Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22707 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 114(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22707 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 114(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
Emma merely shakes her head again.
“Who would have guessed? I always thought Siri was so sweet too. What is she, maybe eighteen or nineteen?”
I grunt.
“Something like that, but she should know better. I mean, who the fuck sends lewd cartoons?”
Our girlfriend nods.
“Yeah, now it feels more like a prank than some kind of terrorist act. But still, I’m heartbroken that it’s Siri. I always thought she was so nice!”
I seize Emma’s hand and squeeze comfortingly. “I know, baby. But do you feel safer now?”
“Much,” she nods, smiling gently. “But what’s going to happen to Siri? Do we report her to Everyman? Would the coffee shop even care?”
Joseph’s expression tightens, his jaw locking. “Already taken care of honey. She no longer works at Everyman. I made some calls and she received a termination notice a few days ago.”
Emma’s eyes grow wide with shock as she looks back and forth between us. “That fast?”
I nod.
“Unfortunately, yes. She deserves it.”
Emma gazes between me and Joseph again.
“But what reason did you give management?”
My buddy shrugs.
“No reason was necessary, honey. If Senator Mellon from upstairs wants a certain barista fired, then it happens. Money, prestige, and influence matter in New York City, even more than in other towns. That’s how the world works, sweetheart,” he adds. “You know that.”
Emma nods.
“I do, but still … it’s all happened so fast and never in a million years did I suspect Siri of being my tormentor.”
I pull her in close as Joseph rubs her back, both of us offering comfort.
“Some people are good at pretending to be someone they’re not,” I say in a low voice. “Don’t beat yourself up.”
“Yes,” Joseph growls. “There are folks who are just bad to the bone, and trust me, this bitch deserves it. But honey, there’s something else too.”
Emma nods.
“What is it?” she asks, turning to meet our eyes. “Has another stalker turned up? Someone else who hates us for no reason? I don’t think I’ll ever understand why Siri did this because it makes no sense. I was friendly during our interactions.”
“Don’t even think about that,” I growl. “The woman’s a bad seed and there’s no need to waste even one more brain cell on that bitch. But actually, this is much better news. In fact, it’s the best news I’ve ever heard,” I add in a low voice.
Emma nods, waiting.
“What is it? Joseph? Gray?”
My friend takes her hand and stares into our woman’s big brown eyes.
“Well, while the PI was doing his investigation, he stumbled upon something we didn’t know.”
Emma nods, looking between Joseph and me. “What did he find? What’s the mystery?”
I take our girl’s other hand and stare deeply into her mocha gaze before asking in a gentle tone, “Are you having our baby, sweetheart? Are you pregnant?”
Emma sucks in a sharp breath and tears begin to sheen in her eyes. Nodding slightly, she looks down.
“Yes,” she responds in a choked voice. “Oh god, I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you right away. I only found out recently, and I’ve been so distracted with the note, the stalker, and the investigation that I didn’t say anything. Plus, I figured that the last thing you needed to worry about was me and a baby. Please say you forgive me.”
I lean in for a kiss.
“Sweetheart, this is the best news I’ve ever heard,” I say in a low, emotional tone. “You know that I’m forty-five right?” I ask. “I thought that fatherhood was something that was never going to happen to me. That the opportunity had passed me by, but now, you’re pregnant with our child and I can’t wait, sweetheart. Thank you so much.”
Joseph nods.
“I thought the opportunity for a second child had passed me by as well,” he intones. “After all, my daughter’s already grown with a child of her own. But Emma, you made it happen, and this is the best gift you could ever give us. Thank you, sweetheart,” he says while resting a big palm on her belly. “This baby will be well-loved.”
She stares at us, her eyes wide.
“So you want the child?” she whispers, astonished.
“Of course we do,” I immediately respond. “This is our creation, and the three of us will be amazing parents. With Joseph leading the way, seeing that he’ll have experience as a father and grandfather,” I smirk.
“Fuck you,” my friend chuckles. “Raising a teenage girl was no joke, trust me. But yes,” he turns to Emma. “We absolutely want this child. Why, did you think otherwise?”
Emma takes a big breath, her eyes tearing again.
“I just wasn’t sure because we’ve never talked about a permanent relationship. If anything, you guys were always warning me that our liaison was going to be a flash in the pan.”
I nod, taking her hand while staring seriously into her eyes.
“I realize that, honey,” is my response. “But surely, you know that that no longer applies, right? And it hasn’t applied for a long time because we love you sweetheart. What came before is no longer relevant, and Joseph and I want to be with you long-term in order to care for you and our child.”