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“Then you’ll have made an informed decision. Whether I remain or not has to be seen.”
That startled him. “Whether you remain or not? What are you talking about?”
“I’m not going to continue to work for that man. He’s manipulative and self-centered. He wants all the glory. But what’s worse, he doesn’t even try to get a handle on things before making blanket changes. We’ve worked as a team for the European division for more than seven years. A stranger with no experience can’t come in and run it without some input from us—which he refuses. He may have been brilliant where he last worked, but he’s going to cause major problems in this division.”
Trace’s eyes went hard.
“So it’s him or you, is that it?”
“Just about.”
“See why I didn’t want to have you reporting to me? This is exactly what I wanted to avoid—ultimatums.”
“Seems to me all your problems would be solved if I quit.”
Her heart pounded. She had not thought this through. What if he called her on it? Where could she get another job being pregnant? Panic flared. Surely Trace wasn’t her only hope.
He studied her for a long moment.
“If I agree to look into the situation with Phil, will you cooperate?”
“I’m giving it a fair shot.”
“But if it’s not working, I’d prefer to find out before my key players leave.”
She said nothing. The more she thought about it, maybe the right move would be to leave. Something to think about—but not right now. They had a party to attend.
As they walked out of the apartment, Trace caught her hand. “You’ve lost weight.”
“I’m fine.”
“What does your doctor say?”
“The same old thing. I’m still at high-risk. Stress is not good for me. So fix this thing with Phil or I’ll be stressed to the max.”
Arriving at the glittering affair some time later, Cath was delighted to recognize people she knew. It was business and as such she had a duty to mingle and make sure she represented Signals, Inc. to the best of her ability. No one seemed to find it odd that she was with Trace.
For a little while, she could pretend she and he were involved in the fullest sense of the word. They’d go to parties like this for fun to visit with friends and enjoy themselves. She caught herself looking at Trace more than was wise. Each time she’d quickly look away and hoped no one else noticed.
Though maybe she should pretend they had a heavy love affair going. It would make it easier when announcing the coming baby.
Despite the enjoyment of the parties, and knowing she’d see Trace several evenings during the week, Cath was glad when Christmas came and most of the parties were past. There was one more at New Year’s Eve. Then it was back to the daily routine.
Cath spent a quiet Christmas at her apartment. She had decorated a small tree, which sat in the window. She knew not many people would be able to see it, but those living in the building across the street could enjoy.
She prepared a small ham with the side dishes her mother usually made.
At three Trace called.
“Merry Christmas, Cath,” he said.
Hearing his voice she shivered. She could listen to him forever. Would he stop in and visit when picking up their child? Or be impatient to be off to the activities he planned?
“Merry Christmas, Trace.”
“I’m surprised to find you home. I thought you’d go to your parents’.”
“Are you at home?”
