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“But you think I’m lying that it’s yours?” I don’t respond this time and it doesn’t go unnoticed. “Why would I need to lie about you being the father? I don’t need your money; my family has more than you.”
I stare at her, not sure how to respond because I don’t want to hurt her or upset her, but I don’t believe her unless she allows for a paternity test. During our time together, there were two instances that never sat right with me. She managed to explain them both away and I had no proof that she’d been unfaithful, so I chose to forgive her and move on.
But in all our years of on and off again, we never had a single pregnancy scare and when we broke up, she hadn’t mentioned missing a period. In fact, she once joked that she was one of the only women who still had regular periods you could set your watch by while on an IUD.
“If this child is mine?—”
“If?”
“Yes, if. I will be there one hundred percent. I will be the best father and love that child, but before I can commit that to you, I want a paternity test.”
“Are you fucking serious?” She raises her voice as she lifts her hands, then lets them fall to the table, the silverware clanging together loudly.
“Venus, don’t make a scene, please.” I know I shouldn’t have said it, but it was on my tongue and out of my mouth before I could shut the hell up. In my defense, Venus loves to make a scene and right on schedule, she stands up, grabs her half-empty glass of water, and tosses it right in my face.
“You can go to hell, Becks.” She says that nickname again, emphasizing it with a hiss at the end before grabbing her purse and storming out of the restaurant just as the shocked waiter returns with the check.
* * *
“Absolutely not. Brontë is confused, I’m sure.”
I shrug and take the papers back from Jonas who sits across from my desk.
“I said the same thing to her, but she insists that she has triple-checked all of the reports, bank accounts, financials, etc. from Pierce and she cannot make heads nor tails of these withdrawals.”
“And she thinks I had something to do with it?”
I shake my head. “No, I just told her that as the parent company, I would discuss it with you.”
“I’m sure it’s just a misunderstanding, but whatever it is, it should be addressed with Jack and Bryan over at Pierce. You know how these things work, Beckham. I don’t have time to be involved in the day-to-day of my subsidiaries.”
“I understand, Jonas. I’ll give them a call this afternoon.”
“And Beckham”—he points a finger at me—“don’t go in with both guns blazing. I don’t need you flushing this deal down the drain because of your ego.”
I plaster on a fake smile and raise my hands in capitulation.
“Speaking of Brontë, how’s she doing? Any progress on convincing her to stay in our world of finance?”
I appreciate that Jonas wants his daughter to follow in his footsteps, but he needs to allow her to find herself and her passion. I’m tempted to say as much but after my dinner with Venus last night, my brain is already scrambled and barely focusing on the task at hand. Mix in very little sleep and a few nightmares and I’m barely able to make it through another few hours of work.
“She’s doing well. I think she’s really enjoying getting into the weeds on this Pierce acquisition. She’s really growing confidence in her decisions; she’s a quick learner too.” I smile, reflecting back on a few conversations we’ve had where I attempt to explain something but she’s finishing my sentences, already completely aware.
“Does she have a boyfriend?”
“What?” His question takes me by surprise, pulling me out of my own thoughts and putting me right on edge. “Boyfriend?”
“Yeah, wasn’t sure if you’ve noticed anyone picking her up or taking her to lunch. Maybe one of these little arrogant shits you’ve got working for you.” He laughs, his throaty, almost gurgle of a laugh as he leans back and crosses his ankle over his knee.
“Oh, not that I’ve noticed but it’s hard to say. I don’t see her much outside of meetings and the birthday party of course.”
Shit. Why the fuck did I bring that up right now?
“Yes, her birthday party. She seemed to have a good time.” He laughs like he’s remembering something. “I gotta say, it’s great having her back in my life. Seeing her playing with the boys in the pool was something I never thought I’d get to experience, or them. I know you don’t want kids, but damn, they will make you realize what’s important in your life and the lengths at which you’ll go to protect them.”
Silence settles between us as he picks at a piece of lint on his exposed sock.
“Well, thanks for your time, Jonas. I’ll let you get back to work so I can give the boys at Pierce a call.” I stand and extend my hand out toward him which he shakes and pats my shoulder.
