I saw a couple in which the mother pushed a stroller and the man held the hand of a toddler. My heart ached that I’d never have that. That Sebastian wouldn’t have that. Coward.
I sat on the bench for most of the afternoon, watching the families, and trying to wrap my head around the last few weeks and my plans for my future. The one thing that I kept circling back to was having to tell my father. He’d be disappointed that I’d been unsafe and got knocked up, but I also knew he’d love me and my baby. The question was what to tell him about Sebastian.
Since Sebastian had just been told that there was a rumor about him sleeping with an intern, I figured I should put off telling my father about the baby. It would be too easy to put two and two together and letting him figure out I was the intern.
To keep my secret, I should probably go out with my friends and make it look like I was dating. It would be easier for my father, and even Sebastian, to think I’d been with someone if I spent time out with my friends. Clubbing didn’t seem like a good thing for a baby, so I called some of my classmates to set up a study schedule. I could tell my father I was going out on the town, but actually be with my study group.
I shook my head. What sort of mother was I going to be if I was starting this pregnancy based on lies?. But what choice did I have? If I told Sebastian, he’d be found out and his board could fire him and put in a new CEO. It wasn’t out the realm of possibility. Apple had fired Steve Jobs.
I pressed my hand to my belly. “We’ll figure it out, little one.”
On Friday, I went to my internship determined to complete my duties and forge ahead in life, even though I was feeling vulnerable and alone. It was so difficult not to tell my father, because I really needed support from someone I loved and trusted. But until I put enough distance between my time with Sebastian and this pregnancy, I had to carry the secret.
When I got to my computer station, I saw a note from Niall to meet him in Craig’s office.
“Leah, come in,” Craig said when I poked my head in.
“You wanted to see me?”
“Yes, come in.”
I entered the office, seeing Niall sitting in a chair in front of Craig’s desk. I took the other chair.
“You look like hell, Hammond,” Niall said.
I mustered a smile. “A lot of all-nighters to finish my school work.”
“Well, maybe we can help take some of the pressure off.” Craig picked up a piece of paper on his desk and handed it to me. “Niall and I have reviewed your work with us and the other departments and determined you’ve met the terms of your internship. Today is your last day.”
I was partly relieved, but also surprised. I studied the paper.
“Between the work you’ve done—”
“Plus the trip to Paris,” Niall added.
“You’ve put in the hours, and clearly you’ve learned a lot. I’m only sorry that we can’t hire you.”
I looked at Craig, as tears filled my eyes. I’m not sure why. Maybe being pregnant made me emotional. “Thank you.”
“Now you can just focus on finishing your school work and graduating.”
I nodded. “Yes, thank you.”
“I hear you followed up on the job I referred you to,” Niall said.
“Yes, I did. Thank you so much.” The gratitude was overflowing. I wasn’t quite as alone as I thought.
“Niall and I have both written you references, and we’ll be asking Mr. Cox to write one as well.”
My stomach clenched at that. “I appreciate it. I really do.”
“Also be sure to stop by the staff lounge at lunch. There just might be cake,” Niall said.
“I will. Thank you again. So much.”
“You’re a smart woman and a good worker. We know you’re going to do well.” Craig stood and extended his hand to me.
I shook it, “Thank you.”
Back at my desk, I read over the paper that indicated I’d fulfilled the hours and other terms of my internship, signed by Niall and Craig.
I put the paper away and started my work, hoping I could get the project done before I left that day. At lunch I went to the lounge and sure enough there was a cake with the words “Congratulations Leah” printed on top with sugar graduations caps around it. Along with the marketing department, there were people from the design department where I’d worked as well. I was touched that they’d do such a thing, and yet sad too that Sebastian wasn’t there.
That evening, as I packed up to leave for the last time, Niall stopped by my desk. “Let me know how it goes with job in Los Angeles.”