’s already a drink in front of me. “Did you order this for me?”
“I did. It’s scotch, in case you’re wondering.”
