“Oliver would love to see your car, if you would allow him that?” I ask. My heart thaws a little, and Leo’s face brightens, and it’s the first time I have ever seen him smile like this.
“Of course, would you like me to walk away?” I look back at my car and see Oliver who’s staring in awe at Leo’s car.
“No, it’s fine, you can meet him. Just, please, don’t mention Anderson.”
“I won’t. You have my word.”
With more than a few nerves, I step over and get Oliver out of his seat, then lead him toward Leo.
“Hey, little dude, would you like to see inside?” Leo asks, offering a friendly smile.
Oliver looks up at me for permission, and I nod my approval.
I watch as Oliver jumps in excitedly, steps all over the interior, to which I cringe, but Leo doesn’t seem to care at all. He simply watches him and answers when needed.
“You can tell him to stop climbing around if you want. Otherwise, he won’t stop,” I say.
Leo’s attention falls to me, he presses a button on his keys, and the car starts. Oliver grins and laughs as the music begins to play.
“He’s fine. He seems like a good kid.”
“He’s the best,” I say, smiling. “And smart. So far, he’s excelling in his reading and already writes his name.”
Leo smiles proudly. He looks back to Oliver, then speaks, “Look, I was wondering if I could speak to you … once he’s done.”
“Oliver needs to bathe and get ready for the night anyway. You can come in and have a coffee if you want?” I walk to the car and call Oliver out. He comes without argument, and we head toward the door. Unlocking it and turning on the lights, I tell Oliver to go have a shower. He runs off to get himself ready as I walk to the kitchen with Leo following close behind me.
“I’m just going to say it …” he pauses. “Anderson gets out on good behavior soon. I don’t have an exact date, but I found out today and thought I should tell you.”
“Mom, I can’t find my towel.” Oliver runs up behind me, and my hand falls to my heart as I turn around and smile at my son, who does look a lot like his father.
“It’s on your bed where you left it,” I tell him, and he nods and runs off.
When I turn back around, Leo is seated at the table, his hands folded in front of him.
“He also asked me about Oliver. I haven’t said anything regarding him.”
“Thank you,” I say, flustered.
I open the fridge.
Then shut it.
What was I even going in there for?
“I’m going to go,” Leo says, standing. “I’m sorry for bringing this bad news to you, but you needed to know.” He heads to the front door and I follow him, walking him out. “If you open up any one of those letters, my number is on every single one. If you need anything, babysitter, money, new car—” I cut him off.
“Car?” I ask.
“Seems he loves mine. Would you like it?”
“Are you seriously offering me your car?” I ask in disbelief.
“Yes,” he replies without hesitation.
Does he not understand that is not normal? People do not go around offering cars that are worth more than the house I’m living in.
“No. No, thank you. Ours gets us from A to B. It will do us just fine.”
“Jacinta, you’ve done everything by yourself. Not once have you accepted money from us …” he pauses, “… but you should. He may be a shit person, but he is Oliver’s father, and I am his father. Let me help when you need help … that’s all I ask.”
All I can do is nod at his words.
He leaves with no more words spoken.
Chapter 9
Beckham
I keep to my word. The only time I speak with Jacinta is when it has to do with work.
She stays.
I knew she would.
The money I pay my assistant is better than the highest-paid assistant anywhere else. But I also do this because I know I am an ass to work for. And the money keeps them around a little longer.
The world spins on money. I should know, it’s my job.
“Are you prepared for your week?” I ask on the way back into my office, stopping at Jacinta’s desk before I go into mine.
She lifts her head and bites her lip. “Yes, I think so.”
Every year, Rylee and I go away to a conference and dazzle our biggest clients. It’s a thank you, and this year Rylee isn’t able to attend, so Jacinta is filling in for her.
“Either you are, or you aren’t,” I bite back.
“I am. Tickets are printed. The car will pick you up at six.”
“Get the car to collect you first,” I tell her and walk off to my office. When I enter, Rylee is sitting in my chair, swinging around on it like it’s her favorite damn toy. “Get out,” I say, but she continues to swing around again, then she flips me off.