Thank you SO much for all your wonderful comments. I was blown away by how many people reviewed the first chapter. I promise you I am working on my other stories, but this chapter was begging to be written lol. As usual, please review.

Nice To Meet You: Chapter Two

Matt buckled his seatbelt and placed the key in the ignition. He quickly glanced at Molly, and smiled when he saw her eyes stubbornly refusing to close.

“Go to sleep, sweetie.” He told her, as he pulled out of the police parking lot.

A couple of minutes later, he looked over and saw that the officer was right, Molly was fast asleep, sucking her thumb and cuddling her favourite teddy, Booboo.

He stopped at a red light and pulled his cell phone out of his pocket, calling the only person he knew who could help him.

“Hey, it’s me.”

“Is everything okay?”

“Can you meet me outside in a minute?” Matt asked, as he turned right onto Sunset Boulevard, braking slightly as someone pulled out in front of him. He subconsciously threw his arm across a sleeping Molly, to stop her from falling forward in her seat. “Yeah, I’m fine, I just need to show you something...”

“Okay, I’ll see you in a sec.”

Matt pressed the red button on his cell phone, ending the call. He looked across at the sleeping figure next to him and smiled. He couldn’t believe the gorgeous little girl belonged to him.

Danny made his way down to the parking lot, hastily signing several pieces of paper as he walked along, thrusting them into Billi’s arms as she passed him.

“Can you get those off to Jordan to authorise as soon as possible?” He called, as he disappeared down the studio stairs, into the lobby area. “Hey, buddy.” He said, slapping his palm into George’s waiting hand as he ran past, escaping through the fire exit, which led to the parking lot.

“About fricken time.” Matt laughed, as he watched Danny lean forward and catch his breath.

Danny struggled with the lid of his bottle of water, eventually managing to pry it open, and gulp it down. “Have we always had that many stairs?” He asked, as he suddenly jumped up and down on one foot.

“What the hell is wrong with you?”

Danny squeezed his eyes shut. “Ah, cramp” He moaned, hopping frantically towards the car, hoping to rest his body against the cool metal.

“Don’t do that.” Matt yelled, grabbing Danny’s arm, just as his body started to relax, causing him to fall over.

Danny stood up and brushed himself off. “What did you want to show me, anyway?”

Matt quietly opened the car door, and motioned towards the sleeping child.

“A kid?”

“Yes…”

“Do they know you’ve taken her?” He asked, leaning in closely to get a better look.

Matt pulled Danny back, preventing him from waking Molly. “Yes, they know I’ve taken her. This is what they wanted to speak to me about down at the station.”

“What?”

“Danny, she’s mine.”

Danny tried again to get a closer look at her. “Are you freaking kidding me?”

“Will you stop doing that? You’ll wake her up.” Matt warned, as he hooked his arm across Danny’s waist to stop him from getting any closer.

“So, she’s yours? For real?”

“Yeah. They did all the tests to prove it.” He explained, looking longingly at his daughter.

“What are you going to tell Harriet?”

Matt ran his hand up and down his unshaven face. “I have absolutely no idea. She has no reason to be mad though… Right?”

“No.”

“Thank God.”

“Wait. I just meant she has no reason be mad; I didn’t say that she wouldn’t be.”

“I don’t know what to do. I don’t know what to do.” Matt repeated frustrated.

“Aw, look. She’s waking up.” Danny cooed, as he made funny faces at her through the window.

Matt crouched down by the side of the car. “Hey, sweetheart.” He said, stroking Molly’s arm with his finger. “Did you sleep well?”

He smiled when she nodded her head sleepily and let out a little yawn, causing her pacifier to fall out of her mouth.

“I think you dropped this.” Matt teased, pretending to hand the pacifier to Danny, causing Molly to giggle. “Come on, let’s go inside.” He said, picking Molly up and popping the pacifier back in her mouth.

XxXxX

They rushed upstairs and into Matt’s office, managing to avoid being seen by anybody. Matt placed a sleepy Molly down onto the couch, hoping she’d drift back off to sleep.

