A/N: Thanks for reading. Enjoy!
"Olivia, thanks again for taking care of things while I was off." For the second time since she arrived, she waves her hand.
"It was nothing.", she insists. "The entire office worked together to make things easier. They're a great team who are in full support of you." After missing most of the day Monday and all of yesterday, I returned to work today although Christian wanted me to take another day off. We went back and forth before compromising that I would work half a day. The moment I walked into the door, the staff who had already arrived greeted me with welcome back hugs and smiles.
"I'm grateful for them and you." The door opens and Kate appears in what feel like a déjà vu moment from Monday, the day I ended up at the doctor's office with high blood pressure. She lingers by the door like she's unsure whether she should enter or not. "Kate, you can come in."
"I promise not to do a repeat of the other day.", she says. She inches slightly more into the room while Olivia stands.
"I'm going to let the two of you talk, but Ana, if you need anything, I'm only one floor up and a phone call away.", Olivia tells me.
"Thanks." She smiles at Kate and closes the door on her way out. "Kate, would you please sit down."
"I still feel horrible about what took place in here on Monday and how I acted. It was childish and wrong."
"You've already apologized and don't have to keep doing it. I'm fine. The baby's fine. Let's move on and forget about it. Deal?", I ask.
"Deal.", she replies. "Do you want to talk about the other developement?" She and I talked briefly on the phone last night after she heard the news about Rachel's death. Our conversation would have probably lasted longer, but the day's events left me in need of sleep. Kate and I agreed to talk more today.
"It still doesn't feel real that Rachel's gone. She and I weren't besties, but she shouldn't have died. She was a human being who had a family that loved her. I saw her parents on the news this morning. They were thanking the police for finding her killer."
"I saw that and cried. I never thought I would shed a tear over anything in relation to Rachel, yet I was crying over her death. She did a lot of terrible things, but she shouldn't have been robbed of her life. Do you want to discuss the other victim Leila." Kate raises her hand, bringing it to her face where she wipes away tears. One aspect of the situation we haven't talked in depth about is Leila. I only told Kate that Leila was a woman from Christian's past.
"Like I said, she was part of Christian's past.", I shrug as I turn my computer screen on. "She wanted more with him, which he wasn't able to offer. Flash forward to the present where she was bitter that he did offer much more to me."
"Was she a sub?", Kate blurts out before covering her mouth. "Don't answer that. That's none of my business." Instead of saying yes, I answer her with my eyes. "Got it."
"I don't want to talk about this anymore. I want to move forward and focus on positive things. Olivia said everyone was a big help while I was off."
"They were, and that's going to remain the case as well. You've been on the other side of the desk and know how all of us come together. The news that Christian is the new owner basically rolled off everyone's shoulders. I was the one who turned it into a bigger deal than it was."
"If you're about to say you're sorry again, please don't. What I would like to hear is what you're working on this week. Have you got an article in the works?"
"Not exactly.", she replies cautiously. "I assure I haven't been sitting at my desk doing nothing. I'm going to be reporting on the annual Greater Seattle Auto Show that's going to be held on Saturday. I've been researching the event as well as some of the automobiles that are going to be in it." I look at her in disbelief. "Yeah...I never thought I would be scrolling through pages of cars. It's something I'm sure I don't really have to do, but I wanted to have some insight into what I would be looking at on Saturday. When someone points out a 1969 Mustang, I want to be able to see the difference between it and a 1970 Mustang."
"I can tell you the difference. They were made in different years.", I smirk. Kate rolls her eyes and giggles.
"Other than their body styles being different, the 69 model had four headlights while the 70 had only two. The ignition switch was on the dash in the 69, but it was on the steering column in the 70. Those are only a few of the differences." She rises from her chair and grins.
"Impressive. I look forward to reading about the auto show."
"Thank you, and now I must get to work."
"Ana." I snap my head up to find Christian standing by my desk which is odd considering I didn't hear him open my office door.
"How long have you been standing there?", I ask. He places a large brown paper sack on the desk. "And what's in there?"
"I've been in here for a couple of minutes. I knocked and said your name, but you were too immersed. When were you planning on stopping for lunch?"
"Uh..at twelve." He angles his hand in front of me, allowing me to see that it's already fifteen minutes after. "I got so busy with work that time slipped away. I'll stop right now and get some lunch. You're going to join me, right?"
"I've already got lunch covered. I had a feeling with it being your first day back you would hardly take a break which I'm not pleased with. I understand you want to make up the work you've missed, but it doesn't need to come at a cost to your health or Oliver's."
"You really like that name.", I grin and open the sack. The name Oliver isn't our official choice, but Christian's face lights up every time he says the name.
"I told you I love it.", he says while watching while me I unwrap the burger I pulled from the sack. "I hope a burger is ok. If not, I can get you something else." I take a big bite of the burger and moan in delight. "I guess that means the burger is ok."
"The burger is good." He pats himself on the shoulder and takes his own burger out. "I'm sorry for not keeping up with the time. You were right about me wanting to make up for what I missed, yet it's not a good excuse. The baby is where my attention should lie. I promise I'm going to do better to take care of him."
"And yourself. I trust you. I got a call from Doug Conroy, a realtor friend, who claims he's found the perfect house for us. We can go by there this evening and have a look if you'd like. We've been scouring everywhere for the right house, but nothing has wowed us.
