Page 37 of The Boss and the Adoption Mess
“So, what’s the problem?” She sounds irritated and tries to head for the kid again. Once more, I block her.
“I just want to take her home. Then you’ll have your peace.”
“There’s no way I’m letting you near her like this. Didn’t you hear me? She’s already asleep.”
“I had things to do, otherwise I’d have been here sooner. She can keep sleeping in the car.”
“You’re drunk. I’m not letting you drive off with her like this.”
Catherine gives a soft laugh. “She’s my daughter. You’ve got no right to keep her here. What’re you gonna do—call the cops? I’ve got custody. You’ve got nothing.”
“Then child services would take her. You know that.”
“And I also know you don’t want that.”
Unfortunately, she’s right. If child services got even a quick look at Catherine, Rosie would be gone—and my chances of adopting her would be zero.
“How much do you want?” I ask her, annoyed.
“Oh, is my brother trying to buy time with my daughter again?” That trick has always worked so far.
“How much?” I repeat, calmly and dryly.
“Enough to have some fun tonight and pick her up tomorrow—sober, showered, fresh.”
“Tomorrow afternoon. Sober.”
“I can manage that.”
“Fine.” I go to the counter and grab my wallet. I only have about fifteen hundred pounds in cash, which I hand her. She frowns.
“Your niece isn’t worth more to you? This won’t get me far.”
“That’s plenty for a wild night, including a cab ride home.”
“Or one of your drivers, in a fancy limo.”
“I’ll call someone.” At least then I’ll know where she is and that she got home.
“Now we’re talking.” She counts the bills again while I text Robin. Luckily, he can swing by in a few minutes.
“How long are you staying in London this time before dumping Rosie on me again?” I ask.
“A few weeks. Probably. I’ve gotta recover from last week first.” She laughs and gives me an amused look. “What? God, you’re such a square. I’m just having a little fun. Life with a baby is exhausting.”
“She’s four.”
“She’s small. She’s a baby.”
And my sister is an absolute idiot with full custody.
“Will you take her to school every morning?”
“If you put one of your drivers at my disposal. Or will I finally get my own?”
“If you actually stay here and want to take good care of her? I’ve always offered to make things easier for you—whether that’s your own driver, a housekeeper, or a babysitter.”
“Yeah, but the last housekeeper called child services. That wasn’t great…”
