I walk into my brother’s apartment, carrying the vase of flowers. I understand Carrie’s reasoning for taking hers to the office, but I have my own reasons for wanting them at home. I was so happy to receive them, but there was something off about it all. I can’t begin to guess what’s going on with Elijah, but he was bothered by the whole flower ordeal. My first thought was that they came from him, but he quickly dispelled that by the frown on his face the whole time he was in my office.
“What’s that?” Kane asks me.
He’s looking at the flowers with the same distaste as Elijah.
I roll my eyes. “Flowers.”
“Who are they from?”
I set the flowers on the counter, and Kane comes to stand right next to me. I’m glad I put the card in my purse. “I’m not really sure.”
He crosses his arms over his chest and looks all around the flowers, like he’s inspecting a bomb or something. “What does that mean?”
I match his stance. “The card said it was from a secret admirer.”
He gasps and gestures to my pregnant belly. “Do they not know you’re pregnant?” He makes a face. “I mean, it’s obvious.”
I put my hands on my hips. “Are you kidding me? What? I’m pregnant so someone can’t find me attractive or like me or want to send me flowers? Is that what you’re saying, Kane?”
He covers his mouth and shakes his head. “No, that’s not what I’m saying at all.” He blows out a breath. “Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that… It’s just…”
His voice trails off, and I hold a hand up. “Forget it. You’re right. Why would someone want me?” I shake my head. “I’m going to bed.”
He looks at his watch. “It’s seven o’clock.”
I shrug. “I had a late lunch. Goodnight, Kane.”
He calls out, “I’m sorry, sis. I didn’t mean it.”
Before I get down the hall, I take a deep breath and look at my brother. “It’s okay. I’m fine. You’re right. It was nice, though… just that someone wanted to make me smile.”
He wraps his arms around his middle. “I love you, sis. Don’t be sad. You know I always say all the wrong things.”
I don’t want him to feel bad. I know he wouldn’t hurt me for anything, and he’s right; I do know that he doesn’t have a way with words. But he’s my brother, and he’s here, helping me out when I need him most. “I love you, bub.”
He opens his mouth but closes it again. He shakes his head. “Can I do anything?”
I walk over and wrap my arms around him. He holds on to me and apologizes again.
I lean back to look at him. “I love you. You don’t need to apologize. I really am tired, though. I’m going to take a bath and go to bed.”
He nods and releases me. “Okay.”
I walk down the hallway, making sure I don’t look at the flowers on the counter. I’m not sure who sent them, but surely they know I’m pregnant. There’s no denying it.
There’s been a lot of the work crew in and out of the office the last week, and a few of them stopped and talked to me. Some even flirted. I always make a point to stand up and let them see I’m pregnant, hoping to turn them away, but it hasn’t seemed to deter any of them.
Plus, the fact is, I know exactly who I want the flowers to have come from, but after today, it’s obvious that there’s not a chance in hell.
I take a hot bath and get ready for bed. I lie down, but I can’t get the day out of my head.
I shouldn’t care who they’re from.
It doesn’t matter. I’m pregnant; it’s not like I’m going to start dating or anything.
But I did like that someone thought of me. Not the pregnant version of me that people seem to tiptoe around. Not the woman that everyone seems to look at with sympathy.
Just… me.
