I couldn’t do it when it was just Layla I’d be missing. That would be enough to tip me over the edge.
So to add little George into the mix? No, thank you. I wanted to help people. To better their lives. But ultimately, I wouldn’t be able to do any of those things if I didn’t feel fulfilled and happy in my own life.
“Circumstances have changed for me,” I explained, as the head of the department and medical director both stared me down through the screen with a frown. “When I took the job,I was single. Now, I have a partner, and she is pregnant. She cannot move to Minnesota due to her career, and I have to consider what’s best for my family.”
“Well, first of all, congratulations.” Rosa pushed her reading glasses up her nose, processing my words. “Second, we do have some programs for medical staff relocating with families. We have an entire team dedicated to serve as a support system, a children’s center, and a backup day care. There are many options—”
“As I said, I cannot ask her to move with me,” I reiterated flatly.
It was too much, too soon. Especially considering Layla’s history with Connor.
She’d had to give up her own dreams and aspirations before to accommodate someone else’s wants and needs, and this thing between us was so new, so delicate, I didn’t want to scare her off.
“I apologize for the inconvenience and for wasting your time,” I restated, “but I’ve already asked my current employer to extend my contract. I’m staying in New York.”
There was a brief silence before the medical director, Dr. Ashford, spoke.
“This is certainly very disappointing. We were looking forward to working with you, Dr. Gerwig. But I cannot, in good conscience, pretend I’d behave any differently, considering the consequences. If your situation changes, please let us know.”
“I sure hope it doesn’t,” I said curtly. “But thank you. I appreciate your kind words.”
I killed the call, closed my laptop, and continued with my workday. It felt like a huge stone had been lifted from my chest. I couldn’t wait to get home and tell Layla about this. Yes, a part of me was disappointed. Crushed, even. I’d wantedthis position, badly. It would’ve allowed me resources I hadn’t had before, and I wanted to work with the most innovative people in the industry. But at the end of the day, I couldn’t have my cake and eat it too.
I’d choose Layla and the baby over anything and everything.
My career included.
The rest of the day slugged one minute at a time.
Despite knowing I’d done the right thing, I wasn’t thrilled with breaking the news to Layla. She already felt like an intruder in my life as it was. The last thing I wanted was a pushback from her.
I arrived home at seven in the evening and, as usual, found my place effortlessly perfect. A zucchini and beef lasagna was waiting on the stovetop, right next to an apple pie. Candles were lit. The windows were all open, letting the fresh late-spring air drift into the apartment. Layla greeted me wearing the same pink dress she’d worn for Connor and Kellianne’s wedding. This immediately gave me pause. I dropped my messenger bag at the door, giving her a once-over.
“Why are you in an evening dress?”
Her eyes were puffy. She’d been crying, I realized. My alarm morphed into panic. She threw her arms over my shoulders and hugged me. I immediately circled her waist, drawing her close, providing her the comfort she needed.
“Grant, I can’t fit into the dress anymore.”
“Clearly, you can. You’re inside it. And looking fifty shades of fucking delicious in it, if I may add,” I muttered.
She pulled away, stepping backward to allow me a better look. “Look.” She pointed at her stomach. “Look how tight it is.”
I stared at her midriff. The dress seemed a little tight around the waist, but it still fit perfectly.
“Yeah,” I said slowly. “That tends to happen when you’re growing another human inside of you.”
“You don’t understand.” She started pacing. “This is how it starts. You’re going to look at me and think—”
I caught her elbow, turning her to look at me. “I’m going to look at you and think you’re the most gorgeous woman in the world. In any size. In any dress. Hell, I’ll think that even if you wear a reusable grocery bag. The Trader Joe’s one too. You know that horrid one, with all the colors—”
“You’re just saying this because I’m pregnant.”
“No.” I cupped her shoulders, holding her gaze. “I’m saying it because it’s the truth. I know Connor used every ounce of his energy to make you feel less than, but to me, you’re more than I could ever wish for. You’repregnant, Layla. You’re going to grow and expand to make room for the baby. Your ankles and feet will become swollen. So will your face. You’ll have a bevy of side effects you’re not going to like, and I’m going to be here every day to remind you I still find you ridiculously attractive. Your body changing so it can grow my child is a flex, not something to be ashamed of.”
She tipped her head back, groaning. “Ugh. You make it really difficult to have a mental breakdown with all your support and smart words.”
I smirked. “It’s okay, I do have some news that’ll give you a good excuse to get angry with me.”
