Chapter Thirteen

Sacha

I waited until Friday afternoon to call Dan at the office. It was kind of chicken shit, I know. I should have told him about the pregnancy before now, and it was possible he wouldn't even get the message until Monday. But I'd wanted to wait until all my orders were in for the week. Every order helped my case, so I could negotiate a better situation than moving to Alabama.

At least that was my plan. I'd been procrastinating all day and called Melanie to come over for moral support. She watched as I pushed the button for Dan's number. When he didn't pick up, I sighed in relief and waited for the beep.

"Hey Dan, it's Sacha. I wanted to tell you this in person but wasn't able to get into the office when you were there. Anyway, I'm not sure if this changes anything, but I need to let you know I'm pregnant. I'm not due until May. We can talk about it on Monday if you want, just let me know. Thanks."

I hung up the phone and looked over at Melanie, who looked back at me with raised brows.

"Don't you feel better now? Everyone knows."

"Not really. I feel sick to my stomach, actually. And it's not morning sickness."

"What can they do? You probably have more leverage now. There's no sense getting upset until you hear a response. You have enough on your mind already."

"I know. You're right, but I wish I could predict what was going to happen. With this merger going on, I have no idea how they'll react."

"I hear ya. Just today, our bass player quit. Right before a gig. We'll have to go on without one if we can't find someone else. I know it sounds like no big deal, but if we don't do a fantastic job, we won't be asked back."

"That sucks."

"Tell me about it."

"I wish I could help, but you're the only musician I know."

I went to the kitchen and put water on for herbal tea, a brand Mom had recommended to soothe my stomach troubles. It was an obscure brand, but she knew someone who swore it worked. I'd been to three natural food shops before I found it. I opened the fridge looking for milk and spotted my last bottle of wine. Still feeling bad about her troubles, I handed it to Melanie.

"You can have it. It'll be awhile before I can drink again."

"Thanks. I'll probably need some tonight after the gig. So, back to Tilly and your Mountain Man tomorrow, eh?"

I felt heat creep onto my cheeks for no apparent reason. "Yes, just to see where he lives. I plan on being home before dark."

The sly look she gave me didn't help my nerves one bit. I was apprehensive about this visit, and it pissed me off to feel that way. I was a grown-ass woman, not some inexperienced kid. This wasn't my first time seeing a man's home.

"Well, don't forget to call or text me when you're on the way home. I want to hear all about it."

"I will."

With the bottle of wine in her hand, Melanie walked to the door. "If I don't hear from you by dark, either he's kidnapped you or you decided to stay. Maybe you better take a toothbrush, in case…you know."

Now I was the one giving her a sly look. "This is not a date, it's a business meeting. We are in the planning stages of co-parenting. That's all. There will be no juicy details to divulge, so forget about me and go get ready for your gig. Good luck, and I'll see you when I get back."

Melanie's smile was more of a smirk. She said not a word, but I knew what she was thinking as she closed the door behind her.

Why doesn't she believe me?

To prove a point to myself, I left home the next morning with only my coat and purse. I didn't pack anything "just in case." There was no need. There would be no hanky-panky like there was in my bedroom during the hanging of the tree painting. I would look around, maybe have lunch with him, and that was it.

We needed to start handling our relationship in a more business-like fashion. That way, there would be no drama, no power struggle, and it certainly wouldn't escalate into any legal issues. Gib seemed like a reasonable man, if a little arrogant at times. He would see the wisdom of leaving me in control of the situation, since I was the mother and main caregiver.

As I headed north on GA 400, I realized my nerves had settled. I was sure we would work things out. I felt a sudden flutter in my lower stomach, and I couldn't help but imagine it was the little one telling me he or she approved. It was a good sign.

~*~