“You don’t sound so sure about it.”
“Well…”
Fleur covered Elena’s hand with hers. “I get that he’s going to be in a daze. But you have to think that maybe he’s not going to be there for you. Did you two discuss children and if you wanted them?”
“No, of course not. We weren’t even discussing anything beyond work and when we were going to meet up.”
“Elena, I know you were keeping this under wraps, but you won’t be able to do it for much longer. Once you start showing, people are going to ask questions. What are you going to say then?”
“I…I don’t know.”
Elena hadn’t thought that far ahead. She was still in a daze over what was happening to her body. She was going to be a mom. To multiples. That was enough to make anyone freak out. And based on Jason’s reaction, there was a good chance she was going to be handling this on his own.
No, that wasn’t going to happen. Jason would get over the shock, and they would deal with this together. It would be fine.
Just because you’re in love with him doesn’t mean it’s going to work like that.
A knock at the door made Elena jump. She tensed, clutching Fleur’s hand.
“Oh, God. That’s not Mom, is it?”
“I hope not.” Fleur looked concerned. “You didn’t tell her about this, did you?”
“No, Jason had thrown her out before the doctor told me about the pregnancy. After she talked about getting Jason to provide for her as well as me…if you know what I mean.”
Fleur groaned. “God, not again.”
“Again?”
“It’s another thing of hers that she wants. For her daughters to marry wealthy guys so she can be provided for as well.”
Elena hadn’t heard about this. But she wasn’t really surprised; she had heard Jessica ranting about having to keep working when she wanted to retire and live a life of luxury. All she wanted was more money for her spending habits.
Elena and Fleur refused to give her money, which meant she was still working. Getting a wealthy husband to fund her shopping sprees sounded about right for Jessica Henry.
There was another knock, and then Elena heard a familiar voice.
“Elena? It’s Carl. Are you in there?”
Elena slumped in relief. She nodded at Fleur. “You can let him in.”
“One of your friends?”
“Yeah. He’s harmless.”
Although Elena could only imagine what Carl was going to say when she told him everything. She had been aware that Carl might suspect something between her and Jason, but he had never said a word. Just a few knowing looks in her direction.
Fleur left the room, and a moment later Carl was coming in. He slowed to a stop when he saw Elena, looking at her like he was expecting something incredible.
Elena shifted in discomfort under his gaze. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“You don’t look like you're pregnant with six babies. Are you sure it wasn’t a blip on the screen?”
Elena sighed. “Jason told you, didn’t he?”
“He did. He’s at the stadium right now, still in shock.” Carl approached her and knelt by the couch, holding out his arms. “Come here.”
Elena didn’t need to ask what he meant. She went into his arms and accepted the hug. Carl’s embrace was strong, rubbing her back in a way that made her want to stay there and not let go. Then he eased her back, settling her properly against the cushions propped up behind her.