Elena gasps and engulfs Andrei’s hand, squeezing it tightly, with tears in her eyes. I’m surprised to see Andrei’s expression awed, like he’s seeing treasure for the first time.
After a few minutes of silence, I grab a tissue and clean Elena's belly. When I finish, she stands up, and Andrei helps her to the floor. I say, “There doesn’t seem to be anything wrong,” then give them a big smile that reaches my eyes. I’m happy for them.
“You still need to take care of yourself. Don’t carry heavy objects, eat proper meals, drink plenty of water, and start drinking prenatal vitamins. I can give you a sample pack today. I’ll go to the store tomorrow and get you more.” She goes to argue, so I insist, “Please let me do this. I don’t mind. I know which brands are safe to use.” She hugs me, startling me.
“Thank you so much.”
I hug her tightly for a few seconds before she lets go.
“No need to thank me. I’m happy to have helped.” I should give her my information so she knows she has someone to count on other than Andrei.
“Give me your phone, and I will give you my number. You can call or text me whenever you need help or have questions.” She takes out her phone, and I type my details and give it back to her.
“Babe, can you please go outside and wait for me. I want to talk to Sophia for a second,” Andrei tells Elena. She just nods and walks out. Then, I feel his arms wrap around me in a tight hug. I had no idea Andrei was a hugger. He lets go and stares at me, probably finding the right words. “I’m sure Maxim filled you in about the situation.”
“Yes, I got the gist of it.”
“No one can know. If anyone finds out, I’ll be dead.” Andrei passes his hands through his hair.
“Your secret is safe with me even if I haven’t signed the NDA.”
“I know, doc. You don’t look like the type to gossip. That's why I trusted you from the start. This situation is so delicate. Maxim has a plan, but it’s dangerous. Her father is vindictive. I won’t be able to handle it if something happens to Elena or the baby. What you did for her meant more than you can imagine.” He reaches out and places a hand on my shoulder. “You’re kind, Sophia. Don’t ever change.” He drops his arms and walks to meet the others.
I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket. When I take it out, I see it’s a text message from a number I don’t know. When I see who it is, I roll my eyes. It’s Steve telling me where to meet him tonight. I’m not looking forward to tonight. But Jenny would not leave me alone, then. So I send a quick reply confirming our plans to Steve, lock my phone, grab the prenatal sample pack for Elena, then leave the room. I find her sitting in a chair to the left and Andrei and Maxim on the right having a heated conversation. She looks up at me, giving me a sweet smile. I hand her the pack.
“Here, take one pill every day. It’s enough for a week, if Andrei can’t give you the ones I’m going to get you tomorrow.”
“Thank you.” She takes it with a grateful smile on her face. “Do you think I’m making a mistake keeping this baby? It would solve many problems if I weren’t pregnant. I’m stupid for thinking everything will be all right.”
I don’t know if I’m the best person to be giving her advice. Sadly, I feel she can’t talk to anyone else about this. I feel the scorching heat of someone’s gaze, and I know Maxim is paying close attention to me even though they haven’t stopped talking.
“I don’t think you’re stupid, Elena. If this is something that you want, it’s not a mistake. In the end, your happiness is what matters. Everything else can be pushed aside. Having hope is not a bad thing. It’s admirable. Life doesn’t throw things your way if a person can’t handle them. You’re strong, so don't think otherwise.”
“I needed to hear that. Thank you.” She gets up and heads toward Andrei.
What an eventful afternoon. I could use a glass of wine and a bubble bath. I hope my date ends early so I can do just that. Good thing tomorrow is Saturday, and I can sleep in.
“Hey, doc, we're leaving. Elena has to be back at her house soon. Thank you again,” Andrei says to me, snapping me out of my thoughts of passing a relaxing weekend.
“Wait before you guys leave. I need Elena to come back next month. I want monthly visits to check on the baby.” I turn to Elena. “You have my number. Please don’t hesitate to text or call. If I take a little bit to reply, I’m probably with a patient, but I will reply as soon as possible.” She nods and thanks me again before they leave. I head to my desk chair and plop into it with a loud groan. I remove my shoes and bring my head to rest on my desk. The feeling of hands caressing my back is so sudden that I scream and jump, eventually falling off my chair. Ow! My ass.
“Are you all right?”
I look up, and my gaze locks with Maxim’s. He hovers over me, staring down in worry. I thought he left with the others. Embarrassed, I say, “Yes, I’m okay. You just scared the crap out of me. What are you still doing here, Maxim? Want to torment me some more?”
“No, krasavitsa. I’m not here to torment you. Even if it would make my night, I stayed to thank you again for what you did for them.” Did my head hit the floor? Am I unconscious? Are those words leaving his mouth? “Sophia, are you okay? Did you hit your head? Why are you not saying anything?” He touches my head, making sure that I’m not hurt, and that’s when I realize that I have been gaping up at him, mouth open without saying a word.
“Stop touching me.” I slap his hands away. “I’m fine. Just shocked. I wasn’t expecting nice Max right now.” Wait, why did I call him Max right now? Back off, Sophia.Dangerous territory. “I mean, Maxim.”
He chuckles and gets close to my face, his attention on my lips. I gulp, and in that instance, heat forms in my belly.
“Max, huh? Don’t you dare ever call me anything else, milaya.”
My phone starts to vibrate. We both stare at it. I’m glad for the interruption and reach for it. I can’t process the look of hunger he had in his eyes. I open the message and groan. It's another message from Steve.
Can’t wait to see you ♥?
“Who the fuck is that?” Maxim growls, slamming his hand on the desk.