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  I turned on her and said, “Exactly how should a billionaire act, Cassandra? Maybe I should be a snob like you and talk mean about people and down to them?”

  “He should act like he has some class. He shouldn’t be trolling nasty beaches and broken down piers in Seal Beach. He shouldn’t be having breakfast with his maid and he really shouldn’t be designing nurseries for her. It gives people the wrong idea. I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but this has to stop!”

  “Or what, Cassie? You’ll leave me? Been there and done that, remember? You came back because you can’t live off the paltry million dollars a year alimony you were ‘entitled’ to!”

  “I shouldn’t have to live off of that. I’m entitled to a lot more and you know it.”

  “No, I don’t know it. You didn’t work for any of this. Hell, even as a wife you’ve been sub-par! You spend your days in pursuit of your own beauty and your own pleasures. None of it has anything to do with me or you being my wife.”

  “Oh really?” she said, with narrowed eyes. “So you’d rather have some woman who let herself go? Some fat chick with dark roots and cellulite?”

  “Jesus, Cassie. You’ve missed the point, which is that it’s not about how you look! It’s never been about looks! I don’t want a wife that I can present to the world like a trophy for crying out loud! I want a wife that I enjoy talking to. I want a wife that makes me want to come home at night. I want a wife that will hold my hand and walk on the beach… my beach! And, most of all, I want a family… something you refuse to give me.”

  Rolling her eyes she said, “Too bad. You’ve got me and you’ve also got enough money to go to Russia or China and adopt an orphan or something. Make sure you hire lots of nannies though because I’m not taking care of them. This is like the time you insisted on getting that stupid puppy I didn’t want. Maybe the kids will get ran over by a delivery truck too. I have to go pack.” She turned and left the room, the same way she always did when we talked about having a family. She left me feeling sick this time. She was a terrible person. I heard her heels on the tile floor and then I heard her say, “I need my things packed before two. I’ve laid out what I plan on taking. Make sure it’s all packed and handled with care.”

  “Yes ma’am,” I heard Victoria’s voice. She must have been in the hallway while we were arguing. I wondered how much she heard, and I wondered how many other times she’d heard us. When I think about finally ending it with Cassandra and telling Vicki that I want to be with her and try and make a life with her and the baby… I worry sometimes about some of the things she may have heard me say to Cassandra. Between that and the lawsuit nonsense, I had to wonder what she must think of me.

  VICTORIA

  Alex and Cassandra were going on a vacation. That shouldn’t bother me. She’s his wife. I’m his maid. I folded the third skimpy bathing suit she’d laid out and put it into her suitcase. I caught myself wondering why she wore anything at all. None of the suits would leave a thing to the imagination. Then I chastised myself for my own jealousy. I wasn’t jealous of the suits, or the vacation, I was jealous that she was going to get to spend time with Alex and I wasn’t. Every time he went on a business trip or a vacation, even before the baby, I missed him. Something about just knowing he’s near made me all warm and tingly inside.

  I’d heard them arguing earlier again. I’d felt a little guilty this time because I realized that she was angry about the nursery. I know that I hadn’t asked him to do that, but the fact that he felt the need to do this for me both touched me deeply and made me a little nervous about the future. He’d told me that he wanted a relationship with the baby and I wanted him to have that. But given the fact that his wife didn’t even know it was his yet and that she was already angry about him designing a nursery for the “maid’s kid,” I had to wonder how it was all going to go.

  And then there was the far future that I tried not to worry over. I know that I’d be much less stressed if I stayed focused on the here and now but I don’t intend to be a maid forever. Once I’ve had the baby and gotten back on track with my life I fully intend to continue to pursue my dream of becoming a Physician’s Assistant. That was going to mean not coming here every day. By then, if Alex and the baby have a relationship how will I take him away? Then there was the other sinister, ugly little thought that seeped into my mind unbidden and unwelcome sometimes. What if he decided he wanted the baby and he tried to take him away? I wanted to believe he’d never do that, but I’ve seen first-hand how much control his lawyers have. The thought of Cassandra being my child’s caretaker made me shudder. I would never let that happen, no matter how far or how fast I had to run.

  “Hello Victoria,” I heard his voice behind me. I finished folding his wife’s black lingerie and put it in the bag before I turned around.

  “Hello,” I said. “I was just getting Mrs. Reigns’ things packed. Did you need me to get yours ready too?”

  He smiled. Something inside of me melted. “No thank you, Vicki. This is a business trip. I’ll just need my suits which are already in the wardrobe bag. I can pack my own underwear.”

  “Oh, I thought it was a vacation. I mean, I’m sorry. It’s none of my business anyways.” Embarrassed and again chastising myself for being so forward, I turned back to my work. I felt a jolt of electricity race through my veins, starting at the spot on my shoulder where Alex had laid his hand. I turned back towards him, dangerously close to his face and those full, soft lips.

