Griffin entered his three-story mansion and took the marble stairs two at a time, heading to the second-floor living area, when he heard a familiar sound coming from his kitchen. He dropped his head and gave it is a slow shake before heading back downstairs. He passed his formal living room and entered his massive gourmet kitchen. The black-and-white Italian marble and stainless-steel industrial appliances would make any chef smile. Griffin walked in to find his mother and Jia sitting at the eight-person island sharing a bottle of wine.
“There you are, son. Where have you been?” his mother asked, offering her cheek for his usual greeting.
“You know that spare key I gave you is for emergencies, right?” Griffin kissed both his mother and Jia on the cheek before saying, “I went to visit an old friend.”
His mother’s eyes narrowed and she waved off his complaint. “Anyone I know?”
“As a matter fact, yes. Do you remember my old classmate from medical school, Felicia Blake? Well, it’s Dr. Felicia Blake now.”
Lin Kaile offered Griffin a tight smile, cutting her eyes to Jia before returning them to her son. “Yes, of course. How is she?”
“Beautiful,” he whispered as he reached for a glass to pour himself some wine from the bottle of Merlot they were sharing. “She’s doing great...exceptionally, in fact.”
“Was there any particular reason you went to see her?” Jia asked as she sipped her wine. Her insecurities were on full display.
“She and her sister came to the party last night and we didn’t have a chance to catch up. I wanted to see her before she leaves.”
“And did you?” Jia asked, reaching for the bottle of wine to top off her glass. “Catch up, I mean.”
“When is she leaving?” his mother interjected.
Griffin looked at his mother before he turned his attention to Jia. “Somewhat, but we still have a few things to clear up.” Griffin turned to his mother. “I’m not sure how long she’ll be here.”
“She’s a doctor. I’m sure she has patients she needs to get back to,” Jia intoned, pushing her glass to the side as if she suddenly didn’t like the taste and folding her arms.
“Felicia’s not that type of doctor. She’s more of a research scientist that works for the CIA.”
“That’s all the more reason for her to get back home,” his mother declared.
Griffin knew that his mother had always had an issue with his “going nowhere crush” on Felicia, as she called it. She believed that Felicia’s ambition would always take precedence over family life. He wouldn’t be surprised if she was blocking their connection. Griffin folded his arms and leered at his mother. “Felicia said she tried to reach out to me several times. In between Carol—the assistant you chose and insisted I hire—screening my calls and emails at the office and the fact I know you’re always here trying to do the same, I’m lucky I get any non-hospital-related calls at all.”
His mother shrugged. “The important people have your private cell number,” she said, raising her glass to her red lips.
Too bad I didn’t have that number on my business cards; another one of your ideas, Mother, if I remember correctly.
“Griffin, your mother and Carol are only trying to stop the nonsense from getting through. You’re a very wealthy man and some people—I’m not saying your friend is one of them, but some—will always try to take advantage of people in your position.”
Griffin looked over at Jia. “The key word in that statement is man, and I’m more than capable of taking care of myself.” He turned to his mother. “So, Mother, did you block Felicia’s calls?”
His mother gave a nonchalant wave. “Probably, but I don’t recall. What does it matter, anyway? It clearly wasn’t professional. Otherwise, she would’ve gone through the hospital.”
Griffin took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “Mother, I need you to stop. And I’m going to remind Carol that she works for me, and if she wants to keep working for me, she’d better stop working for you.”
“You’re overreacting just like your father. Besides, what did that woman have to say that’s so important you’re actually chastising your mother?”
A smile slowly spread across his face. Only that you have a grandchild. “You’ll know soon enough. In the meantime, can you please give me and Jia some privacy? We need to talk.”
Griffin escorted his mother to her waiting Bentley that had arrived only minutes after she’d called for it. He walked back inside to find that Jia had brought their glasses and another bottle of wine into the living room. She’d removed her shoes, had let her hair down and was seductively lying across the extra-long, light-gray-and-white sofa. From the sexy smile and the way she batted her eyes, Griffin knew where Jia thought their evening was headed.
It seemed his lack of a proposal and their discussion about them not being on the same page when it came to their dating relationship hadn’t been clear enough. Griffin knew he had to be more direct—rip the Band-Aid off. He needed to make sure his position with Jia was crystal clear and final before he could begin to approach Felicia with his plans for Alyia. He had to say the words. Tell her that their relationship was over and that his feelings were elsewhere.
Jia handed Griffin his wineglass. “You really have to take it easy on your mother. You know how protective she can be,” she said, leaning back into the sofa.
Griffin sat on the love seat across from her. “Thanks,” he said, accepting the glass. “I know. Look, Jia, we need to talk.”