“Uh, Matt. Harriet’s on her way in here.” Danny informed him, as he peered through the wooden blinds that looked out on to the corridor.

“Shit.” He muttered, walking towards the door.

“Where are you going?” Danny panicked, seeing that he was being left alone with Molly.

“I’m just going out there to talk to Harriet.” Matt explained. “I think it would be better if I told her about Molly, before she saw her, don’t you think?”

Danny sat down in Matt’s chair, swinging his feet up onto his desk. “I guess.”

“Okay, well keep an eye on her.” He said, as he walked out and waited for Harriet in the hall. He could see her talking to Tom and Simon about 10 feet away. She smiled at him when their eyes met, and she signalled with her hand that she would only be a moment.

He was so nervous; he wasn’t ready to face her yet. He could feel his palms starting to sweat and he had the sudden urge to pace. What was he meant to say to her? Was he supposed to feel guilty about having a child with someone other than her? And was it bad that he didn’t?

As Harriet made her way over to Matt, she could see something was bothering him. He was biting his lip and shuffling his foot uneasily.

“Hey.” She smiled, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist. “Is everything okay?” She asked as she softly nibbled his neck.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Everything’s good.” He replied unconvincingly.

Hearing Danny’s not-so-subtle cough in the background, Matt stuffed his hands deep in to his jean pockets, pacing for a moment, before sitting down, patting the chair next to him, gesturing for her to join him.

Harriet eyed him suspiciously. “What have you done?” She teased, stopping when she saw the somber look on his face.

“Okay.” He started, taking a deep breath. “You know how I had to go to the police station earlier? Well, the thing is…”

“Matthew, what’s going on?” Harriet asked nervously. “You’re really scaring me.”

Matt leaned forward, resting his head in his hands. “God, Harri. I’m so sorry.” He whispered.

“What for?”

Before Matt had a chance to answer, his office door swung open and a tearful Molly ran out, jumping straight into his lap.

“I’m sorry, I tried to stop her, but she runs really fast.” Danny apologised, sensing the awkwardness between the couple.

Matt stood up with Molly, her chubby arms wrapped tightly around his neck. “Shh, it’s okay, sweetheart. I’m here. I didn’t go anywhere.” He soothed, rocking the sobbing youngster in his arms.

“Can you explain to me what the hell is going on?” Harriet asked, eerily calm.

Matt moved Molly onto his hip, and placed a finger under her chin, turning her head, so that she was looking at him. “Harri, this is my daughter, Molly. Molly, this is my friend, Harri.” He said, still focusing all of his attention on the small child in his arms.

“If you’ll excuse me.” Harriet said, as she pushed past Matt, and ran down the winding staircase, that led onto the stage.

Matt watched Harriet’s figure disappear into the distance. He was still cradling Molly, and could feel her relax in his arms, getting heavier as she drifted back to sleep. It sounds stupid but he was envious of the little girl in his arms. He envied her obliviousness to everything that was going on around her.

He walked back into his office, joining Danny on the couch.

“So, she took that well, huh?” Danny muttered.

XxXxX

“I just can’t believe it.” Harriet seethed, as she told Jeannie everything, downstairs in her dressing room.

Jeannie stood there, making them both a cup of coffee, listening to her friend vent her frustrations about “The Other Woman” in Matt’s life. She felt slightly hypocritical as she tried to comfort Harriet, because she had also been “The Other Woman” in Matt’s life at one point. Although Matt and Harriet weren’t together when they hooked up, that was also the case with Matt and Rachel.

Jeannie sat down next to Harriet and handed her a steaming mug of black coffee. “I don’t know what to say to you, Harri.”

“I just hate him so much right now.” She exclaimed, as she blew cool air on to her piping hot drink.

“I know, but you have to try and see it from his point of view as well, Harriet; he hasn’t done anything wrong.”

Harriet slammed her drink down onto the coffee table in front of her. “Of course you’d be on his side. You also screwed my boyfriend. I bet you’re just grateful that this isn’t you sitting here, and that this is happening to me.”