  “Don’t apologize to me, Vicki. I know that you work for me, but I’d like to also think we’re friends. Friends are allowed to make conversation with one another.”

  I nodded, only because my mouth was too dry to speak. I was watching his mouth as it moved and I barely heard the words because all I could think about was how badly I wanted to kiss him. I was a mess. Maybe it was the hormones. Maybe once this baby was born I could stop lusting after my boss and think about getting a real life again. I knew one thing for sure; when I looked at his face I didn’t believe that he would ever try and take my baby… at least I didn’t want to believe it.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  VICTORIA

  I woke up on Thursday morning having strange, tight feelings in my abdomen. It wasn’t really pain, just a tightness that wasn’t there before. I took a long hot shower before getting dressed for work and that seemed to relax it some. When I made it to the kitchen, Liz and Gloria were having breakfast.

  “Good morning, sunshine. There is French toast and bacon on the stove.”

  “Thanks, Liz. I think I need tea and crackers today.”

  With concern in her eyes Liz said, “Why? What’s wrong? You shouldn’t still be having morning sickness. You’re too far along for that.”

  I smiled to alleviate her anxiety. Just as she was looking at me, one of the tight feelings turned into a painful cramp. I willed myself not to wince. I didn’t want to worry her. “No, not morning sickness. Maybe just a touch of a stomach bug or something… I’m sure it will pass.”

  “I have to get to work, ladies.” Gloria got up from the table and took her dishes to the sink. “You girls have a good day.”

  “You too!” We both told her. I made my tea and when I sat down with it at the table, Liz was still looking at me funny.

  “What is it?” I asked her.

  “Are you sure you’re alright? Are they working you too hard at the mansion? You shouldn’t be over-doing it. You’re so close…”

  Smiling I interrupted her and said, “The most stressful thing I’ve done all week is pack Mrs. Reigns’ expensive underwear and swimsuits. I’m fine, really.” As I assured her of that, my stomach clenched again.

  She made a face at the mention of Cassandra and said, “Where is she going?”

  “She went to Belize with her husband.”

  “He’s taking her on vacation when you’re so close to having his baby, really?”

  “Liz, first of all, it’s a business trip. Second of all, she doesn’
t know this is his baby. Third of all and most importantly, she’s his wife, not me.”

  “He’s really lucky this is you and not some other woman. Any other woman would have told his wife by now and had this splashed all over the tabloids.”

  “Maybe,” I said. “But I don’t think he deserves that. I honestly believe he is doing his absolute best with all of this, just like I am.”

  She snorted again and stood up with her dishes. I had a hand on my belly. “Are you sure you’re okay? I can call in to work…”

  “I’m fine,” I told her again. “You can’t call in. You’re a minion for the parade today.”

  She laughed, “Yes I am. I’ll be stuffed tightly into a yellow suit gasping for fresh air all day. Whoo Hoo! Love my job.” She was being facetious. She really did love her job. I’d gone and watched her character stuff before at the theme park. She was great.

  “I have to go to work in a few myself. Have a great day, okay?”

  “You too,” she said, still with a worried look. “You call me if you need anything okay?”

  “I will.” I watched her go, thinking about how lucky I was once again. After I finished my tea and straightened up a bit, the tightness had completely gone away. I dressed and went into work and began my day.

  “Mando!” I was dusting the guest room furniture when I heard the voice. I looked up to see Manny standing there. He had brought the workers up to do some more work on the nursery. I laughed.

  “Man-Do? Really? Would you do that to your child?”

  “I might,” he said. “But since I’m gay I may never get the chance to find out.” I tried not to look shocked. I had no idea Manny was gay. I saw him suppress a smile as he said, “Are you going to judge me now?”

  “Have you judged me for being unwed and pregnant?”

  “Not in the least,” he said.

  “That’s how I feel about you being gay, Manny. It doesn’t change who you are to me. You’re my friend. Your lifestyle doesn’t factor into that.” He smiled broadly then.

  “Thanks, so Man-do?”

  Laughing, I said, “No way.” He left to head for the basement. Now that Alex wasn’t having parties down there every night, there was a lot less for him to do. I saw him a lot more. But that was good. I liked him a lot. I finished the guest room and was passing by the nursery. I hadn’t allowed myself to look at it… especially after witnessing more than one fight between Cassandra and Alex over it. I wasn’t sure how I felt about it still. Too many conflicting emotions.

  “Miss?” I stopped. One of the workers was calling to me.

  “Yes?”

  “I needed an opinion on something. I saw that you were pregnant… I’m sorry, I don’t mean to presume…”

  I laughed. “I am pregnant,” I said. It was so obvious yet he was afraid of offending me.

  “Is this nursery for your baby?” he asked.

  “Yes, at least for now. I’m sure Mr. Reigns intends it for anyone who needs it.”

  “Oh, well since it will be your baby’s for now, maybe you could look at the closet for me and see if it looks like it will work.”

