Shameless Peak
Britney
Two Weeks Later
In Mexico, I’d thought I sipped some bad water without meaning to. Nausea hit me. But when we returned home, I realized my period hadn’t arrived.
I avoided the test for another week and just assumed I was late because of travel or recent sex.
I reminded myself that condoms worked. However, three days later, I peed on the stick and saw the positive symbol.
I’d convinced myself there was a mistake until the doctor confirmed the truth: I was pregnant.
I tossed all the wine bottles in my apartment and slept on the idea.
Babies were never going to be part of my life.
I worked too hard all the time. And I’d failed at every relationship I’d ever had.
Yet there I was, sitting at a coffee shop, sipping water and about to meet the clandestine lover I’d only mentioned once to my friends.
As he walked in, I realized that at least my child had great genes. His father was tall and muscular, and his face was attractive despite those lips he pressed together in public.
I kissed his cheeks like we were friends. “Michael, I’m glad you’re meeting me for tea.”
A waiter brought him a black tea with milk and sugar cubes on the side. He also left a tray of teatime snacks and left.
Michael tugged his white shirt collar. “I was surprised we were going out in public this time.” For a butler, he wore nice clothes. I assumed they were hand-me-downs.
I nodded at his observation. “I never wanted my boss to know, but it’s going to be impossible to hide now.”
His blue eyes seemed puzzled. “Why? What happened?”
I held my cup of hot water with lemon. “I called you here to let you know you are going to be a father.”
His eyes widened. “Say it again.”
My breath caught in my throat. He’d probably disappear soon. “It’s honorable to tell you. I’m pregnant.”
He pressed his hand to his heart. “And it’s mine?”
Most people assumed my attitude of taking what I wanted meant I was easy. I folded my hands. “Despite the rumors, I don’t sleep with just anyone.”
Michael said, with that cute British tone that carried judgment and shame, “But we’re not?—“
“I’m not looking for anything from you.” I tensed. No more fun for us. The real world was folding in on me. “I just thought you needed to know that I’m pregnant, and I’m keeping it no matter what.”
He tugged his ear and stared at me. “Britney, I can’t talk about it in public, but we need to talk tonight because there are things about me that I haven’t told you.”
I sipped my water. I needed to know his medical history and anything that happened to his family that he’d never told me about. I met his gaze and decided he was right. It was better to end our fling in private.
I moved my chair. It was time to head back to the office. “Okay, come to my apartment at six if you think Charlie will let you out early.”
“Fuck Charlie. I’ll be there.”
My eyes widened. I hadn’t expected that outburst. I hadn’t known what to expect as Michael never shared more than his body.
As we stood, I said, “See you tonight, then.”
He hugged me. His arms around me felt nice in that fleeting moment. Michael was gorgeous, neat, and always put together. The execs in my job would have laughed at him and me if anyone found out I dated a butler, but none of that mattered now.
Soon, I’d have to face what life was going to be like as a single mom in the city. I walked out of the restaurant, keeping my head high.
It was better to not depend on anyone. I had savings. I needed to do the math and figure out where I could live and raise my child on what I’d socked away, because once work knew the truth about me… I was absolutely not going to be able to work my hours and would eventually be fired.
Shameless is available everywhere now/