Page 73 of Accepted Precedent
Turning back in my seat, I reply, “Of course,Ms. Vasileiou.” My phone vibrates and I retrieve it from my breast pocket, bringing it to my ear as I answer, “Hey, angel, now isn’t a good time.”
“I’m sorry, I thought you would’ve picked up Ileah by now. I just wanted to know if next Thursday worked for you for an ultrasound.”
My heart nearly escapes my chest. “Yes, that’s perfect.”
“Great. I’ll schedule it. I was thinking once you’re home, Andrew could distract Ileah and we could have some alone time.”
“Were you good for Daddy?”
She scoffs. “When have I ever been a good girl?”
“Never,” I laugh, but I’ll absolutely have my face between her legs the moment I have her to myself. “Did you get my note?”
“I did, but I didn’t open the box yet.”
“Why not?” My brows furrow.
“I was waiting for you.”
“Don’t wait.” I insist, hating that she’ll have to wait years to open the other one. “I’ll be home late tonight.”
“Fine.” There’s a pause, then a gasp. “Mickey! It’s beautiful, but this is too much.”
“It’s not enough.”
“You didn’t need to buy a lavish gift for the bundle of cells I’m growing.”
“You’re right; I may need to buy a second.”
“You’re impossible,” she groans but there’s still a smile in her voice.
“I’m sorry, angel, I need to get going. I’ll see you later, okay? I love you.”
“I love you too.”
We hang up and Ileah asks, “How old are your kids?”
The question takes me by surprise. As much as I want to scream from the rooftops that Evelyn is pregnant, I reply, “I don’t have kids.”
Kristin stifles a laugh, and my phone vibrates with another incoming call as she quietly tells Ileah, “Thirty-six.”
I check the caller ID and groan—the last person I want to talk to today is Christopher’s new assistant. “Ms. Johnson,” I answer, unable to hide my disdain for the woman.
“Mickey, we have a problem! Christopher is dead.”
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about,” I say flatly. “What can I do for you?”
“We had a deal.”
“Aye, we did. You asked to be hired as a political aide. And now you are, as promised.”
“No, I’m out of a job,” she exclaims. “I know damn well you’re having Alexander Blake stand in for Chris.”
“It doesn’t matter. The deal was fulfilled regardless,” I remind her. “Now, are you going to make things difficult for me?”
“If you don’t get me hired anywhere I will.”
“I see. Give me twenty-four hours and I’ll see what I can come up with.”
