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ChapterSixteen
Siobhan
Though Nydia’swedding was beautiful and moving, I can’t say it was the best part of my weekend. That’d be the trip to Silver Lake. It’s a small town south of Seattle with a cute winery and a bed and breakfast.
Iskander Cantú is a man full of surprises. He has so much potential as a partner and a father. If only he could get some help.
This never bugged me before, and I’m not sure if it’s because he finally told me why he closed his heart and froze it so no one could reach it, or… it’s probably because he might miss enjoying the little person I’m growing inside me.
I’m tempted to tell him and see if it would change his mind. There’s no point when the idea of a child repulses Iskander. If he wanted to, he’d make a great father, but the problem is he already raised the four children his father imposed on him when he was too young.
The clock is ticking, and it’s time to make some decisions about my life. I check on Iskander, who’s still sleeping, and go to the bathroom. I take a shower, brush my teeth, and get ready to head back home.
Maybe once we arrive in Luna Harbor, I can sneak into Nydia’s house and take a test or two. After I get confirmation, I’ll plan my escape.
When I come out of the bathroom, I notice he’s already up and rummaging through our things.
“You outdid yourself, Mr. Cantú.”
His usual wicked smile has gone missing and in its place there’s just a grimace. The frown on his forehead deepens.
I want to ask what’s wrong, but that’s not who we are. Instead, I begin to pick up my belongings. We should be heading back to Luna Harbor soon. I have work to do, if I still have a job.
Mr. Cantú senior is back, and we haven’t talked about my future in his company. I doubt he needs me anymore. His grandchildren are helping him, and I… well, I know better than to think I can be a part of his family. He’s a good man, don’t get me wrong, but that doesn’t mean he’ll want me to stay when he doesn’t need me. He’s always made sure to let everyone know that Wicked Luna Brewery is family owned and operated.
Iskander always reminds me that I have to find a suitable job and leave the town once everything goes back to normal. He probably knows what’s going to happen to me and is at least giving me a heads up before I find myself unemployed.
Fortunately, since I’ve been living with him for free, I have enough savings to live for at least two years without a job. Not that I plan on doing that, but I feel better knowing I’m not going to be homeless and pregnant.
As I’m searching for my shoes, I notice he’s frozen in place. My chest tightens as he gives me a cold glare.
“Everything okay?”
“As well as it can be when you try to run a company long distance,” he grumbles, and I notice he holds his phone.
This would be a good time to ask when he’ll be moving back to New York. Though I won’t because I’m not ready to end our affair. He’ll go back to the love of his life—his company. And I…
“Do you have anything for pain?” he asks, tapping his temple.
“Yeah, in my purse,” I point at it while rummaging through my weekender bag. I can’t find my other pair of shoes.
“Have you seen my flats?”
Iskander doesn’t respond to my question. When I look up to see where he’s at, I spot him frozen, holding a box. Not just any box. It’s the pregnancy test.
Goosebumps erupt across my bare arms. Fuck!
I forgot about them. How could I?
“Why do you have this?” He sweeps his hand over his forehead, holding his hair while breathing deeply.
He’s freaking out. If it was anyone else, I could say,duh, because I’m late, and we might be pregnantor something like, it’s pretty self-explanatory, don’t you think?
Since I don’t want this to blow out of proportion, I clear my throat and walk to where he stands. I first grab the small bottle of ibuprofen that’s in my purse, offering it to him while I snatch the box away.
“Nydia,” I answer as I try to come up with a good excuse as to why I’m holding those tests. I don’t want a confrontation.
I’m not an expert on Iskander. From the start I made sure to remain detached from him. Though, there are things I learned as I saw him interacting with his family. I can just see it playing out.
