Elena gave him a smile. “How did you know I needed that?”
“I know what a woman needs in a time like this.”
“Makes me wonder how you’re still single.”
Carl shrugged. “It’s the curse of life. I’m cursed to be permanently single.”
“I’m sure that’s not the case.”
“Oh, it is. But we’re not talking about me.” Carl’s expression softened. “How are you holding up?”
“I’m not really sure. It still feels surreal.” Elena burrowed her hands under her blanket. Her fingers were ice-cold, even though the heating was on. “I’m waiting to wake up and find it was all a dream.”
“Sounds like you’re not quite with it yet.”
“If you were in my position, wouldn’t you think the same thing?”
“I’d probably react the same way Jason is right now.” Carl shook his head. “I’m not prepped to look after one baby, but six? You two are going to have your hands full.”
“If Jason wants it, that is.”
“What do you mean?”
Elena hesitated. Carl was also employed by Jason, so talking about him in this way probably wasn’t a good idea. On the other hand, Carl was a friend, and she needed another perspective.
“He walked out once he found out that I’m having a multiple pregnancy. I don’t know if he’s going to be involved after that.”
“It’s just shock, Elena. It will wear off.” Carl rested a hand on her arm. “Just give it time. He’ll recover and throw himself into it.”
“But how long is that going to be?”
“Depends on how long he’s going to stick his head in the sand. I can’t tell when that’s going to be, though.”
Elena narrowed her eyes at him. “Did Jason tell you about us? You don’t seem too surprised about it.”
“I suspected it. It wasn’t much of a surprise when Jason told me about the pregnancy.”
Fleur snorted, and Elena saw her leaning against the doorway.
“Sounds like you two weren’t as discreet as you thought.”
“Not when I’m involved. That’s practically impossible.” Carl frowned at Elena. “But why did you have to keep it secret from us? People would have been surprised, but you’re both adults and you’re not committed to anyone else. Why stay silent?”
“He’s the owner, and I’m one of the employees. Surely that looks pretty bad.”
“It’s going to raise eyebrows, yes, but who are we to meddle in someone’s relationship?” Carl tilted his head to one side as he regarded her. “You wanted privacy, didn’t you? I get that, but someone was going to find out eventually. Did you think you could keep it private forever?”
“Jason thought so. I wanted to be open and start telling people, but he said it was best to keep it away from everyone. It might be seen as ammunition against him that he messes around with the people he pays a salary to.”
He cared more about his image with the club than about her. Elena felt like she was going to be sick. It wouldn’t matter how much attention she and Jason gave each other, his first priority would be the Wolves. She wouldn’t be considered as important.
She didn’t want to think about it like that, but it still hurt.
“Elena?” Carl squeezed her arm. “He’s not stupid. He’ll come around and realize that you’re more important than the team. He’s just trying to focus on something that feels stable for him, that’s all.”
“I hope you’re right,” Elena murmured. She looked over at Fleur, who was watching the two of them. “Can you get my suitcase out? I’ll pack a few things.”
“You’re leaving?” Carl blinked. “Where are you going to go?”