Jeannie was taken aback by Harriet’s sudden outburst; it was so out of character for the usual placid woman that she knew and loved. “Harriet…”

Harriet walked over to Jeannie, standing inches from her face. “I can see what’s going on here, Jeannie. You love this, don’t you? You’re just waiting for Matt and me to break up, so you can jump back into bed with him.” She argued.

“Harriet, you know that isn’t true.” Jeannie tried explaining.

Harriet walked towards the door, but turned around quickly to face her. “You know, years ago, Jeannie, I would have believed you, but not now.” She fumed. “You’re just as bad as he is.”

The door slammed and a perplexed Jeannie was left wondering what to make of the situation that had just taken place. It had escalated from nothing and out of nowhere.

XxXxX

“Are you okay? Jordan asked, walking into Danny’s office, later that day.

“Yeah, why?” He asked, concern crinkling his face.

“Come to my office ASAP, as I have something really, really important that I need to discuss with you.” Jordan read aloud a note from Danny, which had been placed on her desk.

“Ah yeah. Sit down, I have something exciting to tell you about Matt.” He told her.

“You’re worse than me.”

“Do you not want to hear what I have to say?” He teased, leaning back in his chair, grabbing his desk suddenly, when his chair was about to tip over.

“Sorry, go on.”

“So, you know how Matt had to go to the police station this morning to discuss Rachel White? Well, it turns out that they had a child together. Her name is Molly. She’s with Matt in his office…”

Jordan’s jaw dropped “No way!”

“I know. I was surprised as well. She’s really cute though.”

“That’s great. It’s not great that Rachel died, but that Molly is with Matt.” Jordan explained.

Danny began furiously sharpening a stack of pencils on his desk. “Harriet is pissed.”

Jordan suddenly became serious. “Don’t tell Harriet that I said this was great news.”

“Why not?” Danny asked, a confused expression on his face.

“Because, Harriet is my best friend.” Jordan stated, as if this should have been obvious.

“And?”

“I’m obviously going to have to be on her side.”

“That’s ridiculous. Matt hasn’t done anything wrong.”

“I know, but…”

“So you agree with me?” He asked, trying to catch her out.

“Don’t do that. Do you want to get me in to trouble with Harriet?” She asked, standing up and walking around the desk, massaging Danny’s shoulders.

“Mmm, that feels nice.” He sighed, relaxing in to her touch. He spun his chair round and pulled Jordan into his lap. “Hi.” He smiled, leaning in for a kiss.

XxXxX

“How about a banana?” Matt asked, as he placed Molly on his desk in front of him, her little feet banging against his chest.

She shook her head dramatically from side to side.

“What about an apple? You have to eat something, sweetheart.” He sighed, watching her shake her head again.

This was a totally new experience for him. He had no idea what a three year old liked to eat. Suddenly, he had an idea. He picked up the phone and dialed the only person who he thought might be able to help him.

“Hey, Mom, it’s me.” He said, smiling to himself when he felt Molly play with his hair. “I have a weird question for you. Remember how I was a fussy eater when I was little? What did you get me eating eventually? No reason… Okay, there is a reason, but I’ll tell you later, Mom. I don’t have time at the moment… Okay, so, anything else? Thanks, Mom; you’re a life saver. I’ll call you tonight, okay? Love you too, bye.” He said, as he placed the receiver back down.

“How does a peanut butter and jelly sandwich sound?” He asked hopefully, letting out a breath he hadn’t realised he’d been holding when she nodded her head enthusiastically. “Suzanne.” He called, to his assistant in the next room.

“Hey, is everything okay?” She asked, walking into the room, smiling at the vision before her. She’d always thought Matt was cute, but seeing him interact with his young daughter seemed to make him even cuter.

“Are you able to get us two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on white, and two cartons of OJ, please?”

Molly tugged at his shirtsleeve and shook her head.

“You don’t like OJ?” He smiled, watching her attempt to silently communicate with him. “How about apple juice? No… Water? No… Milk? Okay, so one carton of OJ for me, and one carton of milk for the little princess here.” He teased.

