Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 95307 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95307 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“I’m just getting to the gym. I’ll talk to Harrison and see what he thinks,” I say as I pull open the glass door. The deep pulse of rock music sweeps through my veins as I use my keycard to open the second interior door.
“I’ll text you a confirmation in just a bit,” I tell my sister, hoping that my husband—er, ex-husband—has a light enough day tomorrow that he can take a few hours off to enjoy the sun and the lake. We’ve only been out on the boat one other time this summer, and if we don’t seize the moment, summer will pass us by.
“Don’t let him say no, Gwen. Use your womanly charms. And your vag. Use that if you have to,” Gabby encourages with a giggle.
I roll my eyes at my phone, even though she can’t see me. “I’ll text you in a bit,” I repeat, waving at the front desk employee and heading back to the hallway where the offices are located.
“You better text me a yes,” my sister grumbles.
“Bye, Gabby,” I say as I enter the office area and hang up my phone.
Gina is sitting behind an old worn desk and gives me a friendly smile when she sees me. “Hey, Gwen!” she greets, standing up and coming around the desk. She’s wearing a tight pencil skirt that hugs her curves like a second skin and a ruffly top that dips dangerously low, revealing plenty of cleavage. It’s one of the things I’ve noticed about Gina, her provocative attire that borders on inappropriate, but Harrison has never said anything.
What guy would?
“Hi, Gina,” I greet, pasting a bright smile on my own face and stepping into her arms. Gina’s a hugger and has been since day one. The first time I stopped by with lunch, she greeted me with a warm smile and open arms. She seems sweet, which is why I’m not sure why Harrison seems hard on her. “Is he busy?”
“Just wrapping up a conference call with the event planning for next week’s grand opening. Chase had a few things he wanted to discuss with the organizers, a few suggestions to make it run smoother,” Gina says with a shrug. “You look fabulous, by the way,” she coos, just before putting her hand on my belly. Not that I have an issue with people touching my stomach, but I wasn’t prepared for the amount of people that would do it without asking first.
“Thanks.” I smile, placing my hands on the bump. At twenty weeks, there’s no missing the small bump protruding from my abdomen. It’s like overnight I went from a small swell to a small ball that moves and kicks. “We find out next week what we’re having,” I add, barely able to contain my excitement. Harrison and I have had the conversation many times. Neither of us care what we’re having; we just pray for him or her to be healthy and have all their little fingers and toes.
“So exciting! Are you leaning one way or the other?” she asks, leaning back and perching on the corner of her desk.
“I’ve been on both sides of the fence, but Harrison says girl.”
“Aww,” she coos. “He’s going to be such a great daddy!” Her excitement seems genuine. I know Harrison has had a little trouble with her, jobwise, but she always seems pretty friendly and happy when I’m around.
“So, while I wait for his call to end, can I ask about his schedule tomorrow?” I take an empty seat across from her desk.
“Sure, let me pull it up, but I’m pretty sure tomorrow is light,” she says, heading back around her desk and typing on her computer. “He has two training appointments early, one at seven and one at eight. I think he was hoping to get some last-minute stuff done before next week’s grand opening in Lakeview.”
“But nothing definite on the schedule,” I say aloud, though mostly to myself. Harrison has been bringing work home with him when it doesn’t require him to remain in the office, especially on Saturdays.
“Nothing definite. Why? Do you have plans?” she asks, her eyes sparkling.
“Well, I’m hoping to enjoy the day on the boat,” I tell her, relaxing in the seat as Peanut kicks my bladder.
“Oh, how fun! I haven’t been on a boat all summer.” She pouts a little face that probably makes most men fall at her feet. Gina is a beautiful girl, that’s for sure. Especially when she’s revealing all her God-given assets in a tight top and skirt.
Before I can stop myself, I’m saying, “Well, if you don’t have any plans tomorrow, you’re welcome to come with us.”
I feel bad not asking Harrison first, but she seems so eager to go and we have more than enough room on my parents’ boat. It seats fourteen comfortably, and since it’s just us and Gabby, we have the space. Plus, she’s a friend of Gabby’s (or was, at least), so I’m sure they’d enjoy catching up.