away the finally dissipating emotion. The rest of the day Danica concentrated on work. Every now and again she’d remember that in just one day she’d be holding the baby again. Just before the end of her shift, her phone rang, and it surprised her to see who it was. Glancing around because this was not a call she’d want Orlando to hear, she was relieved to see he was far enough away and he and Nine looked completely engrossed in what they were working on. Feeling a bit unsure, but at the same time curious, she answered,”Hello?”
“Hello, Danica,” Blaine said cheerfully. “My father told me you two are going through a bit of a rough patch. Sorry to hear it, but I’m sure you’ll work it out.” Danica’s lips opened, but she couldn’t think of how to respond to that. Before she could, Blaine went on. “I have some good news for you. I spoke to the district attorney, and given how perfect your probation has been, your excellent grades and all, he’s agreed to hear your case sooner than we thought. It’ll likely take a few more court dates because this guy’s a real stickler, but it should happen.”
Feeling her heart sink, because this was great news but there was no way Danica could afford him anymore, she said, “Blaine, your dad and I broke up. It’s not just a rough patch. Not sure if he explained, but I moved out and . . . we’re not going to work things out.” Swallowing back the emotion, she exhaled. “I-I can’t afford you anymore.”
Blaine was quiet for a moment before responding. “Well, I’m sorry to hear it,” he said sounding as genuine as he ever had. “About you and my father that is. He didn’t give me any details, so I had no idea. But my retainer has already been paid for, Danica. I signed a contract to see this out until the final outcome. By law, I have to represent you through this as it stands, unless something unforeseen happens, so I don’t anticipate you needing to pay any further fees. And even if that were the case, Danica, you know we’d be able to work something out, despite what things are like between you and my father.” Danica smiled, feeling the warm tears fill her eyes again. Blaine and his sister Evelyn were hands down what she’d always liked most about Ted. When Ted had let Danica know he had children who were both older than her, she was certain they’d hate her. Instead, they’d been more than gracious to her, even siding with her when Ted had exhibited his control issues in their presence. It was almost hard to believe they were related to that man now.
“Are you sure?” Danica’s voice nearly squeaked.
“Absolutely,” Blaine said with conviction. “Let’s not worry about anything unforeseen happening. But as far as me needing to see the first part to the end, I’m legally bound to do so. And you know me. I do everything by the book. I just talked to the district attorney today, so we don’t have a court date set yet, but as soon as we do, I’ll let you know.”
Completely overwhelmed with emotion, again, Danica couldn’t thank him enough. After hanging up, she was glad that there was no one in the lobby because she hadn’t even noticed her surroundings as she took in the wonderful news. A few moments later the lobby door opened, and Nine and Orlando walked in talking loudly. They both went silent when they laid eyes on her and, of course, she was a mess again. “Yeah.” She cleared her throat before they could say anything and nodded as she grabbed her purse from the counter and tried to think as fast as her muddled mind allowed. “I’m so sorry, guys. This is not a good way to start a job. But I think I will leave after all. I have to go deal with this in person. But I’ll be there tomorrow, Orlando.” She lifted her phone. “I have your address. I promise this won’t continue to interfere with my job. I’ll be better for sure by then, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Understatement of the century.
They both nodded, assuring her she was fine, and again she was touched by how genuinely saddened Orlando seemed for her. “Dani, don’t worry about this interfering with work.” Danica inhaled deeply as Orlando’s words and those unbelievably intense eyes bore into her.