Chapter 29
“You can tell me everything, girl—this didn’t just start today.”
“I’ve been feeling like this for a few days now, and the nausea keeps getting worse.”
“And you still haven’t seen a doctor? Why not?”
“I’m scared. I’m afraid of what I might find out.”
“Like pregnancy?” I stare at her wide-eyed.
“No way, girl. That’s out of the question.”
“And why not? You spent three solid months going at it like crazy with a certain Italian.”
“That can’t happen, girl. I’m not ready yet—I have my career, and it’s finally taking off.”
“A baby won’t hold you back, girl, and besides, there’s the father.”
“Let’s not think about that right now. Let’s focus on this project—we’ve got changes to make and things to get done.”
“Just promise me you’ll look into it.”
“I promise, Sam. I promise.”
So we headed to the office. Once we got there, we dove right into the changes. First, we talked to Carter and went over everything with him—after all, he needed to approve it. Once he gave us the green light, we took care of the rest.
We worked hard that day and managed to finish the changes to the executive suite, leaving the rest for the next day. When I checked the clock, it was already time to go. I started gathering my things when the guys showed up and invited Sam and me to dinner. We accepted and headed out.
“Did it have to be here?”
“Nicola wanted to check it out. After all, the last time he was here, he didn’t have time to stop by.”
“Come on, the food is delicious.”
We walked in and, as always, the hostess greeted us warmly and led us to the private section of the restaurant.
I still love that project I designed—it turned out beautiful, rustic yet modern, perfect for New York.
We settled into our private room and the waiters handed us menus, but I already knew what I was going to order.
“I’ll have the carbonara, please. A panzanella salad to start, and juice to drink.”
“You can’t seriously not have a glass of wine with us, Emma.”
“Not today, thanks. I’m driving—maybe next time.”
“You’re right. Well, I’ll have the risotto. For a starter, I’ll try the same salad as Emma—I’ve never had that one.”
“You’ll love it—it’s delicious.”
“So, girls, how was your vacation in Italy after you wrapped up the project?”
“It was wonderful. Emma and I visited so many beautiful places. Venice stole my heart—such a romantic city. And the food was amazing too.”
“I love living there. Even though I was born here, my mother is Italian, and she wanted to move there after my father passed away. So I’ve been there for a few years now.”
“I’m sorry about your father.”
“Thank you. She’s doing well now—she still has family there, which helps. At least she has company.”
“But what about you? Do you ever want to move back here?”
“Now that we have the office here, I’m hoping I can split my time between the two countries. But if it were up to me, I’d stay here.”
“But with the company here being bigger than the one in Italy, I think you’ll be pretty busy, so you’ll probably spend more time in New York.”
“I have a lot of clients there, but I want to make a name for myself here too. Judge Owen knows a lot of people here, and he said he can help me land some clients.”
“By the way, I heard he and Mattia are coming here next week,” Carter said.
“Oh, yes, Mattia’s coming to check on the restaurant and Owen’s going with him. So I think it’ll be a quick visit—he can’t be away from the country for long because of the hearings.”
That information catches me completely off guard. So Mattia is coming to New York next week. I’ll have to do everything I can to avoid running into him. I don’t want to see him, not after everything I said to him. And I still love him, so staying away from him is the best thing I can do.
We stayed there a while longer until we finished eating, then said our goodbyes.
I asked Sam if she wanted a ride, which she immediately turned down, and Carter offered to take her.
I didn’t say anything, just gave her a smile and headed to my car.
I got home, took a nice, relaxing bath, and then went to bed.
The moment my head hit the pillow, Mattia popped into my mind.
I wondered how he was doing after I left, but the thoughts didn’t last long—I was too tired and ended up passing out.
I wake up the next day to a knock on the door and my mom calling me. It’s already the third time she’s come to wake me up because the alarm went off and I didn’t hear it. I open my eyes slowly, still groggy, when a wave of nausea hits me hard. I run to the bathroom with my mom right behind me.
“Honey, what happened?” I feel her holding my hair back as I throw up everything I ate yesterday.
“I don’t know, Mom. I’ve been feeling nauseous for a few days now,” I answer once I’m feeling better.
“And you haven’t been to the doctor, have you?”
“Not yet, but if it keeps up, I’ll have to go.”
“Honey, have you considered that you might be pregnant?” I look at her, startled—the same thing Sam brought up.
“You too, Mom? It’s not that. I’m taking my pill every day, just like I’m supposed to.”
“Honey, no birth control is a hundred percent effective. You should know that.”
“I know, but no, don’t even go there.”
“Why don’t you at least take a test? Stop by the pharmacy and pick one up. It’s not a big deal, and if it’s negative, we can put this whole thing to rest.”
“Fine, I’ll do it because you’re asking, but I’m not pregnant.”
“If you were, I’d be the happiest grandma in the world,” she says, hugging me. “I’ll let you get ready so you’re not late.”
My mom leaves me alone, and I think about what she said.
Yes, I know no birth control is foolproof, but I don’t want to believe it.
If I’m pregnant, it’s Mattia’s—and what am I supposed to do?
I told him I didn’t want anything more. But he’d have to know.
I couldn’t hide something this serious from him.
I turn on the shower and take a long, relaxing one, then grab a dress from the closet and put it on with tights and a jacket over it, finishing the look with heels.
I do some basic makeup to hide my dark circles, grab my purse, and head downstairs.
I have a quick, light breakfast so it won’t sit heavy in my stomach, then leave for work.
I get there and sit down at my desk, turning on my computer to finish the project.
We decided to add a few things, and by the end of the day, it was almost done—I’d have to leave something for Monday before the final meeting.
I’m going to use the weekend to rest and think about everything that’s happening.
I have to admit, I’m scared to take a test and have it come back positive.
What explanation would I give Mattia? Would he even believe me? That doubt stays with me as I leave.