Page 56 of Beau
“Very brave.” Monique laughed. “And as a contribution, Romano’s maternity department wants to do the honors of decorating the nursery for you. It’s not just a selfless act, we would like to feature you and the babies in our bi-monthly magazine.”
“Oh honey, that’s wonderful. I would have to clear it with Beau first of course, but I love it. When you say decorate–”
“I mean go all the way.” They were seated in Monique’s elegantly appointed office where her assistant had brought in tea and biscuits. “The entire thing. Neutral colors since you don’t know the sex yet.”
“I told Beau we are having two boys and a girl.”
Monique’s eyes twinkled. “You are that certain.”
“It’s what I have been praying for.” She touched her stomach lightly.
“I will send you wallpaper samples for you to choose. A team will be stopping by to do some measuring and taking pictures. I will let you know when that is.” She made some notations on her iPad. “Now honey, are you certain you are up for the planning of the March madness social?”
“I have been laid up for more than a month. I am raring to go.”
“Then let’s get started.”
*****
“Why, if it isn’t Georgiana!”
She had just stepped out of the elevator on the ground floor of the huge Romano’s store when she heard her name and recognized the voice.
Turning to face the woman, she felt a twist inside her heart at the first glimpse of her husband’s ex. Miriam redefined the words elegant and sophisticated. Her bright red hair was tumbling around her ivory face in artful disarray and was a stunning contrast to the emerald, green sweater she was wearing.
The black dress pants molded her slender curves and her makeup was flawless. Black cashmere sweater was opened all the way down, melding with her shiny leather black boots. A green and black knitted scarf was carelessly thrown around her neck.
“Miriam.” She nodded briefly and would have made her way toward the double doors, but Miriam moved toward her.
“I understand congratulations are in order.” Her green eyes wandered over Georgie’s protruding belly. “Triplets, I understand.” She blew out a husky laugh that attracted the attention of two well-dressed men making their way toward the elevators.
Romano’s was always busy at this time of day, with people rushing in to take advantage of the afternoon hour. Some were loading up on the after-holiday sales, while others were heading toward the elegant eateries on the main floor.
“Yes” She did not ask the woman how she had heard. News had somehow gotten out that they were expecting triplets. Beau had set the PR team to do damage control so that Georgie would not be bombarded by the press.
“I knew poor Beau was beside himself when you were at the clinic for an extended period.” The woman was determined to follow her toward the exit. “He must be thrilled to know that he is going to be a father.” A secret smile touched her red painted lips.
“When we were together, he stated categorically that he did not want children too soon. He wanted us to spend time with each other before that happens.” She flicked a glance at Georgie’s stomach. “I am surprised that he jumped right in after just one year of marriage. People do change, don’t they?” She added sweetly.
“They do.” Georgie was damned if she was going to allow this bitch to know how much her words were driving nails into her heart. “My husband is indeed thrilled that he is going to be a dad.”
“Are you sure about that darling?” The gloves were off, and Miriam faced her squarely. Crowds of shoppers were eddying around them, but they did not notice. “Or is that something you tell yourself? As I understand it, you were the one who wanted this pregnancy and Beau just went along with it.”
Georgie saw red, and it took a supreme amount of will for her to control her rage.
“I am going to say this only once and I hope for your sake and mine that I never have to repeat myself. Beau loves me to death.
He adores even the ground I walk on. He sees only me. You had your damn chance, and you chose your career over a wonderful man. He is with me now and that is going to stay that way.” She patted her belly. “These babies mean that we will be a family.
So, whatever games you are playing and the phone calls to try and get him to walk with you down memory lane, it’s over. He is with me.” Lifting her left hand, she wriggled her finger so that the pale winter sunshine caught the diamonds and glinted, shooting prisms of lights everywhere.
“I am Mrs. Beau Anderson and that will never change. Deal with it, bitch.” Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heels and stepped across the road where Ivan was waiting to drive her home.
*****
“What are you doing?”
“I am making chicken gumbo.”