Chapter 6
"Let him in," I said.
David opened the door and walked in, dressed in a casual suit, way more laid-back than the last time we met.
"Your mille-feuille today was really impressive," he said.
"Thanks," I replied.
"People out there are all trying to guess who you are," David said with a smile. "Some even think you're a retired Michelin-star chef."
"Works for me," I replied.
David leaned against the doorframe. "Your ex-husband is out there, too."
My hand paused as I poured water.
"I know," I said.
"He handed me his business card earlier," David said, his tone flat. "Wants to meet next week to talk about a partnership."
"That's your business, not mine," I replied.
"I turned him down."
I glanced at him.
"Why?" I asked.
"His proposal was weak," David said. "Not enough data, and the market analysis was sloppy. Horizon Group's entire media budget this year is going to you, to Epicurean Studio."
I stayed silent.
"All of it?" I asked.
"Yeah. The biggest expense in the brand department this year is your annual contract. Eric wants to get resources from Horizon Group, but he has no idea where Horizon's money is really being spent."
David looked at me and gave me a mysterious smile.
"Pretty interesting, huh?" David said.
"What's so interesting about that?" I asked.
"He spent half a year trying to cozy up to Horizon Group, only to find out their biggest partner is his ex-wife."
I set my glass down.
"David, about my identity..." I started.
"I won't say a word," he said, raising his hand. "I know how to keep a secret better than anyone."
"Good," I said.
He turned to leave, then stopped.
"Oh, almost forgot. Horizon Group's annual partner appreciation dinner is next month. Epicurean Studio made the invite list. Will you be there?"
"Is it okay if I don't show my face?" I asked.
"That can be arranged. But you'll need someone to represent you."
"I'll think about it."
"Don't wait too long," he said, opening the door. "There aren't many spots left."
After the door closed, I leaned back in my chair.
My phone lit up.
It was a message from Sophie: [Lily just devoured a whole pizza and is now having a blast on the slide. Don't worry, she's having a great time.]
She sent a photo of Lily grinning, showing off her missing tooth.
I saved the photo and set it as my lock screen.
On my way home that evening, I got a message I didn't expect.
Eric: [Claire, it's my birthday next week. Is Lily coming?]
I stared at the screen.
It had been two months since the divorce, and this was the first time he'd ever brought up Lily on his own.
It wasn't because he missed Lily.
I knew him way too well.
He just wanted to make his new family look picture-perfect. With Lily there, he'd look like the doting, responsible father.
Monica was pregnant, and her social media was packed with mom-to-be diaries. Every comment was all about "happiness" and "true love."
If Lily showed up at his birthday party now, it'd be the perfect scene: the ex-wife playing nice, one big happy family for everyone to see.
I replied: [No.]
Three seconds later, my phone rang.
"Claire, what do you mean? She's my daughter." Eric said.
"You called her baggage," I shot back.
"That was just me being mad. Can't you tell?"
"I could tell. But Lily could hear it, too."
"She's only four."
"Kids that age pick up on everything. You never answer her calls, and now she's stopped asking when you'll come see her."
There was a two-second silence on the other end.
"Are you trying to turn her against me?" Eric asked.
"Eric, you haven't seen her in three months," I said.
"I've been busy."
"You always have time every weekend to take Monica to tour those fancy Riverside Penthouses, but you can't spare a single minute for your own daughter."
"You!"
"Don't bother calling again. I said no, and that's final."
I hung up.
A minute later, Monica texted me.
Monica: [Claire, Eric just wants to see Lily on his birthday. You don't have to be so difficult, right? And I'm pregnant now. The kids will be siblings, you know.]
I didn't reply.
I deleted it right away.
When Sophie found out, she ranted for half an hour.
"The nerve of those two! They ignore Lily most of the time, but as soon as they need her to put on a show, now they remember she's their daughter?" Sophie fumed.
"I couldn't care less," I said.
"You're way too nice." Sophie said.
"I'm not soft at all. I turned them down," I shot back.
"Yeah, you're right," Sophie said, calming down. "By the way, you look way better these days."
"That's what a good routine does for you," I replied.
"So, what are you up to these days? You're not working, but you don't seem to be short on cash," Sophie asked.
"I'm a freelancer," I said.
"What kind of freelancer?" Sophie asked.
"Cooking," I said.
"Cooking? How much can you really make from that?" Sophie asked.
I just smiled, feeling pretty smug, and kept quiet.