Page 106 of The Bad Girl

Nadine:Just shut up and give him the phone.

A minute later, a familiar voice comes on the line.

Maxwell:Hello?

Nadine:Max, it’s me, Nadine. I need a favor.

?

Maxwell

When Harry handed me the phone, I expected it to be a telemarketer or one of the many women who stalk me and somehow find a number to an associate of mine.

But that would be too easy.

Instead, it’s Nadine’s voice that comes across the line, taking my breath away and damn near stopping my heart.

Nadine:Max, it’s me, Nadine. I need a favor.

For a moment, I don’t know if I should respond or simply hang up. Legal would want me to hang up and report this mishap to them immediately. I, on the other hand, long to hear her voice.

Maxwell:Yes?

Nadine:I need you to send a tailor that can dress a pregnant woman.

My throat tightens, and I have to take a seat as a wave of dizziness overwhelms me.

Nadine’s pregnant?

A brief calculation in my head tells me it would be too early to know, but maybe, perhaps, if Nadine’s body runs like clockwork, she can tell something is off?

And perhaps most importantly, I would be the father.

My heart races with excitement and anticipation as I picture Nadine, her stomach bulging, and I want it more than anything. Heck, I’d give up my legacy, go to school to become a mechanic, tattoo my arms, and walk around town in torn jeans if it would make her happy.

I swallow hard, trying to find words to address the situation.

Maxwell:How do you know? I mean, how can you be so sure? The boat was how many weeks ago?

Nadine:Huh? Wait, you think I meant for myself?

I hear maniacal laughter on the other end of the line, and my heart sinks.

I guess she’s not pregnant.

Nadine:It’s for my friend that’s getting married. She’ll be just over four months on her wedding day, which is three weeks out, but she’s struggling with the dress she picked. I figured why not call in a favor?

Maxwell:So, you’re calling in favors now? After hardball negotiation tactics with my attorneys.

Nadine:Would I have ever gotten a job as your assistant if it wasn’t in my nature to strike a good deal.

Maxwell:That’s fair. I can have a designer sent up to you apartment later tonight. The turnaround’s cutting it close, but my people will get her into something better than anything off the rack.

Nadine:Thank you sooooooo much! You have no idea how much this means to me!

I know that after Nadine hangs up, I may never talk to her again, and there are some things I need to say, although I know I can’t say as much as I want.

Maxwell:Nadine, I’m sorry. I’m sorry about what happened on the boat. I’m sorry about not seeing if you were okay afterward. I’m sorry you were let go.