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Aiden chuckles. “It’s only three days. As for what happens in it? My lips are sealed, wouldn’t want to spoil your surprise,” he teases.
“I don’t like surprises,” I mutter.
It doesn’t matter anyway. Given my condition, I’m sure I’ll get out of it.
But they might make me do it after peanut is born. No… that wouldn’t work either because I couldn’t leave a child for three days. Hmm, perhaps I can avoid it all together. Being pregnant definitely has its advantages.
Should I come clean now so Aiden can adjust the training plan?
No, Gary should be the first person I tell. While Aiden appears trustworthy, God knows what he might do with that information. I can’t risk it. This has to stay a secret for as long as possible. The fewer people are aware of it, the better.
I guess I’ll have that conversation with Gary sooner rather than later. How will that change things? Will he still give me a job and an apartment when he finds out?
The uncertainty makes me chew on my lower lip, but I release it immediately when I notice Aiden staring at my mouth.
I clear my throat, trying to think of something to say before Aiden starts asking questions again.
“So, you were on your way back to Atlanta?”
“Actually, I was going to have a week off and tour some of the Canadian microbreweries, but Gary offered an excellent incentive for me to change plans.”
So he isn’t just a good Samaritan. “Oh, and what was that?”
“A golden bottle of Utopia.” At my perplexed expression, he explains some more. “I collect rare beers, and I’ve been after a bottle of Utopia for a long time. Gary knew I wouldn’t say no. Do you like beer, Sunshine?”
His pet name for me puts a smile on my face when it really shouldn’t. “I do. I like dark brews, Kilkenny or Guinness.”
“Ah, you like the Irish stouts.” I’m about to tell him I’m half Irish and live in Dublin but catch myself just in time. I no longer live in Dublin. Atlanta will be my home from now on.
“How about Irish red ales? Do you like them?” Aiden asks.
“No, They’re not really my taste. I prefer brown ales. They’re sweeter.”
Aiden seems a little surprised at my knowledge. “My dad introduced me to beer when I was a teenager. I’ve never drunk much, but in summer I appreciate a good beer.”
I look away and pick some imaginary lint off my skirt. “I’m sorry I spoiled your plans and you had to give up your vacation.”
He shrugs. “It’s no trouble. I’m enjoying myself more than if I were traveling around the Canadian countryside on my own. I can find inspiration for our brews another time.”
“Your brews? Do you make your own beer?”
“Yes,” he says, proudly. “I own a mini brewery with my two best friends Ethan and Axel back home in Ellijay. It’s a hobby that has become quite lucrative. Too bad we enjoy our jobs with Gary or we’d do that full time.”
“Ethan Smith?” I ask. Could it be that Ethan is his best friend? Surely, there wouldn’t be too many Ethans working at Freemont.
“Yes, you know him?”
“I’ve met him and his fiancée…” in Switzerland, I almost add but again catch myself just in time. “Garrett and Miranda as well.”
“Ah, he told me they’d made a new acquaintance, but he didn’t mention who.”
“He didn’t tell you?” I ask, surprised.
“No, we never talk shop unless we’re on the same team. Loose lips sink ships.”
Good to know they adhere to some ethical code even with their best friends.
“Are they back in Atlanta?”
