Charity

The bakery is thriving as always. While I’m swirling cupcakes to the music playing from the speaker in the back, I’m shifting from one foot to the other. After all of these hours stuck back here, I’m ready to move about. Be it on break or whatever it takes to get a change of environment as soon as possible.

My worst fear is becoming true. This sweet mouth-watering smell is making me nauseous. The last thing I want to do is be caught gagging over the goods we sell. Even if my pregnancy is to be blamed, the customers waiting in line may not be as forgiving as my coworkers.

My savior is my boss. With a phone pressed to her ear, I watch her write down an order. Surely to be delivered to one of the rooms above, I see my escape as she cracks open a box. Packing it with muffins, she coasts across the room to seal it up.

Making quick with my motions, I barely finish in time as she crosses my path. Dropping the piping bag, my gloves are next to go.

“I’ll take it up.” My offer comes with a hint of desperation.

Eloise hesitates, not immediately wanting to give up the box.

“I’m fine, seriously. I’m getting stir-crazy back here. One delivery won’t be the death of me.” Groaning, I take a step in her direction. “ Please. ”

Whether she wants to see one of her boyfriends at the top or she’s too worried about my well-being, it doesn’t matter. I need this.

“Be careful. Seriously.” Despite acting hesitant, she hands over the box.

I’m hardly far along enough for anything to happen. My ankles are only now starting to swell. My boss, and best friend, acts like I’m made out of glass all because of this pregnancy.

“I’ll be back before you know it, perfectly fine.” Thanking her, I take the box from her hold. Taking in the location of where this needs to go, I abandon the small bakery and step into the rush that is StartBit Tech .

The elevators are my favorite part of this building. Surrounded by glass, I’m given a wonderful view of Seattle. My fear of heights makes my heart flop all over the place, but getting an eyeful of skyscrapers always makes up for the hint of terror slipping in.

Hitting the twentieth floor, I apologize for every brush against those sharing the elevator. Making my way out, there’s no denying the longing looks on the workers’ faces as they watch my exit.

The sweet smell wafting off of the box and my apron is enough to make anyone crave sugar.

Unfortunately for them, the contents in this box are for a room of rich old guys. These meetings are always for possible investors.

The CEO is a fan of trying to sweeten them up with Eloise’s treats. He normally succeeds. If I’m right, hopefully, he won’t mind that I’m the one delivering the box instead of his girlfriend.

Coasting through the long hallway, I don’t waste any time making it to my destination.

Not wanting to interrupt any conversations, I quietly make my entrance. Shuffling against the carpet, I catch the eye of Rhett Landersan. The CEO gives me a brief nod before turning his attention to those he’s trying to buy over.

I do the same as I head over to drop the delivery off. Seeing someone I last expect, my body stiffens. Almost dropping the box, my breath catches.

I recognize one of the men sitting at the meeting table. A face I never thought I’d see again.

There’s no mistaking those dark eyes and the weight behind his stare when he takes notice of my arrival.

My pregnancy is to be blamed for my recklessness after a night of dancing with this man at one of the biggest clubs in the city. He’s the one who coaxed me out with his sweet words and his firm touch. Leaving me with a night so unforgettable, he’s made himself comfortable in the back of my mind.

From the way his mouth curves into a smirk, I can’t help but think he hasn’t forgotten about me either. When he takes in every inch of my body, it feels like I’m being swallowed whole. He makes it hard to breathe.

“Thank you, .” Rhett clears his throat, bringing me back to reality.

Realizing that I’m starting to get attention from those who want the muffins in this box, I tear my eyes from his and set the box on the table. Offering them the best kind of smile I possibly can without making it seem forced, I turn around and make my way back out.

Once the door is shut and I can no longer feel the weight of their stares, I’m left trying to regain my composure.

It’s been four months since that night. I never expected to see him again. Even now, I should be able to walk away without looking back. All those months ago, I decided I’d do this whole motherhood thing on my own without trying to hunt Romeo down.

After all, it’s not like he tried to get me pregnant. It just happened.

Blaming my hormones for my reaction, I shake my head and try to push away these sensations.

My heart is betraying me, pounding away at my chest. There’s this longing, one I thought I left behind.

All because, back then, I foolishly thought I met the man of my dreams that night. The way we connected, like two puzzle pieces, I thought Romeo was the one.

When I woke up the next morning to an empty bed and no sort of note, I knew I’d been silly to let my heart get stolen so easily. If that night was nothing but an excuse to let out some steam, then the same would be for me.

Except, well, I’m the one to deal with the aftermath of our actions.

Pushing away from the wall, I collect myself before making my way back down to the lobby floor.

Unfortunately, no matter how hard I try to clear my face, Eloise can easily pick up on my shift of mood.

“Are you alright?” She squeezes my hands. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

I snort and shake my head. “I’m fine.”

Despite mentioning Romeo to her in the past, I don’t want to reopen that old wound. I want to move on.

Once I’m washed up with a new pair of gloves, I’m swallowing down the same lump forming in the back of my throat. For a moment there, I was able to forget about my lingering issue completely.

“Let me know if there are any more calls. I am more than happy to deliver everything that comes in.” Pressing a smile to my lips, I don’t allow my eyes to lift to take in her concerned expression. The last thing I want to do is worry the poor woman.

“If you need to go home…” Reading me like a book, she puts the offer out there.

After everything I’ve been given within this last year, there’s no way in hell I’m going to allow a brief moment of weakness to stop me from being helpful.

Eloise has already tried to convince me to cut back on hours. No thanks.

Nodding to her words, I fill a piping bag with blue-dyed buttercream. Needing the gold sprinkles, I keep moving.

This job is going to be what helps make me forget about all of my problems. My nausea. My baby’s father. Everything. Going right back to it, I refuse to let anything get in my way of distraction.

I survive an hour at tops before my name is called by Claire. The cashier rarely ever needs anything from me, and I should’ve known better. Should’ve been more suspicious.

Halfway up to her, my smile is replaced by a look of pure horror.

Romeo is the one on the other side of the counter, waiting.