“She’s a fucking bitch,” Pen seethes.
“Of the highest order,” I agree. “Dishonesty and sucking ass are traits my father seems to covet over truth and authenticity.” I check the time on my watch, and it’s getting late. I swing my legs around. “Saskia is the least of my worries now.” I’ll deal with my problems, one at a time. “I need to book a flight to New York and prepare to tell my teen crush he put a bun in my oven.”
* * *
“You’re what?” Tony stares at me like I’m pooping rainbows from my ass.
“Pregnant. I’m having a baby.”
He blinks profusely as horror washes over his face. I know he’s wondering why I’m telling him this. “The guy in Vegas?” he surmises.
I nod. “I’m sorry, Tony.” We both know what this means for his job.
“Don’t apologize.” He drags his hands through his hair. “Shit.” His Adam’s apple bobs in his throat as he leans his elbows on the Formica tabletop.
“Hot tea and a cappuccino,” the waitress says, setting our drinks on the table.
“Thanks.” I offer her a terse smile.
“Lemme know if you need anything else.” She saunters off, swaying her hips.
We’re tucked into the back booth of my favorite little coffee place, a few blocks from Loyola. It’s quiet at this time of night, like I knew it would be.
“How long have you known?” he asks as I slide his coffee to him.
“I’ve suspected for a few weeks, but I only took a test earlier today.” I blow across the top of my mug.
“Will he stand by you?” he asks before taking a mouthful of his drink.
“I don’t know. I need to go to New York to tell him.” I wrap my hands around my mug, letting the warmth sink into my skin. “Which is where you come in. I was hoping you’d come with me and that we can keep it from my father.” He opens his mouth to speak, and I raise one hand. “Just hear me out, please.”
He clamps his lips shut, nodding.
“You know as soon as my father hears I got knocked up, he is quite likely to murder both of us. So, I have a plan.” I take a sip of my tea, watching the wariness creeping into Tony’s eyes. “Hey, give me some credit here. I could’ve escaped and traveled to the Big Apple alone, but I promised you I wouldn’t sneak off again, and I keep my promises.” I lean across the table, glancing around the room, ensuring no one is paying us any attention. “Here’s what I’m proposing.” I lower my voice. “You will help me plan this trip without anyone knowing. You’ll come with me and cover our tracks. After, I’ll return to Illinois alone. You should stay in New York and keep far away from Chicago. I’ll give you cash to keep you on your feet until you find a new position.”
He stares at me in shock for a minute. “Why would you do that for me?”
“Because you’ve been good to me and you don’t deserve to suffer the consequences of my poor decision-making. Father won’t just fire you. He’ll ensure your name is blacklisted so you can’t find work in Chicago. There is no point returning to face that. Let me help you. I have more than enough money to make sure you’re comfortable.”
Mom’s parents were billionaires. Lawson Pharma was their company until they died in a car accident a couple of years after Mom married Dad, and then Father took over as CEO. My sisters and I were left a substantial inheritance, because Mom was an only child and there was no one else for my grandparents to leave their wealth to. They set up a group trust fund, leaving instructions to divide it equally among their grandchildren. I only found out about it when I was sixteen, and when I turned twenty-one, I got access to the money. Between that and the allowance my parents have been paying me every month, I have more than I know what to do with.
I know I’m fortunate. If I’m on my own with this baby, at least I won’t have any financial worries.
“Sweetheart.” He pats my hand over the table. “I’m touched you would be willing to do that for me. But I won’t run from my responsibilities. I will face your father like a man and accept the consequences of my actions.”
I open my mouth to argue, but he shakes his head.
“You won’t dissuade me, Sierra. But Iwillhelp you. I have nothing left to lose. My allegiance is toyou. I will make the necessary arrangements and escort you to and from New York. Keeping you safe will remain my priority until your father strips me of my duty.”
“Thank you.” I squeeze his hand. I will miss Tony. “I would like to leave on Friday morning and return Saturday afternoon.” I will tell my mother I’m going out with Esme and Pen after school and staying the night at their place. She won’t question me as it’s a normal occurrence.
“As you wish.” Tony nods.
There’s no going back now. I have no clue how the conversation with Ben will go down. All I know is my life is going to change either way.
12
SIERRA
