So, I had some free time today for the first time in months and I'm really excited about this story so here's a new chapter but don't get used to it because I can just feel some writers' block coming on. Enjoy!
"Hanna," Caitlin buzzed me over the intercom.
"Yeah," I said pressing the button on my phone.
"Emily and Samara are here," she said. "They don't have an appointment but they say it's important."
"Send them in," I said organizing everything on my desk as Em and Sam walked in. I looked up at them. "Hey guys! Take a seat. What's up?"
"There's something we have to tell you," Samara said sitting across from me.
"Are you okay?" I asked worried when I saw their faces.
"Yeah, kind of," Samara said. "You know how Emily told you that I lost a baby?"
"Uh huh," I nodded.
"I'm pregnant," Emily blurted it out.
"What?" I smiled. "That's amazing! I'm so happy for you."
"Thanks," they both said at the same time.
"How far along are you?" I asked.
"Three months," she replied.
"So you're modeling days are numbered until the baby comes out?" I laughed.
"Basically," she replied. "I wanted to tell you earlier but I wanted to make sure we were in the clear."
"I totally understand," I smiled.
"So we're good?" she asked.
"Of course," I told her. "I'd like to get one last shoot done with you if you can manage it but after that I can arrange for you to take a year off."
"Thank you!" she said appreciatively.
"Does anyone else know?" I asked.
"You're the first," Emily smiled. "I haven't even told my parents yet but I'm hoping to tell everyone at Aria's dinner this weekend. I just hope I don't steal her thunder."
"I'm sure you won't," I told her.
"Well," Samara said getting up, "I need to get going but we'll see you tomorrow, right?"
"Definitely," I smiled. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."
I walked the girls out and got back to my desk to finish up the work day. When I was done with my sketches, I dropped them off at the printers and packed my bag to head home. When I pulled into the driveway, I found all of the lights off and walked into a dark house.
"Caleb," I called out but heard no response. It was late and I knew the kids would already be in bed so I tiptoed through the house and went down to the basement only to find the guys watching the game.
"Hanna!" Caleb's face lit up when he saw me and he got up to give me a kiss.
"Hey," I smiled looping my hands around his neck. "What's with the party?"
"Aria and Spencer are on a spa retreat," Caleb explained, "so Ezra brought the kids over and I invited Toby."
"Are they asleep?" I asked.
"Yeah," Caleb replied. "I put them down a couple hours ago."
"Thanks," I said kissing his cheek. Then I turned to our guests. "So, guys, how is everything?"
"We're just getting ready for tomorrow," Ezra told me as I grabbed a beer from the fridge. "Aria's parents are coming to town and so are Emily's. We're trying to accommodate everyone."
"Well I'm excited," I laughed. "It's been a while since my mom had some adult company."
"You can say that again," Caleb snorted. "She was practically begging us to hang out earlier until I reminded her she hates football."
"We're watching the Lakers," I reminded him.
"I know," he laughed, "your mom doesn't really know the difference with sports. She's mostly just trying to scope out future second husbands for you and I can't have that."
"I think an athlete would make a great husband, now that I think about it," I teased. "Maybe you can introduce me to some of your Laker clients."
"Not funny," he said giving me death stare.
"I'm kidding," I laughed giving him a kiss.
"Gross," Toby said glaring at us. "You kids need to keep it in your pants."
"Alright," I laughed, "I see that I've interrupted boys' night. I know when I'm not wanted."
I grabbed my beer and said goodbye before I ventured upstairs to get ready for bed.
"Can I help you with anything?" I asked Aria stepping into her kitchen. Caleb was playing with the kids in the living room while my mom mingled with her old friends.
"Would you mind slicing some vegetables for the salad?" Aria asked pointing toward a pile of groceries and a cutting board.
"Sure," I smiled getting to work as Spencer's phone rang.
"Shit," she picked it up. "It's work. I need to take this. Can I use your guest room?"
"Go for it," Aria told her pointing toward the hall.
"Thanks," Spencer snuck out leaving the rest of us women in the kitchen.
"Is it crazy that we're all doing the cooking while our moms drink wine and watch the kids?" I mused.
"I guess it had to happen eventually," Aria laughed.
"Oh," Emily moaned opening a can of tuna. "This is pungent."
"You okay?" I asked noticing her face. She looked pained and I could tell the morning sickness was hitting her.
"I'll just be a minute," she said sneaking away to the closest bathroom.
"What's up with her?" Aria asked.
"Can I tell you a secret?" I smiled.
"Uh...yeah," Aria said.
"She's pregnant," I whispered.
"What?" Aria laughed.
"You can't tell here I told you," I said quickly. "She's telling everyone tonight and I can't spoil it."
"Lips are sealed," Aria assured me motioning that she's locked her lips and thrown away the key.
"I'm done with the salad," I told her. "Anything else I can help with?"
"Can you get Spencer?" she said. "I don't know what she wants to do with that sauce."
"Yeah," I replied wiping my hands on a towel and venturing toward the guest room. I tapped lightly but there was no response. I opened the door and peeked inside only to find Spencer and Toby half naked sprawled on the bed. I panicked for a second and then slammed the door before running back into the kitchen.
"You told?" Emily squealed when she saw me.
"I couldn't help it," I said slowly. Then I turned to Aria. "I told you not to tell!"
"Sorry," she pleaded.
"Doesn't matter," I said composing myself. "I just caught Toby and Spencer hooking up."
"In my guest room?" Aria was livid.
"Stop," I grabbed her. "Don't ruin this for them. They deserve to be happy."
"Fine," Aria said, "but you're cleaning my sheets."
This might have been the most drama filled ending I have ever written so I hope you like it. By the way, not sure if you guys know but the real actor who plays Hardy is dating Troian which is why I thought it was kind of cute to throw them together for a couple chapters but that's all over now because she and Toby are hopefully getting back together.