The worst part? I wasn’t allowed to take anything to make me feel better. All medications were off limits. So I did the only thing I could—I put on my makeup and hoped I didn’t look as bad as Ifelt.
But it didn’t take long to realize that plan had been a big pregnantbust.
“Why on earth are you working today?” Gladys asked as I walked into the Bristol Mathews reception area. She was our five-years-past-retirement-age receptionist who we couldn’t livewithout.
“I didn’t take the day off.” It sounded like a good answer tome.
“But, hun, you’re sick, and you need to rest up for the baby.” Did I mention Gladys had six kids—and a hockey team’s worth ofgrandchildren?
“It’s only a half day, so I’m sure I’ll be fine.” At least that was what I said in my head. It didn’t quite come out that way thanks to my merry-crap-tasticcongestion.
“Well make sure you drink plenty offluids.”
Right. Because on top of my agenda for the day was to spend most of the morning peeing in the loo. “I’ll be sure to do that,” I said with as much of a smile as I couldmuster.
Thirty minutes later, Trent strolled into my office—interrupting my delightful morning of attempting to read a business report between the frequent rounds of noseblowing.
“Shit, Holly. You lookawful.”
“It’s a goddamn miracle you have a girlfriend, mate—what with the way you sweep a girl off herfeet.”
His mouth jerked up to one side. “Has anyone ever told you you’re cranky when you’re sick? Because if they haven’t, let me be the first.…” Risking his life, he sat down on the other side of the desk. “Besides, the last I heard, I wasn’t the one who swept you off your feet. And while we’re at it, I do plenty of feet sweeping when it comes toKelsey.”
ThatI didn’tdoubt.
“But you shouldn’t be here,” he continued. “You should be at home,resting.”
I snorted. “Now you sound likeGladys.”
“That’s because Gladys and I are brilliant—and you knowit.”
I rolled my eyes, mostly because it was true but I didn’t want to admit it. “I’ll be fine. It’s only a half day, and then I’ll go home and rest up for tomorrow.…But maybe I shouldn’t go to your parents’ tomorrow. I don’t want to risk Samantha getting sick.” And I was sure Erin and Samantha would appreciate ittoo.
“But it’s Christmas. You can’t spend tomorrow on your own. That’s just notright.”
“I won’t be alone,” Isaid.
A puzzled frown creased his forehead. “You won’t be? I thought Josh was flying to Bostontoday.”
“He is. But Julie Andrews is available anytime I need her. And what better way to spend Christmas than with a Julie Andrews moviemarathon?”
“Sounds like fun,” he said with asmirk.
“It will be—and you’re just jealous you’re missing out onit.”
He threw back his head in laughter. “Okay, you keep telling yourself that. But remember, the offer is still open for tomorrow. We’ll just make sure Sammy is in a hazmatsuit.”
“And I’m sure she’ll look adorable in it.” Was the sarcasm noticeable even with my stuffynose?
Soon after Trent left my office, my phone pinged with a text fromJosh.
How’s the sexy momma doingtoday?
Ha! Not looking too sexy right now. You’re definitely not missing out on anything. Have a goodflight!
You shouldn’t be at work. You should be at home, looking afteryourself.
How did he know I was at work? Oh, yeah, where else would Ibe?
