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“It’s okay,” I tell her. “I can look at your website again.”
She nods. “You do that.”
She puts her lipstick back in her purse and the purse back on the armchair. Then she places her hands on her knee.
“What were we talking about? Oh, right. About your doctor’s appointment this morning. How was it?”
“It went well,” I answer. “A bit boring, actually. Nothing new.”
Fiona smiles. “But your next ultrasound is coming up soon, isn’t it? And then you can find out if you’re having a boy or a girl.”
I shrug. “I don’t really have a preference.”
I’m not keeping the baby anyway.
“Well, I’m glad that everything is going well with your pregnancy,” Fiona says. “And I trust that you have everything you need?”
I nod. “All the food I crave for, all the most comfortable clothes I can wear, which I believe you designed.”
Her smile grows wider, revealing gleaming teeth.
“I think I’ll buy more as I get bigger.” I glance down at my tummy. “And maybe some of your pillows, too.”
Fiona lifts a finger. “Do that. The pillows are very comfortable.”
“I’m sure they are.”
I pause. Fiona touches my arm.
“What’s wrong?”
I look into her eyes. “Well, if there’s something I need, maybe it’s something to do? I’m getting quite bored.”
Fiona laughs. “You’re really something, Leah. Most pregnant women I know would love nothing more than to put their feet up and relax. And here you are, looking for something to do.”
I shrug. “I think it will help… take my mind off… a few things.”
Fiona frowns. “Why? Is something bothering you?”
She moves closer to me.
“You know you can talk to me about anything.”
“I’m okay.” I give her a smile.
I’d rather not tell her about what Gavin did to me. It’s embarrassing, after all. I haven’t even told Giselle about it.
“I guess there are just some things I’m getting used to.”
“Sure?”
I nod. She doesn’t believe me, though, and as my mind searches for the next thing to say, I remember something.
“Well, there is one thing.”
“Go on,” Fiona encourages me.
I draw a deep breath and fidget with the hem of my blouse. “Well, I was just wondering… if there was any woman who was here before me.”
“You mean if Gavin had a girlfriend?”
Did he?
“I mean another prize.”
There. I’ve said it.
Fiona falls silent. Her expression turns serious. I begin to wonder if maybe I shouldn’t have asked what I did, if maybe I just got myself into some trouble. I’m about to take it back when she speaks.
“Yes.”
My jaw nearly drops.
Fiona’s eyes narrow. “Who told you?”
“No one,” I answer quickly. “I just… had a feeling.”
“I see.” She folds her arms beneath her breasts.
I grab my drink. “So… where is she now?”
That is what I really want to know.
Fiona sighs. “Let’s just say she’s where she wanted to be. Don’t worry, she won’t cause you any trouble.”
I wasn’t worried about that. Should I be?
Fiona touches my nose. “I think it’s better that you don’t think about her. She’s no longer here, after all, and I’m sure Gavin has forgotten all about her.”
Has he?
“Well, if he hasn’t, then you’re not doing your job right,” Fiona adds. “And that’s what you should be doing, not worrying unnecessarily. You know worrying isn’t good for the baby.”
“I know.”
So she won’t tell me more? I feel a little disappointed. Still, I guess I should be glad she told me anything at all.
“Oh, by the way, I almost forgot what I came to tell you.”
My eyebrows crease. Wasn’t she just here to check on me?
She takes a small teal envelope from her purse. “That’s an invitation for a party next week. Well, it’s not really a party. It’s an opportunity for you to meet the other prizes.”
My eyes grow wide. I get to meet the other prizes? She didn’t tell me about that before.
“I’ve read that pregnant women sometimes feel more at ease after talking to other pregnant women,” Fiona says. “So maybe this will do you some good. And who knows? You might make some new friends.”
The thought makes me smile and I hold the envelope to my chest like a treasure I’ve just found.
“I look forward to it.”
Chapter Ten
Gavin
I’m not looking forward to going home, I realize as I sip my glass of whisky next to my office window. The moon is already out, appearing and disappearing behind a blanket of clouds just like the glowing Cheshire cat’s smile it resembles. The stars of the city are already lit, too, a million bulbs illuminating the skyline to dispel the darkness.
Funny. I’ve had this office for five years now and I’ve stayed late more times than I can count, sometimes until well past midnight, and yet I’ve never been able to soak in this view as much as tonight. Yet here I am, thinking I’d trade it for a glimpse of Leah’s smile.
I saw her smile earlier, just before I left. It wasn’t for me, though. It was for Enrico, the chef. The moment her eyes met mine, it vanished. She pursed her lips and looked away. And I left with a heavy feeling in my chest- the weight of guilt, remorse, loneliness and anger, not at her but at myself.
