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“No.” His voice was flat.
“Fifteen,” Harlee leveled.
“No.” I exhaled sharply, making my annoyance known. “I’m not giving more than five percent. That’s still more than enough for her time.”
“I don’t think it is,” she huffed, folding her arms across her chest like a child would.
She’s seriously going to pout.
Chris gave me a weary, defeated look. “Come on, Eli. You make plenty of profit on these jobs. You’re the son of a billionaire. You can’t tell me that you can’t give a little more than that.”
I pursed my lips, hating when the billionaire card was thrown on the table. My gaze bounced between the two of them, knowing the exposure that Harlee gave my company was well worth whatever percentage she wanted to go to Olivia. It was just the fucking principle of it—or maybe just the fact that it was Olivia.
Ugh.
“All right, fine. I’ll give her ten percent—but that’s it. That’s the best I’ll do.” I was speaking through gritted teeth, determined to keep my cool.
Harlee smiled. “Deal.”
Great, just fucking fantastic. Now I’ll never be rid of Olivia.
21
OLIVIA
“So everything looks great,” Dr. Huskins said to me as I sat on the edge of the exam table. “Baby’s heartbeat is strong, and I’ll just need to see you back at the beginning of your second trimester. You can schedule that with Erin up at the front.”
I nodded, glancing nervously down to the ultrasound pictures in my hand. “Thank you.” My voice was timid as I took in the little, tiny bean of a baby, barely able to be made out in the black and white photos. “But…” My voice trailed off as I looked back up at the middle-aged, blonde-headed doctor. “I might actually be moving before then.”
“Ah, I understand. Well, I’d highly recommend setting up an appointment now with an ob-gyn in whatever town you’ll be moving to, so that you can make sure you have an appointment.”
“I’ll do that,” I said with a smile. “Do you have any recommendations for a doctor in LA?”
Her face contorted with deep thought for a moment, but then she shook her head. “I’m afraid I can’t think of anyone there to be honest. Dr. Gerard, who I would’ve recommended, relocated to Seattle a few months ago. Do a little research on the internet, and I’m sure you’ll find a good doctor. In a city that big, there’s bound to be some.”
“Of course. I’ll do some research and find the right one.”
“Make sure you take a hospital tour as well,” Dr. Huskins reminded me, giving me a smile. “You want to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible. Best of luck to you, Miss Gray. Have a wonderful rest of your day.”
Nothing about this is going to be comfortable.
I took a deep breath. “Thank you, you too.”
She left the door cracked and I slowly slid off the table, unsure of how I was really feeling in the moment. Something about the appointment had left me feeling more alone than ever…
I should’ve taken up Zena’s offer to tag along.
But I was worried that us both taking a personal day would be more of a red flag than just me taking one. Eli knew that the two of us were close, and I could only imagine what conclusion he might draw if we both missed work…
And he’d probably be pissed.
I brushed off the thought as I exited the clinic, the crisp air welcomed. The NYC climate was starting to grow on me.
“Olivia?”
I froze at the sound of my brother’s voice and my head whipped around to see him, standing there a few feet away. “Wh-what are you doing here?”
He narrowed his eyes at me. “I work right there.” He gestured to the building next to the clinic, and I nearly facepalmed as I recognized his name on the sign.
