for a non-invasive paternity test to be done immediately. Of course, Sasha fought it, saying she would not consent to her blood being drawn. She tried to contact me again, but I insisted all communication go through lawyers.
This pissed her off to the point of refusing any type of paternity test until Caldwell put it point-blank. She could consent, and we could move forward with solid answers, or I’d gladly wait until the child was born and petition a court for the test. She finally relented but demanded the testing be conducted at the most expensive and lucrative facility in the country, at my expense. I agreed with no hesitation.
She’s canceled the last two appointments we had to meet at Caldwell’s office with the specialized, independent nurse that would be responsible for my swabbing and her blood draw. Each time, saying she wanted to have her OB-GYN handle the procedure.
All of the back and forth delayed our meeting because I held firm to this going through a third party.
I give Gail a small wave and leave the office through the back elevators. When I get into the waiting car, I give him the address without another word.
My finger itches to dial Bizzy, if only to hear her voice, but I can’t take the chance of her sensing my anxiety. Soon enough, one way or another, she’ll know everything.
Unlike the last time I was in Caldwell’s office, this time it’s eerily formal. His assistant ushers me into a private conference room where a nurse is at the table, setting out a variety of sterile instruments. He’s waiting and gives me a quick handshake then gestures to his assistant to bring Sasha and her lawyer in.
I take the seat furthest away from the nurse and the door and wait, ready for a shit-storm. She doesn’t disappoint, storming in with a frown on her face. Her eyes roam the room in disgust then land on me, fire blazing.
“You really are a class act, Ren Bennett. Never did I expect this level of denial when you were so happy to fall into my bed on numerous occasions.”
For the first time ever, I want to correct her for using my old nickname. I’ve been Shaw for so long to my friends and family that Ren is a thing of the past. But she doesn’t get that part of me. She’ll never get that part of me.
Man, I really am a world class dick. She was good enough to fuck but not good enough to know my preferred name?
I sit still, drumming my fingers on my knee and avoiding eye contact. Thankfully, Caldwell speaks up.
“Miss Crane, we all know why we’re here. I’ve advised my client to remain civil and not to speak unless absolutely necessary. I’m asking the same of you.”
Her lawyer whispers something in her ear, and she glares between Caldwell and me.
It’s uncomfortably silent as the lawyers review the legal paperwork and chain of custody the nurse presents to them. Both seem satisfied and give us the go ahead to sign.
The nurse must feel the tension because she fumbles through her explanation of the method and gives me an apologetic glance. Sasha lets out a loud irritated sigh.
I go first, giving three swabs. She goes through a process, showing everyone their authenticity before packaging them and handing each lawyer a sample and placing one in an overnight envelope. She does the same with Sasha, drawing three blood samples.
When it’s done and we all sign off on the releases, she packs up quickly and practically runs from the room.
“Now that we’ve taken care of that nonsense, it’s time we get down to business.” Sasha withdraws a folder and slides it across the table at me.
I stare at it, uninterested, and motion with my eyes to Caldwell. He glances through it and nods professionally, adding it to his stack of folders.
“We can address these issues at a later date. Mr. Bennett has requested and paid for expedited results, but it will still be up to fourteen days. Per our agreement, we will all receive the news at the same time and can move forward at that time.”
“That’s it? Aren’t you even going to look at my schedule of appointments? What about how we need to tell our families and friends? I’m not interested in doing this alone. I told you, Ren. Don’t mess with me.”
I bite my tongue not to lash out. We’ve been waiting for her to threaten me with an audience, and Caldwell