"It wouldn't hurt to take a look at it. It could be like all the other house we've seen, but it could be our dream home. We won't know unless we take a chance and look at it." Christian goes silent with his eyes burning through mine. "Christian, what's wrong?"
"I just started thinking about our little family in a new house. Our lives have been so tense and emotional lately, but now we have all these amazing things to look forward to." Small tears begin developing in the corners of his eyes. Seeing this and hearing his words spur on my own tears. "Fuck. I didn't mean to make you cry."
"Don't apologize for happy tears."
"Are you looking forward to seeing your possible new home?", Gail asks while loading dishes in the dishwasher. I grab the freshly laundered linen napkins from the top of the counter, folding them meticulously.
"I'm anxious to see the house and how Christian's friend believes it might be perfect for us."
"With him being Christian's friend I doubt he's going to suggest a house that's inadequate."
"True.", I sigh. I begin folding another napkin but stop at the sound of my phone. Setting the napkin down, I pick up my phone from the end of the counter. The screen flashes my mom's name. "Hi Mom."
"Ana, hi. How are you feeling sweetheart?" Her question has been the most frequently asked question by everyone since Monday's visit to the doctor.
"Much better. I went back to work today."
"Good.", she replies.
"How are you?", I ask.
"I was doing great until I got home and got a call from Bob. He wants me back." I grit my teeth at the thought of her going back to Bob. She's come so far since their breakup, but getting back with him would derail all of it.
"What exactly did he say?"
"He asked how I was, and I told him the truth, I'm great. He claimed to be happy that I'm in a good place but then he said he misses me. He feels there might still be hope for us. I couldn't believe my ears. It wasn't that long ago he was telling me there wasn't any hope for us, and today he tells me there is."
"So he suddenly came to that conclusion?"
"He said he's been thinking about it for a while but tried telling himself it would pass. He went on to say he knows it won't be easy, however, he feels we can eventually get back to a happy place. Do you want to know what I told him?" I brace myself. "I told him I'm sorry, but I don't feel the same. I've become someone who I'm proud of, and I'm more than content with where I am in life. He then tried to say he wouldn't try and change me back. Let's face it, he would have. Maybe not as soon as we got back together, but somewhere down the road, he would try and get me back to where I used to be, a woman who would ask how high when he said jump. One of the most important reasons why I said no was because I'm proud of the relationship you and I have now. I'm being a real mother to my daughter."
"Mom, I'm glad you told him no. You've transformed since your marriage ended, and it's incredible to see. We've been making up for lost time, but I've got to admit, seeing you become more independent and stronger have been the best. I'm not saying Bob's a bad person, but you're a better person without him."
"I am indeed. It feels good to be able to pick up the phone and call you. I didn't mean to bring negativity to what's left of your day. I did it because I thought you would be happy to hear what I told him."
"You were right."
"Has Christian arrived home yet?", she asks. I look up and see Christian shuffling into the kitchen.
"He just did.", I giggle. "We're going to go and look at a house. I have my fingers crossed it turns out to be the perfect house."
"I'll cross my fingers for you as well. It could very well be the house my grandson or granddaughter grows up in. By any chance, did you find out the gender on Monday?"
"No. We're not going to know until next week." I'm shocked how convincing I sound.
"I can't wait to find out. I'm going to hang up so you and Christian can go and look at that house before it gets too late. I love you."
"I love you too Mom."
"Guys, look at this massive living room. Imagine yourselves cuddling by the fireplace. It's a nice vision, huh?", Doug asks. Christian and I are holding hands while looking at every corner of the living room. Vaulted ceilings and hardwood floors detail the room along with off white walls. I turn and see Christian's eyes are closed. He opens them and looks at me with a grin.
"I can see it.", Christian murmurs. We move from the living room to the kitchen which is over twice the size of the one we have now. The downside is it seems outdated. "Not sure about this kitchen."
"I figured you'd say that. It does need to be a little modernized, but in doing so, you'd be personalizing it the way you want."
"You've got a point.", I say. We continue walking through the house and end upstairs where we check out four of the five bedrooms. Each of them are large and have the same off white walls as the living room. The master bedroom is at the end of the hallway. It has two walk-in closets along with a balcony that overlooks the back lawn. The master bath has double vanities along with a large tub and separate shower. The bonus of the bathroom is a dressing area. "This is very nice."
"I'm a little jealous of this bathroom. It's almost the size of my entire apartment.", Doug laughs. Christian's brow goes up at that comment. "Well, I may be exaggerating a tad, but you get the general idea."
"You're trying to sweet talk us into buying the house.", Christian smirks. "Don't deny it. You're only doing what you feel you need to do to sell the place."
"Is it working?" Christian runs his hand over his jaw and nods for me to step away with him.
"Give us a little time to discuss what we've seen." Doug nods and leaves us alone. "The only thing I have a problem with is the kitchen. Besides that, it's perfect or at least I think it is. Since you're going to be living here with me...", Christian teases. "What do you think?"
"The kitchen can be remodeled the way we want, and the rest of the house is spectacular. I love it."
"Are you sure? We can look at more houses. I don't want you to feel this decision needs to be rushed."
"I want this one."
"I do as well. Let's tell Doug the good news." We step out of the room and find Doug pacing the floor. "We're buying it."
"Really?", he asks. "Ok. You're going to be so happy in this house."
"We can feel it.", Christian tells him.