I hug my belly, smiling because maybe my friend is right. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve always adored working at the hotel, but the thing is that I already love my baby more than I ever thought it could be possible to love anyone. “We’ll see.” I look back up at Mimi. “Thanks for celebrating my last day with me, even if it’s not much of a party. It’s just the two of us with some tea and snacks, as usual.”
Mimi gawks at me.
“Are you kidding me?” My buddy waves her hand at the lavish furnishings around us. “This is the best going-away party I’ve ever been to!” She looks around the room. “This penthouse is amazing, and if you want to trade apartments, I’m game anytime. But I hear you honey. If you want some girl time, just give me a call and I’ll be right over.”
“Thanks.” I lean over and give her a hug. “You’re a great friend.”
We drink our tea in silence for a moment, but then I notice Mimi looking at me, a small wrinkle forming between her brows.
“What is it?” I ask.
She shoots me a sideways look. “Have you heard anything about Carl? They aren’t going to let him out, are they?”
I shake my head. “No, I don’t think so. He’s still in jail, and the judge denied him bail because of the severity of the assault. After all, I was pregnant at the time, so that definitely played into the decision to lock him up.”
“Good. They should throw away the key too because that idiot is no good. At least Cindy hasn’t tried giving you any grief. Hell, she probably wishes she never met Carl too.”
I nod.
“Yeah, Cindy pretty much just ignores me, which is the best option in my opinion. Bruce offered to fire her, but I told him as long as she’s doing her job, then it isn’t necessary. There’s no love lost between us, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t blame her for what Carl did. That’s solely on him.”
My friend nods. “You’re a good person, you know that?”
I smile. “I try.”
The key sounds in the door and then Bruce walks in while shrugging out of his jacket. He tosses it over a chair by the entrance, and then his eyes meet mine and the breath whooshes from my lungs. A brilliant smile spreads across those handsome features and his blue eyes sparkle as he takes me in. My heart flutters in my chest at this gorgeous man, and once again, I can’t believe he’s mine.
Meanwhile, Bruce walks over to the couch before capturing my lips in a scorching kiss. When he pulls back, I feel the heat of a flush in my cheeks, and I have to remind myself we aren’t alone.
“How are you feeling today, sweetheart?” he asks. “Hey Mimi,” he greets.
“Hey Bruce,” my friend giggles, covering her mouth with one hand.
I roll my eyes at her before answering.
“I feel good. I think we’re pretty much passed the morning sickness phase at this point. At least, I hope we are,” I smile.
“Good.” He grins, then he brings his hand to my bump and caresses it. “And how’s our baby today?” The child kicks in response and Bruce beams. “Hey, little guy. Good to see you today, buddy.”
At that, Mimi gets up. “I was just celebrating our girl’s last day of work, but it’s time for me to go. I’ve got a show tonight, so I’ve got to get into costume and make sure everything’s ready in time. By the way, Bruce, did I mention that Le Coliere is a smash hit? People love the song and dance numbers.”
My boyfriend nods.
“Yeah, it’s blowing up the charts at the box office, thanks to employees like yourself. I think there’s a new producer flying into town to see it. A real big shot by the name of John Knox. I said I’d introduce him to some of the girls in our show.”
Mimi gasps.
“John Knox? The gorgeous male producer who has a Midas-touch when it comes to Broadway productions?”
Bruce laughs.
“Yeah, that’s the one.”
Mimi practically jumps up and down.
“OMG, you have to introduce me! It’ll be amazing, and I have so many ideas too for costumes, set design, and choreography!”
Bruce laughs. “I’ll be sure to. John’s quite a character, but I think you’ll get along well. I don’t know him well, but yeah, I’ve heard he’s got the golden touch when it comes to putting on shows.”
Mimi’s so excited that she’s practically trembling now, but she stands and puts on her coat before turning to me.
“Thanks for hanging out, girlfriend,” I say with a smile. “It was lovely to see you.”
“Anytime.” She pats my belly and smiles. “I’ll come see you again soon Jem, and I meant what I said. You need anything I’m just a call away. And Bruce – John Knox.”