“Of course, but why are you sitting over there?” Jia patted the spot next to her. “Why don’t you join me over here?”
Griffin set his wineglass on the small, round, glass coffee table between the two seats. “I’m fine here, thanks.”
“Griffin, darling, what’s wrong?”
“Jia, we discussed this last night, but I don’t think you understood me.”
Jia reached for her glass and took a sip. “Of course I did. You’re not ready to get engaged right now. And I get that. You’re taking on a big role at the hospital and now’s not the time for another big, life-altering change.”
Too late for that. “Yes, but I also said that I didn’t think we had a future together.”
“Yes, right now,” she said, frowning as if Griffin couldn’t understand the words coming out of her mouth.
“No, Jia, not ever. I care for you, and you know that. We have a great time together, but we both agreed to keep things light.”
Jia swept her feet off the sofa and sat straighter. “Yes, but that was before.”
“Before what, exactly?”
“All the talk about marriage...developing a strong partnership,” she said, her brows coming together.
Griffin went and sat next to her on the sofa. He took her hand in his and stared into her eyes. “Have you and I ever had any such conversation?”
“N-no...but...” she stammered, her frown deepening.
“But what?” he asked, matching Jia’s confused look.
“Your mother and I have.”
“You and my mother,” he said, releasing her hand, unable to hide the disdain in his voice.
“Yes. She said it was time, you were ready, and that I needed to be sure I was ready, too,” she explained.
“But you and I have never even talked about taking our relationship any further than where we are now. Why would you talk to my mother, rather than to me, if that’s what you wanted?” he queried.
“I...I don’t know. She mentioned it and I thought maybe she was right. Maybe the time had come.”
“For what, exactly?”
“Marriage, kids, the whole thing.” Jia leaned in and tried to kiss Griffin, but he stopped her attempt with his hand as the image of Felicia holding his child popped into his head.
“Jia, I’m sorry, but this—” he waved his hand between them “—isn’t going to happen.”
Jia leaned back. “What?”
“You know I care about you—”
“And I care for you, too,” she said, reaching for his hand.
Griffin gave her hand a quick squeeze before he stood and started pacing the room. He didn’t want to hurt her, but he knew the next sentence out of his mouth would not only hurt Jia but bring the wrath of his mother down upon him. Griffin had always loved and respected his parents, and while he gave his mother a hard time, he knew she was only acting out of love for her only child. He could only hope that one day she’d see that he was only doing the same. Griffin stopped and faced an anxious-looking Jia.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t marry you. Not now...not ever.”
Jia sat in silence for several moments before asking, “Is it that doctor? The one you went to medical school with...had a crush on?” She folded her arms.
Griffin sighed. “Honestly, Jia, it’s a lot of things, but Felicia showing up the way she did didn’t help.”
Griffin wasn’t prepared to share the news about Alyia yet. He was still getting used to the idea that he was a father and wanted to figure out what impact this revelation could have on his life and any potential relationship with Felicia. If Cooper was right, things could get really complicated.
Jia reached for her shoes. As she slipped her feet into them she said, “You once told me that you had a crush on her, but you two were going in different directions. Remember that?” she asked, standing and reaching for her purse.
“I remember.”
“Well, the way I see it, not much has changed in that regard. She works overseas, travels around the world.” Jia used her right hand to pat Griffin on his heart before she let it rest there. “I’d hate for you to throw away something that could’ve been great for a what-if.”
Griffin removed her hand from his heart and said, “I’m a doctor. I live in a world of what-ifs.”
Jia took a step toward the door then looked over her shoulder. “Call me when she leaves. Maybe I’ll answer. And mark my words...she will leave.”
“Not if I can help it,” he murmured as he watched her sashay out the door.
Griffin retrieved his phone and dialed Cooper. “Well...”
Cooper explained Griffin’s legal position and options regarding his rights to Alyia. When their call ended, Griffin decided to keep what he knew to himself. He was hoping to resolve things between him and Felicia without having to officially involve their lawyers or having to explain just how weak her position as Alyia’s mother really was.
* * *
Felicia stood in a conference room behind a glass wall, looking out into one of the largest and most respected labs in the country as she waited for her meeting to begin with the newly appointed head of the CDC.
According to Steven, I’m going to be dealing with a life of interruptions. Add in the dangerous aspect of the job and I wonder, is that something I really want to deal with, now that I have Alyia? But I’ve worked so hard for this opportunity. I’m sure I’ll be able to figure it out.
“Sorry to keep you waiting, Dr. Blake, but my last meeting ran long,” Dr. Stacy Gray announced as she entered the room. The tall, slim brunette with short, curly hair and smooth, dark brown skin, wearing white scrubs and black pearls, offered her hand in greeting.
