“Ryan Cole who has worked on half of Hollywood’s biggest deals?” Jess adds.
“That’s him.”
“Holy shit,” Sophia breathes. “You are Ryan Cole’s daughter?”
“Nobody knows. I’ve kept it private for years.” I tear apart my cheese roll. “I wanted to do this on my own. No connections, no favors, no ‘Ryan Cole’s daughter sold a show.’ Just me and my work.”
Blair is watching me with soft eyes. “That’s why you kept it so quiet.”
“Yeah. I needed to prove to myself I could do it without anyone knowing who my dad is.”
“That is very you,” Jess says. “Independent to a fault.”
“But incredibly impressive,” Sophia adds. “You sold a show to FlixPix on merit alone. That is huge, Nat.”
“I still can’t believe you kept this from me for so long,” Stella mumbles.
“I’m sorry. I just, I needed to keep it separate.”
Blair leans forward slightly. “Jake mentioned he helped with the contract signing at your dad’s office.” There is something in her tone, in the way she is looking at me, that tells me she knows more than she is saying.
My stomach flips. Of course Jake told Wyatt. And of course Wyatt told Blair.
“Yeah,” I say carefully. “He was there.”
“He said it went well,” Blair adds, and the knowing look she gives me is gentle and supportive.
“We should celebrate properly,” Jess announces. “I’ll grab us a bottle of champagne!”
“Oh, I’ll just stick with water,” I say quickly.
Everyone pauses, looking at me.
“Water?” Sophia frowns. “Nat, you just sold your first show.”
“I know. I just can’t drink right now.”
“Why not?” Stella asks.
I hesitate for a second. I didn’t want to share this news with everyone yet, but these are my people. And I may need their support. My hands are clammy where they’re pressed against my thighs under the table.
“I’m pregnant.”
The words come out quieter than I intended, but they land like a bomb anyway. Stella gasps so loud the entire bakery turns to stare again. Sophia’s mouth falls open. Jess very carefully sets down her coffee cup.
“Pregnant?” Stella’s voice climbs an octave. “You’re pregnant?”
Heat floods my face. My pulse is racing. “About twelve weeks.”
“Twelve weeks?” Jess’s journalist brain kicks in. “How long have you known? Why didn’t you tell us?”
“I just found out a few days ago. I didn’t know before that.”
“Who is the father?” Sophia asks.
My stomach flips. Here comes the moment of truth.
“Jake.”
