“You work on it now?” Stacy asked, confused.
“I approve the PO section. Leland does the insurance.” Betty’s tone became terse. “Is there an issue?”
“No. But I did notice we overpaid the insurance premium again, and from my records check, it was at least the second time it’s happened.”
Betty let a stream of smoke drift from her mouth, then exhaled in a huff. “It happens. They’ve shifted the payment dates before. As long as the insurance doesn’t lapse. That would be a complete nightmare. Do me a favor and forget about it. If you touch it now, five people have to sign off on it again, including me.” She looked down at Stacy’s stomach. “You’re going to be showing soon. When are you going to make the announcement?”
“Soon. My obstetrician says everything looks good, but please don’t say anything. Michael wants us to wait until after the first trimester just in case something goes wrong. You’re the only one that knows.”
“I won’t say a word. But no complications?”
“None. My own little miracle.”
“With everything that happened before that’s wonderful news.”
An older blue BMW came flying down the road and pulled up to the curb in front of them. Betty strolled over to it. “Do you need a lift?”
“No. My car’s out in the company lot.”
“Bruce and I would love to have you two over for dinner again,” Betty said as she opened the passenger door. “Wouldn’t we, Bruce?”
Her husband leaned across the front seat and smiled. He was a tall man with a friendly grin that softened his square face. “We’d love to. We can get something delivered and I’ll get a decent meal. How about tomorrow?”
“It’ll have to be next week. Michael is coming home tomorrow,” Stacy said.
“Michael’s out of town?” Betty asked.
“For work.”
“Oh, is he…” Bruce said.
Bruce and Betty exchanged a quick glance.
“If you’re free,” Bruce kept his eyes on his wife until she nodded, “then why not just come tonight?” He reached a long arm over the seat back and pushed open the back door. “It’ll be a low-key, intimate dinner for three. How does Chateau de Mama Mia’s Pizza sound?”
“If you want the company,” Betty added.
Stacy was appreciative of the offer, but said, “Not tonight. Actually, I’m trying to take advantage of the time to myself. I’m looking forward to doing some tidying up before Michael comes home.”
“The job has made you crazy,” Betty quipped as she got into the car. “Or you’re nesting. Don’t overdo it.”
“I won’t.”
Stacy waved as they pulled away from the curb. She walked around the corner of the building to the company parking lot. There were only a couple of cars in the lot, and she walked straight to her Civic.
The driver’s door squeaked as she opened it. She mentally added lube the car door to her honey-do list. Michael had suggested they get her another car, but Stacy knew they couldn’t afford it. Right now, every penny they had was going into the savings they would need in a few months.
She sat down in the driver’s seat, cranked the window down, and turned the key.
Absolutely nothing happened. Not even a click.
She turned the key again. Nothing.
“Oh, no. Not now.” She pushed the gas down and turned the key again. The engine didn’t so much as sputter.
She fought back tears and laid her head on top of the steering wheel. Her phone rang, and she jumped. When she saw the caller ID, her smile returned. “Are you psychic?”
“Yes, I am. You’re about to tell me that you love me,” Michael joked.
“I do love you. I’m so glad to hear your voice.”
“Why? Is everything all right?”
Stacy hesitated. No, she wanted to say, but she knew that would only worry him, and he was already a bundle of nerves because of the pregnancy. “Everything’s fine.”
“Oh, okay. You sounded a little upset. Rough day?”
She chuckled. “Nothing that I can’t handle. Really, I’m fine. You’re the one with a big day tomorrow. Is everything ready for your presentation?”
“Yup. I just spent an hour at the copy store making handouts,” Michael said. “I’m hoping between those and a few boxes of donuts and coffee, they’ll stay for the whole presentation.”
“I’m sure you’ll knock their socks off.” Stacy took the keys out of the ignition. “You sound tired.”
“Actually, I am. The long drive was brutal,” Michael admitted. “It’s been an exhausting day. Tomorrow looks like a beast too.”