I had thought about Jenna over the past weeks since our night together. I thought about calling her on more than one occasion but figured it was best if we left it at a one-night stand. Seeing her again after all these weeks reiterated how beautiful she was, and the memories of our night together hit me like a ton of bricks. But that was all they were: memories. When the doctor did the ultrasound, I couldn’t see anything, and nothing changed for me. I didn’t want to be a father. I liked my life the way it was and nothing or no one was going to change that. I’d make sure both of them were taken care of financially, but that was all I could do. I wasn’t ready, nor did I want to be a father. Perhaps I was selfish, but I couldn’t help the way I felt. My work was more important and that was how it would always be.
The next morning, I climbed out of bed at six a.m. and walked to the kitchen for a cup of coffee. I had already planned on working from home all day so I wouldn’t be interrupted, but now that Jenna was here, I was sure that wasn’t going to be possible. When I walked into the kitchen, I glanced out at the terrace where I saw her sitting on the chaise lounge. After making a cup of coffee, I stepped out onto the terrace.
“Good morning. Why are you sitting out here so early? I thought the heights terrified you.”
“Morning. They do, but I wanted to watch the sunrise.”
“How did you sleep?” I asked as I sat down in the chair across from her.
“Not good. I was pretty much up all night in pain.”
“The pain pill would have helped,” I said as I brought the cup up to my lips.
“I know, but it’s a sacrifice I’m making for my baby.”
“What about your job? Did you tell your boss what happened and that you won’t be coming in for a while?”
“I am currently unemployed.”
“What? Why?”
“The two guys I worked for really didn’t have a clue. When the investor pulled out, they were forced to close their doors. So, between losing my job and being kicked out of my apartment because I refused to buy it, you can see I’m kind of in a pickle. I never would have come here, Lucas, if I wasn’t pregnant. But it’s not just about me anymore. I only need a few days to get things figured out. After that, I’ll be out of here.”
“And where are you going to go with a broken foot?”
“I’ll figure it out.”
“What about your parents?”
“What about them?” She cocked her head.
“I’m sure they would help you out.”
“Ha.” She let out a light laugh. “They’ve pretty much disowned me.”
“Why would they do that?”
“It’s a long story and one I really don’t want to get into.” She picked up her phone and glanced at it. “I need to get inside. I’m not feeling well and it’s about that time.”
She grabbed her crutches and got up from the chaise lounge.
“It’s about what time?”
“For the morning sickness to kick in. Just go about your day and forget I’m even here. I can take care of myself.”
I got up and opened the door for her as she hobbled inside.
“I’m actually working from home today, and I can’t be disturbed. I have some serious work to do.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t bother you,” she said as she went into the half bath and shut the door.
I couldn’t bear to hear her vomiting, so I went to the kitchen and made another cup of coffee. As I leaned over the island with my cup between my hands, I thought about how she said her parents disowned her. What the hell did she do for them to disown their daughter? And what the hell did I get myself into? I really needed to be more careful who I chose to sleep with.
She hobbled back into the kitchen and asked me to grab her a bottle of water.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
“I will be in a few hours. I’m going to lay back down.”
“Sure. Okay. I was thinking about bringing in a home nurse to help you.”
“I broke my foot, Lucas. I don’t need a home nurse and I can take care of myself,” she said as I followed her to the bedroom holding the bottle of water.
“I just think it would be easier.”
“On you?” She stared at me.
I wasn’t going to lie to her.
“Yeah. I don’t have time to—”
“Deal with me?”
“That’s not what I was going to say, Jenna. Don’t put words in my mouth.”
“I’m really tired, Lucas,” she said as she climbed back in bed.
“Get some rest. I’m going to take a shower and then go into my office to start working.”
A few hours had passed, and I was getting nowhere. I stared at the large whiteboard hanging on the wall and rubbed the back of my neck. My phone rang and it was my father calling. Shit. I didn’t need this right now.
“Hey, Dad.” I put him on speaker.
“Lucas, have you made any progress yet?”
“I’m trying, Dad. I’ve been working non-stop and so has my team,” I spoke as I headed to the kitchen for something to eat.
“One week is all we have left. One week, Lucas!”
“Don’t you think I know that! I’ve been busting my ass on this.”
“We cannot lose that account. Do you understand me? So you better work harder!” he shouted. “There will be severe consequences for you if we lose it. You promised me it could be done. You promised.”
“I know, Dad.”
“We’re talking multi-millions of dollars. Figure it out, Lucas.” Click.
I threw my phone across the island and when I looked up, I saw Jenna standing there.
“What was that about?” she asked.
“Nothing. Why are you in here?” I asked with irritation.
“Russell is sending up the delivery guy who’s bringing my scooter.”
“You ordered a scooter?”
“Yeah. I figured it would be easier and I can’t stand these crutches.”
The elevator dinged and when I walked over to it, a man stepped out and set the scooter down on the floor.
“This is for Jenna Larson,” he said.
“That’s me.” She smiled as she hobbled into the foyer. “Do you have any cash for a tip?” she whispered in my ear.
Sighing, I reached in my pocket, pulled out a twenty-dollar bill and handed it to him.
“Thanks for bringing this over.”
“Not a problem, man. Thank you.”
“Look how cute it is,” she said as she handed me her crutches. “I got the one with the basket so I can put things in it that I can’t hold and scoot at the same time.
“That was a good idea.” I smiled as she zoomed off across the floor. “That thing better not scratch up my floors.”
“It won’t. By the way, can I place a grocery order for delivery? You have no food in this place, and I want to cook dinner tonight as a thank you for letting me stay here.”
“You don’t have to do that, Jenna, but go ahead and get whatever you want. I’ll go get my credit card then I need to get back to work.”