  “Um… sure,” I followed him into the room and stopped dead in my tracks. The walls were a pale blue color… so pale they were almost white. The windows, two large ones, were trimmed in dark blue and the seat cushions in them were a dark and light blue paisley. There was a white crib and dresser, a changing table and a rocking chair… It was huge and it was beautiful and it was completely furnished, right down to toys and blocks in the dark blue squares that hung on the walls. There was even a bookcase filled with bedtime story books. I had tears in my eyes.

  “Miss? Are you okay?” one of the workers said.

  Embarrassed, I shook off my emotion and said, “Yes, it’s just so lovely. You’ve all done a great job.”

  “Thanks, most of it was Mr. Reigns’ direct instruction. He didn’t get technical on the closet though.” He pulled open the double doors of the closet and my jaw dropped. It was a walk-in closet with rods above and below to hold clothing and a spinning rack for hats and shoes. I knew that was what they were for, because they were both full. So was the upper rod. There were clothes and hats and shoes and an entire wall filled with diapers. I’d bought him one or two things, but this was an entire wardrobe. “You see this here?” he said, pulling a smooth oak table out of the wall. “It’s supposed to be another changing space. It folds up out of the way here when you’re done with it. I’m just worried it’s too tall. Mr. Reigns approved it, height and all… but I look at you and think you won’t even be able to reach the baby.”

  I walked over closer. He was right. The table came up level with my neck. I looked at him and said, “How tall are you?”

  “About six two,” he said.

  “Will you stand right here?” I asked him.

  He came over and stood next to the table. I knew what it was for. It was Alex’s table. It was where he would put the baby when he changed him. The tears flooded my eyes again. He really was preparing to be a father.

  “You okay?” he asked again. I smiled and nodded.

  “Just pregnancy stuff,” I said. “I think if that’s the way Mr. Reigns asked for it, he probably has his reasons. I’d leave it.”

  “Okay, thank you, Miss.”

  “You’re welcome,” I told him. I took one last look at the beautiful room. Then I walked back out and got my cart from the hall outside the guest room. I started to push it towards the master suite when I suddenly felt a gush of warm liquid rush down my thighs and puddle on the floor. I looked down at it in horror. Did my water just break? It couldn’t have… it was too soon. I took a towel off my cart and draped it over the puddle in the floor. As I bent over a pain ripped through my stomach as if to prove that too soon or not, this was it.

  I made sure the puddle was covered so no one would slip in it and I waddled into the guest room. Taking my phone out of my pocket, I called the front gates. The man on duty today was named Raymond and he was always really nice.

  “Hi Raymond, it’s Victoria.”

  “Hello there, Miss Hart! How is the day going?”

  “Well Raymond, I believe that I’m in labor.”

  “What?” he sounded nervous suddenly. “What should I do?”

  I smiled through the pain of the next cramp… or contraction I suppose it was. “I’m going to call an ambulance Raymond. I just wanted to let you know so that you wouldn’t be surprised.”

  “Miss Hart, you sure seem calm for a lady who is about to have a baby.”

  “It’s a really good act,” I told him, honestly. “I’m a wreck.” I hung up with Raymond and called the ambulance. I told them the address and that the front gate was expecting them. Then I hung up and waddled to the elevator. I was getting nervous because the pains were becoming more intense. I didn’t want to have the baby here. When I got to the main level I made my way to Karen’s office. One look at me and she was on her feet.

  “Vicki? What is it?”

  “The baby is coming,” I said. “My water broke and I’m having contractions.”

  “Oh no! How early is it?”

  “About five weeks,” I told her. I was trying not to think about that. I was trying to stay positive. I think Karen realized too that this was no time to worry. It was too late for that anyways.

  “I’ll call an ambulance,” she said, picking up the phone.

  “I did that already,” I told her. “I also let the front gate know they’re coming.”

  She laughed. “Even in labor, you’re efficient. What should I do then? Should I call Alexander?”

  “No! No, don’t bother him. I can do this. I’ll call my roommate. She’ll come be with me.” Karen looked sad, but she nodded. I heard the doorbell ring and looked back at her and said, “Wish me luck.”

  “The best,” she said with a hug. “As soon as my shift is over I will be there. I can’t wait to meet him.”

  I put my hand over my belly and felt a flutt
er of anticipation. “Me too,” I said. My little man would be in my arms by the end of the day. I refused to believe that anything could go wrong.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  ALEXANDER

  I had just finished with my first meeting of the day when my phone rang. I looked at it and saw that it was the house calling. I excused myself and stepped out into the fresh, salty air. “Hello?”

  “Mr. Reigns, it’s Karen.”

  I could tell by the tightness in her voice that something was wrong. “What is it, Karen? What’s happened?”

  “I’m not supposed to be calling you. She didn’t want to disturb you…”

  “Karen, just tell me what is wrong.”

  “Victoria’s waters broke. She’s on her way to the hospital.”

  “Oh my God, alone?”

  “She said she would call her roommate, but for now, yes, she’s alone.”