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But that was a bridge I’d cross only when I had to.
“Did you get her a gift?” Luca asked.
“I did.”
I didn’t have a strong need to tell them how badly I’d botched the first gift. The card to the spa hadn’t been intended as a maternity present, which had been my first mistake. I’d noticed how tired and slow she’d been lately and thought she’d appreciate a massage or whatever treatment she chose. Elise always liked that type of thing.
Luca narrowed his eyes. “Was it something enticing enough to draw her back to her job after maternity leave?”
It had never occurred to me I should have given her a baby gift. Not until I heard her talking to Davida. Missing details like that was unlike me, but then again, babies and pregnant women weren’t exactly my expertise.
I really disliked failing, even at gift giving. I was actually ashamed I’d messed up so spectacularly. It was lucky for me Catherine had laid out exactly what she’d wanted. At least I’d gotten it right on the second try.
“We’ll have to wait and see.”
Chapter Nine
Elliot
Catherine’sdeskwasunoccupied.
That was normally an unusual sight, but less so these days.
She was up and down often, hurrying to the restroom multiple times a day. I’d read up on the reason this might be happening, just in case it was a sign something could have been wrong, and I was both relieved to find out it was normal and fascinated by the graphics I’d come across of the way a woman’s internal organs would make way for their growing fetus.
I went into my office and powered up my computer. Minutes passed, and I continuously glanced at the door, expecting Catherine to breeze through with her tablet and notebook.
But she didn’t, and I grew concerned. I’d noticed she’d been struggling with her balance at times. What if she’d fallen and was alone?
The chances were low, but I decided to check, just in case. Something didn’t feel right.
I had to pass the break room on my way to the restrooms. As I approached, I picked up on celebratory voices and laughter.
I stood in the doorway, surveying the people inside. No Catherine, but in the middle of the group I recognized as most of the executive assistants from this floor, Davida and Raymond stood with pink cigars in their mouths.
Davida caught sight of me and greeted me with a big grin on her face, shifting her cigar to between her fingers. “Good morning, Elliot.”
Crossing my arms, I leaned against the doorjamb. “Good morning. What’s the occasion?”
She slung her arm around Raymond’s shoulders. “Ray and I are daddies now.”
“I—” I had no answer for that, and I was fairly certain I didn’t want clarification. “Well, all right. Congratulations. Have you seen Catherine?”
Raymond’s eyes bugged. “Uh…”
Davida took over. “Elliot, what do you think we’re celebrating?” She let go of Raymond and walked over to me. Slipping another pink cigar from the breast pocket of her blazer, she held it out to me. “Here you go. It’s only made of gum since you won’t allow us to smoke in your building.”
I hesitated, taking it from her. “Why are you giving me this?”
Her mouth pursed like she tasted something sour. “Don’t you want to join us in celebrating the birth of Kit’s daughter?”
“Kit?”
She barked a laugh. “Catherine Warner, your assistant, Elliot.”
Realization finally dawned, and my stomach plummeted like a stone in the sea.
“Catherine had her baby?” I asked for the sake of clarification, even though the truth was pretty damn clear. “But…that isn’t possible. She isn’t due for a week.”