He wondered how long it would be before she felt comfortable enough to speak to him. He knew she could talk; he’d heard her at the police station, talking the poor female officer’s ears off, just before he’d gone in to see her. Maybe she was just shy, he thought.

As Suzanne left his office, Jordan entered, smiling broadly when she saw Matt and Molly, playing happily together.

“Hey.” She said, taking a seat opposite Matt at his desk. “I came to say hello to this little one.” She grinned, as she ruffled Molly’s hair lightly, causing the youngster to giggle hysterically, throwing herself into Matt’s chest to hide her face.

“She’s a little shy.” Matt explained.

A grin appeared on Jordan’s face. “I can tell. So, Molly, how old are you?” Jordan already knew the answer to this, but she thought it might help Molly open up a little bit.

Molly turned around to face her, as she struggled to hold up three fingers, eventually giving in and using her free hand to hold down her pinky and thumb.

“Wow, you’re only three?” Jordan gasped. “You look so grown up; I thought you were at least four and a half.”

Molly giggled and shook her head, as she once again held up three tiny fingers to show her age.

“Hey, Molly. Why don’t you show Jordan Booboo?” He suggested, pointing to the brown stuffed animal on the couch.

Molly hopped off of Matt’s lap and grabbed her teddy bear to show Jordan.

“Are you okay?” Jordan mouthed, smiling happily when he nodded at her; his eyes remained focused on the little girl behind her.

Molly thrust Booboo onto Jordan’s lap.

Jordan shook the teddy bear’s hand. “Nice to meet you, Booboo.” She said, lifting the bear up so that it covered her face. “Are you having fun with your Daddy, Molly?”

Molly nodded, before running back around the desk and climbing into Matt’s lap.

“Here you go, guys. Two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, one milk, and one OJ.” Suzanne said, as she walked into the office holding a tray of food, placing it on the desk in front of them.

“Thanks, Suzanne.”

Jordan stood up from her chair. “Right, I’ll leave you guys to enjoy your lunch. It was nice meeting you, Molly.” She beamed, waving as she left the office.

Matt picked Molly up and placed her on the desk, so that she was facing him. “Here you go, sweetheart.” He said, handing her a sandwich quarter.

They sat in silence for a couple of minutes, while they both ate their lunch. Molly looked over at Matt’s sandwich wrapper and picked up some leftover crusts that he hadn’t eaten.

“Do you want those?” He asked, watching her carefully study the pieces of bread in her hands. She shook her head and pushed them towards his mouth. “You want me to eat them?” He asked, as small bits of bread were stuffed into his mouth. “I take that as a yes then.” He laughed, as he opened his mouth for more bread to be popped inside.

Once they’d finished eating lunch, he settled Molly on the floor with some toys and a colouring book. “Hey, Danny. Are you free to come and sit with Molly for a while? I really need to talk to Harriet.” He asked into the phone. “Thanks, I’ll see you in a minute.”

XxXxX

Matt slowly made his way downstairs to speak to Harriet. He paused nervously outside her dressing room. He had no idea what he was going to say to her. Did she hate him? He didn’t have much time to think about it, because all of a sudden, her door swung open and Simon was standing in front of him.

“Harri, Matt’s here to see you.” He sneered, staring at him, until Harriet said it was okay for him to come in. “I’ll be in my room if you need me, okay?”

Harriet stood up, wrapping her oversized cardigan around her tightly. “Thanks, Sim.”

Matt looked down as Simon passed him. He didn’t know why he was feeling so guilty; in his eyes, he had not done anything wrong.

“Can I come in?” Matt asked, as he walked into her dressing room, not bothering to wait for an answer.

Harriet sighed. “It looks like I don’t have a choice.” She said, taking a seat on her couch and bringing her legs up to her chest while pulling her cardigan over her knees.

“Harriet, please don’t be like this.” He begged, running a hand through his hair.

“Like what? Upset that my boyfriend has a child with someone else?” She snapped.

