Maybe, but I still feel unsettled, and there’s a fluttery feeling in my gut as ladies continue to materialize out of nowhere, all eager to say hello to my lover.Nick, to his credit, is unfailingly polite and introduces me to every single one.Yet, the ache in my gut unfurls even more over the next hour because it’s become apparent that “surprise” would be a euphemism for their reaction to my pregnancy.The other partygoers are shocked; stunned; and even horrified, in some instances.Perhaps I’m just imagining things, but I really felt that the last woman looked a bit ill when Nick introduced us.After she disappears into the crowd, I murmur to my lover with concern.
“Is Omani going to be okay?She looked really green just now.”
“She was green was envy,” Nick immediately replies.“It’s because she’s jealous of you, Ella.”
I bite my lip while watching her departing form.Omani is a gorgeous, olive-skinned vixen from Turkey, and I shake my head.
“I don’t know,” I say in a low voice.“I would say it was more nausea than jealousy.There are different kinds of green, and hers was one of vomit.”
Nick chuckles low in his chest.
“Sweetheart, is the crowd getting to you?”he asks.“If you need a break from this meet and greet, just say so.Why don’t you go to the ladies and have a short sit-down?”he asks solicitously.“Get off your feet for a little bit, baby girl, and give yourself a break from this horse and pony show.”
I think for a moment.On the one hand, I want to stay because the entire evening has been so weird, and I want to see what happens next.Yes, I have a liking for bizarre shindigs, and it’s definitely been eye-opening to see just how many women throw themselves at Nick non-stop, even with me right there next to him.But then again, I am feeling a little peaked, and the ache in my lower back from standing is real.
“You’re right, I could use some quiet,” I say.“I’ll be right back.”
Nick leans forward to give me a peck on the cheek.
“I’ll have a fresh orange juice ready for you when you return.”
Then, he subtly squeezes my ass before winking at me.Reassured, I make my way through the ballroom to the ladies room, winding past multiple displays of daffodil topiaries, as well as a cluster of ladies dressed all in yellow.They look gorgeous, but also a bit gimmicky.
Finally, I’m in the ladies’ restroom and to my relief, there’s a small lounge off to the side equipped with plush sofas, a vanity table, and a door leading to a private nursing room.Wonderful!With a sigh, I sink down on one of the couches, just behind a small wall separating the lounge from the facilities.Surreptitiously, I kick off my shoes and lean my head back against the seat.It feels like heaven to be off my feet, and my child kicks me in the ribs as if in agreement.
“I know,” I murmur with a fond smile while rubbing my tummy with one hand.“We’ll be out of here soon.It’s a weird night, but it won’t go on forever.”
He or she kicks me again, making me smile, but it’s okay because the lounge is silent and peaceful, with just a few ladies coming and going on the other side of the wall.I doubt they even know I’m here, resting as I let my nerves settle.
But then, the door opens and a trio of women teeter in, glossy and beautiful in their evening gowns.They proceed straight to the lavatory area, and one uses the facilities as the other two primp and chat before the mirrors.
“I wasshocked,” one says in a lilting voice.“Seriously, my jaw dropped open when I saw her.”
“How far along do you think she is?”the second woman asks.
“Third trimester at least,” the first replies.“She washuge.”
“But very pretty,” the third woman adds, coming out of the stall to wash her hands.“She was glowing from within, and looked really happy to be with Nicky.”
Oh my god, they’re talking about me!These ladies are chattering about my relationship with Nick!My cheeks flush and I go very still as I eavesdrop on their conversation.
“What woman wouldn’t be happy to be with Nick Bannister?”the first one adds.“He’s godawful rich, and is CEO of a space exploration company.He’ll likely be able to put you on a rocket to Mars if you want.”
“I wonder if there will be cute astronaut suits if that happens,” the second giggles.“That would be fun.”
“Will there be champagne on the flight?”the third quips while doing something in the mirror.“But seriously, do you think she knows?”
Know what?the voice in my head whispers.What are they talking about?
The woman’s friends pause before answering.
“I don’t think so,” the first one drawls.“It didn’t seem like it.”
“No one would be smiling so much if she knew,” the second one adds.“Either that, or she knows and is some kind of psycho.”
Knows what?!?!?the voice in my head screams now.What don’t I know?
“She’s not his type,” the third one adds.“I thought he liked exotic beauties, and that other lady was definitely his type.What was her name again?”
