“Don’t apologize to me, Vicki. I know that you work for me, but I’d like to also think we’re friends. Friends are allowed to make conversation with one another.”
I nodded, only because my mouth was too dry to speak. I was watching his mouth as it moved and I barely heard the words because all I could think about was how badly I wanted to kiss him. I was a mess. Maybe it was the hormones. Maybe once this baby was born I could stop lusting after my boss and think about getting a real life again. I knew one thing for sure; when I looked at his face I didn’t believe that he would ever try and take my baby… at least I didn’t want to believe it.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
VICTORIA
I woke up on Thursday morning having strange, tight feelings in my abdomen. It wasn’t really pain, just a tightness that wasn’t there before. I took a long hot shower before getting dressed for work and that seemed to relax it some. When I made it to the kitchen, Liz and Gloria were having breakfast.
“Good morning, sunshine. There is French toast and bacon on the stove.”
“Thanks, Liz. I think I need tea and crackers today.”
With concern in her eyes Liz said, “Why? What’s wrong? You shouldn’t still be having morning sickness. You’re too far along for that.”
I smiled to alleviate her anxiety. Just as she was looking at me, one of the tight feelings turned into a painful cramp. I willed myself not to wince. I didn’t want to worry her. “No, not morning sickness. Maybe just a touch of a stomach bug or something… I’m sure it will pass.”
“I have to get to work, ladies.” Gloria got up from the table and took her dishes to the sink. “You girls have a good day.”
“You too!” We both told her. I made my tea and when I sat down with it at the table, Liz was still looking at me funny.
“What is it?” I asked her.
“Are you sure you’re alright? Are they working you too hard at the mansion? You shouldn’t be over-doing it. You’re so close…”
Smiling I interrupted her and said, “The most stressful thing I’ve done all week is pack Mrs. Reigns’ expensive underwear and swimsuits. I’m fine, really.” As I assured her of that, my stomach clenched again.
She made a face at the mention of Cassandra and said, “Where is she going?”
“She went to Belize with her husband.”
“He’s taking her on vacation when you’re so close to having his baby, really?”
“Liz, first of all, it’s a business trip. Second of all, she doesn’t know this is his baby. Third of all and most importantly, she’s his wife, not me.”
“He’s really lucky this is you and not some other woman. Any other woman would have told his wife by now and had this splashed all over the tabloids.”
“Maybe,” I said. “But I don’t think he deserves that. I honestly believe he is doing his absolute best with all of this, just like I am.”
She snorted again and stood up with her dishes. I had a hand on my belly. “Are you sure you’re okay? I can call in to work…”
“I’m fine,” I told her again. “You can’t call in. You’re a minion for the parade today.”
She laughed, “Yes I am. I’ll be stuffed tightly into a yellow suit gasping for fresh air all day. Whoo Hoo! Love my job.” She was being facetious. She really did love her job. I’d gone and watched her character stuff before at the theme park. She was great.
“I have to go to work in a few myself. Have a great day, okay?”
“You too,” she said, still with a worried look. “You call me if you need anything okay?”
“I will.” I watched her go, thinking about how lucky I was once again. After I finished my tea and straightened up a bit, the tightness had completely gone away. I dressed and went into work and began my day.
“Mando!” I was dusting the guest room furniture when I heard the voice. I looked up to see Manny standing there. He had brought the workers up to do some more work on the nursery. I laughed.
“Man-Do? Really? Would you do that to your child?”
“I might,” he said. “But since I’m gay I may never get the chance to find out.” I tried not to look shocked. I had no idea Manny was gay. I saw him suppress a smile as he said, “Are you going to judge me now?”
“Have you judged me for being unwed and pregnant?”
“Not in the least,” he said.
“That’s how I feel about you being gay, Manny. It doesn’t change who you are to me. You’re my friend. Your lifestyle doesn’t factor into that.” He smiled broadly then.