Page 54 of Enemy Ex's Secret Baby

That’s not the world I tend to live in. Businesspeople are always disgruntled and if they’re smiling it’s because they’re trying to get something from you.

These are just parents and kids and teachers, all of whom are happy to be there. Happy to be alive.

“There’s a spot over here by Jacob, Mommy!” Stella cries out and rushes toward a blanket where a mother is slathering sunscreen onto her little boy.

“Uhm, okay!” Gillian cries out in a strained voice. Then she looks at me. “This is a trial by fire, Axel. You think I’m bad, but you haven’t met Fran.”

Fran…I know the name. “Shapiro?”

“Mhm.”

Oh, shit. That’s the lawyer that’s been on our ass every step of the way. She’s really not going to be happy to see me.

“Just be nice. She won’t do anything in front of her kids. But she does hate your guts,” Gillian says.

“I’m used to that,” I reply.

She gapes. “I don’t hate your guts.”

“Hm. Likely story.”

Gillian laughs. “You’re ridiculous.”

My heart flutters. I’ll be as ridiculous as needed since it makes her happy. I’ll do whatever makes her happy, really.

Stella is already talking with the little boy when we get over there. And Fran has her eyes squarely on me. “Well, well, well…”

“Fran, this is Axel.”

“I’m familiar.”

I hold out my hand. “Pleasure to meet you. Your emails are very well written.”

Fran takes my hand, though she eyes me like a crocodile. “Thank you. Have yet to see an email from you, though.”

The lawyers take care of everything. Me getting involved would be bad for business and she knows it. She’s just trying to get under my skin. “Well, maybe some time soon.”

“What are you doing here, Mr. Hitchins?”

“I invited him!” Stella announces. “Can we go play now?”

Fran swipes a bit more sunscreen on her son’s face before nodding. “Go. But when it’s time to eat, it’s time to eat. No ‘five more minutes’, alright?”

Stella and the little boy run off together and join a game of…something. I’m not sure. It’s just a bunch of kids holding their arms out like airplane wings.

Childhood is so funny.

“So, you wanted to see what the deal was with this place, huh?” Fran asks as Gillian and I set down our picnic blanket and settle in.

“Well, yeah, I’ve heard so much about it and it’s good to know how the other half is living, don’t you think?”

“I suppose,” Fran says.

Gillian gives her a look. “He’s just here as a friend. No work.”

“Doubt that, but…alright.”

“Promise, not looking to fight,” I say. “It’ll be like I’m not even here.”

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