Felicia accepted it, briefly distracted by Stacy’s black nail polish. “Please, call me Felicia, and it’s a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Gray.”
“It’s Stacy, and the feeling is mutual. I’ve heard nothing but great things about you. Our president speaks very highly of you.”
“He’s very kind.” Felicia could feel her face warming. “Congratulations on your appointment.”
“Thank you. Let’s sit,” she said, gesturing toward the conference table and chairs. “Sorry to interrupt your personal time off. I understand you have a new baby. Congratulations!”
“Thank you. I’m still getting used to things,” she said.
“Are you sure you’re ready to get back to work?”
While Felicia had enjoyed spending the last few weeks getting to know her daughter, the call of the lab was strong. “My work is important to me...to the country, and I can’t turn my back on it.”
“Good. Steven tells me you’ll be supervising our work with the Legionnaires’ situation.”
“Oh, no,” Felicia insisted. “I’m here to offer my assistance, that’s all. You have an excellent team here. I’ve worked with many of them.”
Stacy slanted her head slightly. “I’ve heard that...and on cases that we were struggling with, too.”
Felicia shrugged. “In my current role, I’m privy to things that can help save time in resolving many mysteries.”
“Oh, I think there’s a bit more to it than that. You have quite the reputation in the field of biochemistry,” she retorted.
Where is she going with this? “As do you.”
Stacy smiled, reached into her pocket and pulled out a set of key cards and a temporary ID badge. She slid them across the table to Felicia. “Those keys give you access to everything you need on this floor, as well as get you into the building. Please wear your CIA photo ID. Steven says you have one.”
“Yes, of course.” Felicia picked up the key cards and ID.
Stacy stood. “We should have the first set of samples for you tomorrow.”
“No problem. I’m looking forward to working with you.”
Stacy offered up a lopsided grin. “As am I. I’m curious to see you in action,” she replied before taking her leave.
Felicia looked down at the key cards again. “This should be interesting.”
* * *
Later that afternoon, Felicia prepared for her evening with Griffin. She stared at the image before her, wearing a simple, deep green sheath dress with a scoop neck where her breasts stood proudly at attention. The dress hugged her body like a lover taking claim to what was his. Felicia looked past her mirror reflection and over her shoulder. “You think this is too much?”
“Oh, no,” Ms. Ellen said, entering the room and holding a laughing Alyia on her hip. “You look beautiful, and this little one agrees.”
Felicia turned away from the mirror to face her visitors. Alyia stretched out her arms and twisted her body away from her caregiver, clearly wanting her mother’s attention. Felicia’s heart exploded with joy as she reached for her daughter.
Alyia laughed as Felicia held her and patted her back. “Thank you. It’s just I haven’t worn anything so...obvious before.”
“Obvious?” Ms. Ellen sat in a chair across from Felicia’s bed.
“Like I’m trying to impress him or something.”
“Impress him?” she said, frowning. “He’s the one that needs to impress you.”
“You’re so sweet, Ms. Ellen,” she said, kissing Alyia’s neck. Felicia loved how that made her laugh and fling her hands about. They had come a long way from that first moment when they’d seen each other.
“Why would you have to impress Dr. Griffin? I mean, you’re a wealthy and successful doctor in your own right.”
“I don’t. Not really. He just...he makes me feel like I do.”
“Oh,” she sang. “Let me have that little one. We don’t want her to mess up your pretty new dress.” Felicia kissed Alyia on the cheek and handed her over. “So you like him. That’s good. It will make raising this beautiful one together much easier.”
“I don’t like him,” she said, quickly lowering her head.
Ms. Ellen laughed. “Child, who you trying to convince? I may not be married anymore, but I know heat when I see it.”
“We’re just friends and now parents.” Felicia checked her watch and started to gather her things.
“It doesn’t have to stay that way, you know. I saw the way he looked at you. There’s definitely something there.” She offered a knowing smile.
Felicia gave a nonchalant shrug, not wanting to go there. Just the idea of Griffin wanting anything more with her was a complication she wasn’t sure she was ready for. “I shouldn’t be late.”
“No worries. After I put this little one down, I think I’ll do a little more reading before I turn in,” she said as the doorbell rang.
“Right on time.” Felicia kissed Alyia on the top of her head and Ms. Ellen on her cheek as the two continued to rock. “Good night, you two.”
Felicia left the room after giving herself a final once-over and went to let Griffin in, a move she knew was about to change her life; only she didn’t know just how much. For a detail-oriented scientist, that lack of information was unnerving.