Matt went to place his hand on Harriet’s, but she shoved him away. “How do you think this makes me feel, Harriet? I thought you of all people would have stuck by me. Do you think this is easy for me?”

“I don’t care how easy this is for you. The point is, Matthew, you have a child with another woman.” Harriet shouted. “How do you think that makes me feel?”

Matt stood up and paced around the small room. “Woah, wait a minute, Harriet. You dumped me, remember? We weren’t together for 11 months. Did you think I was just going to sit around on my own and watch you screw around with Luke?”

“This is so like you.” She spat.

“Bringing Luke into the conversation every time we have a fight.”

“But you were with him while I was with Rachel. How is that any different?”

Harriet took a deep breath. “Because, Rachel and you have a child together; Luke and I don’t.”

“So, are you telling me that you never slept with Luke the whole time you two were together?” Matt asked her condescendingly.

There was a long pause. “You’re a jackass, you know that?”

“And you’re a hypocritical bitch.” He shouted back.

“Get out!” She hissed.

“Oh, don’t worry, I’m leaving.” Matt said bitterly, slamming her dressing room door behind him.

XxXxX

Molly only had an overnight bag with her, so the following day, they would have to collect the rest of her belongings from the apartment she shared with her mom.

Later that evening, Matt helped Molly change into her favourite pink teddy bear pajamas.

Matt rummaged through her small crimson overnight bag, looking for the nightlight that he’d seen only minutes earlier.

“Are you tired, sweetheart?” He asked, seeing Molly rub her eyes sleepily.

She shook her head stubbornly, trying to stop the small yawn from escaping her mouth.

Matt looked at his daughter and smiled; he could already sense how similar they were. “Ah, here it is.”

Matt breathed a sigh of relief, as he lifted the Tinkerbell shaped nightlight out of the bag and plugged it into the wall, flipping the switch on.

“Come on, climb under the covers.” Matt said, as he lay down on the bed next to Molly. A huge smile spread across his face as he felt her snuggle up close to him.

“Are you comfortable?” He asked, opening the book that he was about to start. He wrapped his arm around her and began to read.

“In the great green room, there was a telephone, and a red balloon, and a picture of the cow jumping over the moon. And there were three little bears, sitting on chairs, and two little kittens, and a pair of mittens, and a little toy house, and a young mouse, and a comb and a brush and a bowl full of mush…

And a quiet old lady who was whispering 'hush.' Goodnight room, goodnight moon…”

Matt continued to read the book, listing every item that the child said goodnight to.

“Goodnight stars, goodnight air, goodnight noises everywhere." Matt finished, quietly closing the book.

He looked down, expecting to find a sleeping Molly in his arms. He was surprised to see her wide-awake, smiling up at him.

“Did you enjoy the book, sweetie?” He asked, brushing a small piece of hair out of Molly’s face.

Molly looked out of the window at the end of her bed. “Goodnight, Mommy moon.” She said, waving at the bright full moon outside.

Matt looked at his daughter, a little surprised to hear her voice, after an entire day of silence. “Mommy moon?” He asked.

“Yes. Mommy said she was going to heaven.” Molly explained. “And heaven is on the moon.” She told him innocently.

Matt gazed out of the window, his eyes fixated on the bright blue moon shining in the dark sky. “Oh, right.”

Molly sat up and crawled over to the window. “Mommy said that when I wave to the moon at night, she’ll be waving back at me.” She told him.

“Yeah?” Matt walked over to the window, and picked Molly up in his arms. “Night night, Mommy.” He said gently, as they both waved out of the window. “Come on, missy, it’s time for you to go to sleep.”

Matt laid Molly back in bed, and tucked her up, placing Booboo securely under her arm. “Sleep well, sweetheart. I’ll be in my room next door if you need me, okay?”

Molly yawned. “Night night, Daddy.”

Matt placed a soft kiss on her forehead. “Goodnight, sweetheart.” He said, as he pulled her bedroom door shut.

A huge smile spread across his face. He couldn’t believe what an effect it had had on him, hearing her use that special word “Daddy.”

TBC

Goodnight Moon was written by, Margaret Wise Brown.