"I'm sorry, Kim, it's got to be you."
I give her a long look that expresses my displeasure at getting this assignment at this late date, because I assume that if she's doling it out at this hour of the day it's got to be a rush piece.
"I was going home early. I'm really tired."
"It's a piece on this billionaire businessman, and it's needed for the day after tomorrow. This afternoon is the only time he has available for an interview. He's really busy and a bit of a recluse."
"When is it due?"
"Day after tomorrow. Please, Kimber, I need you to do this for me. After you turn in the assignment on Thursday, you can take the rest of that day and Friday off."
That sounds really appealing. So I grab the papers she has for me which have only random notes about the recluse and start to grab my things. Thankfully, the place is within cab riding distance. I walk into the large building that has a big sign outside claiming this is 'de Luca Enterprises'.
I double check my papers, and it is indeed Mr. de Luca who I am interviewing today. The guards at the lobby grant me a visitors badge and I go up to the 47th floor. As I walk out I'mimpressed by the luxury that surrounds me. The lady at the desk smiles at me, and I walk up to her.
"I have a meeting with Mr. de Luca. Kimber Vernon from Online Biz Magazine."
"Thank you for being on time, Miss Vernon. I need to remind you that Mr. de Luca only has thirty minutes to spare for you, so you need to get your information as quickly as possible."
"I understand."
"Follow me."
I try to keep pace with the woman but she seems to be running a marathon. I'm a little behind her when she opens the door and announces me to the big boss. He's seated with his back to us, looking out at Central Park. This building has got to cost a fortune. Does he own it?
My mind starts asking and answering my own questions as I walk inside the dark room. I myself prefer a well lit office, but I guess he's called excentric for a reason. I sit down on the seat offered by the assistant and then she softly closes the door after her.
"Miss Vernon, is it?"
I'm fumbling with my phone when he asks that, and when he turns around a chill goes through me. I put a hand over my baby bump as if protecting it from the man in front of me. Mr. de Luca is Lucian de Luca and he's my baby daddy.
"Kimber?"
Lucian looks as good as he did five months ago. Only his suit is perfectly tailored, and he feels like he belongs here on his throne. In his kingdom.
"Hi. I didn't know you were the one I was supposed to be interviewing. Would you like me to ask for someone else?"
"Of course not. Kimber, are you pregnant?"
"About that…"
I'm not sure what to say to him, except I've got to spill the beans, and I don't know how to.
"Is it mine?"
"Well, yes. I only had hot honeymoon sex with one person, and that was you."
The nerve of him, asking me that. I do realize we just met that one time and I had sex with him without much of a courtship. Does he think I'm cheap?
"Do you know what it is?"
My entire being relaxes as I realize he's actually interested in the baby. This is good news. Perhaps.
"It's a boy."
"Were you ever going to tell me?"
"I forgot your last name and there was no way to find you. I'm sorry. I had resigned myself to being a single mother. I am resigned to be a single mother."
