“Stop thinking about it and do as I say, Sophia,” I demand sternly.
“Can you please sit down, Dom?” she asks, but I hear concern in her tone. Concern for me.
“I will oblige you this one time but my patience with asking is wearing thin.”
Nibbling on her bottom lip, she turns in her chair to fully face me. I’m not asking her again and she knows it. I expect an answer from her and I expect it now. I’m finished with being lenient and letting missteps slide.
“First, I want you to understand I didn’t do this on purpose. It was never my intent and I was just as shocked as you will be.
“Second, I will respect whatever you decide. If you need time to think about it, I’ll give you that, too.
“Third,” she pauses to swallow her tears, “just…don’t hate me.”
“Noted,” I respond.
Her eyes dart nervously back and forth between mine. I keep my gaze steady and wait for her explanation.
“Dom…um…damn, this is harder than I thought it would be,” she takes a slow, deep breath and then fully exhales it before continuing. “I’m pregnant.”
