Page 20 of Severu
“So,” Greg continues, “I know that you have a ton of training, and I was wondering if you would be interested in the position.”
“Greg,” I start.
“I know you started as a receptionist.” He holds up his hand. “But this position would include a significant pay raise. Besides, the only other female we employ is off guarding a sheik of some sort.”
I want this so much, but I know it’s impossible. I can’t put myself at risk. I need to make that clear to Greg.
“I wish I could, Greg, but I won’t be able to.”
“Do you have PTSD from the force? I know that is a problem sometimes,” he has a sympathetic look on his face.
“No, nothing like that.” I laugh. “I recently found out that I’m pregnant. I don’t think it would be professional to start an assignment when I know I can’t fulfill my duties. And it’s not a good idea to put myself in less-than-safe situations.”
“Well, I appreciate your honesty.” Greg smiles. “And congratulations.”
“Thanks, Greg.” I smile. “I appreciate your understanding.”
****
I consider calling Severu a million times in the last week. He is the father of my unborn child, after all, and he deserves to know. But every time I have his number pulled up, I chicken out. He wants nothing to do with me, that much he made perfectly clear when he left me in that field of lavender to find my own way home.
I should probably just be grateful that he didn’t shoot me.
I pass a baby store on the way home from work. Instead of just continuing home, I head inside. I should start looking at stuff like this, planning for a baby I didn’t know I wanted until I found out I was pregnant.
They have the cutest things. Pink and frilly for little girls and blue with balls and dogs for little boys. I walk through the store twice. I pick out a crib, some gender-neutral clothing, and a couple of blankets. I’m sure I may have already gone a little overboard, but I just couldn’t help myself.
Standing at the cashier, I wait for them to ring up all my items. I’m lost in my own thoughts, thinking of the future, of how I will raise a child on my own. I also really need to call Severu and tell him. He isn’t going to be happy.
“Hi, Lira,” a voice says from behind me.
Fuck!
Turning slowly, I face off Guilia and Mancuso. I don’t want to see them here, not now.
“Nice baby stuff.” Mancuso smiles.
“Thanks.” I try to think of a plausible lie. “I have a coworker who is having a shower this weekend.”
“Expensive gifts,” he muses as he scans my haul.
My gaze clashes with Giulia’s, begging her silently to help me. I don’t know what to say to get him off of this topic.
“They probably all chipped in?” Guilia asks casually.
“Yes!” I say with too much enthusiasm. “Everyone from the office chipped in so we could get her the best possible gifts.” The smile I paste on my face is as fake as they come.
Mancuso watches me closely and I think he may ask more questions before Guilia cuts in.
“Mancuso, can you give us a moment?” she asks softly.
He looks between the two of us before nodding. “Yeah, I will go find Jennifer a toy or something. Don’t go anywhere without me,” he directs at Guilia.
Guilia waits until he is out of earshot before she starts talking at a mile a minute. “Lira, what the fuck? Are you pregnant?”
“Guilia.” I sigh. “Can we not do this?”
“No. Tell me the truth.”