A Curve Ball Called Love

“If you like it, I like it,” he said and she nodded. “I’m still finishing up some paperwork at the club. I’ll be back by the time you get home so maybe we should head over tomorrow?”

Tiffany nodded.

“Sure. That sounds good.”

***

The days seemed to be flying. Tiffany’s first trimester had come and gone. She and Douglas had taken the necessary steps to make their relationship public. They were still doing everything they could to keep it private but a few people at Entity had already leaked the information. Tiffany didn’t mind the world knowing about the two of them but it wasn’t until the paparazzi began swarming that she realized how practical their new home was.

After her second official appointment with her OBGYN, Tiffany officially moved into the new house at Porter Ranch and put her apartment on the market. She found herself driving to and from work more now that she was at the new property and she had to admit, she liked it. There was something about driving out of the busy city streets to the quiet suburbs. It made her appreciate the quiet life more.

It had been around six months since Douglas joined Entity and for the first time in a long time, Tiffany was completely at peace every morning she walked into her office building. It seemed like scandal season had taken a little break and for the first time in a long time, Entity could just be a magazine. A glamor and entertainment magazine that did exactly that. Things had been so crazy that Entity staff had forgotten how to have fun. So, Tiffany was pleasantly surprised when she got an invite to attend a party in the bull pen on a Friday evening.

“A party?” she asked as she looked at the invite. “Who organized it?”

“Human Resources,” Ian said, smiling. “Apparently, things have been a little too tense lately so they decided to do something to bring the people together.”

“Not bad. I’ll be there.”

Ian looked at her for a long time and she shrugged.

“You’re staring,” she said as he sat down.

“I know you’re my boss but we’re friends too, right?” Ian started and Tiffany nodded. “So, are you really going to make me ask or are you going to tell me?”

Tiffany raised an eyebrow over the other.

“Tell you what exactly?” she wondered.

“Decaffeinated coffee, you’re suddenly taking green teas, weird cravings… should I go on?” Ian asked and Tiffany exhaled loudly.

“How long have you known?” she asked and he forced out a laugh.

“I make your OBGYN appointments, boss lady. If you really wanted to keep this a secret, you should have left that task off my to do list.”

Tiffany put a hand on her tummy and exhaled loudly.

“Well, yeah… I’m carrying a little guy or girl inside here,” she said, smiling.

“Your looks and Douglas’ are going to make one beautiful angel,” Ian squealed and Tiffany laughed. “What are you thinking, boy or girl?”

“I just want a healthy baby. Ten fingers, ten toes. That’s it.”

Ian nodded.

“Of course you do but how come you guys are keeping it under wraps? I mean, there have been hushed whispers around but no one knows for sure.”

Tiffany shook her head.

“I’m already dealing with paparazzi and all they know is that we’re dating. If they knew there was a baby on the way… I can’t handle the stress of people sneaking into my compound.”

“I understand,” Ian said before he leaned forward. “Don’t worry. My lips are sealed. No one’s going to hear about little Ian from me.”

Tiffany shook her head.

“Little Ian?” she asked.

“I was hoping that maybe if the baby is a boy, you would name him after me.”

She shook her head.

“No!” She laughed. “I love you, Ian, but not that much.”

“Well, it was worth a try,” Ian pointed out as he got up. “Remember, party starts at five in the bull pen. Don’t be late.”

He walked out leaving Tiffany alone in the office wondering how long she and Douglas could keep the baby a secret from their co-workers. She was already changing. Her bre*sts especially caught a lot of attention and her skin had never looked better. She was already in her fourth month and she was surprised that she wasn’t showing just yet. The extra weight that she’d creatively tried to hide in her first trimester but she could already feel the hard bulge in her tummy when she put on her pants and skirts. She’d actually had to make a trip down to the store to get some maternity pants. She was surprised to find out that there were maternity clothes available for mothers who chose to make the switch as early as three months. The new pants and skirts were comfortable and classy at the same time. She liked the idea of being able to look trendy in a period many women couldn’t. Her only vice, the only thing she could not seem to let go of was her shoes. She didn’t see herself switching to flat shoes any time soon. She loved how she looked. There was an aspect of glamor in a beautiful pair of shoes. As far as she was concerned, the shoes are what tied together any look. She could be in a towel or a bath robe and a pair of Louboutins and have the courage to walk out into the street.

On that particular day, she was in a pair of black pants, a black sleeveless free flowing top and a light blue waterfall sweater. She had a pair of silver earrings that matched her silver infinity necklace and to finish off the look, she had a pair of silver red bottom heels. Her natural curls were pulled back into a high bun which is all she seemed to be able to do lately.

At five, she sent Douglas a text asking where he was. He’d gone out to handle some business earlier that afternoon.

Just got back to the office building. I’m in the elevator right now.

She smiled.

You know anything about a HR party in the bull pen?

She sent the text as she cleared up her desk. She picked up her purse and packed it up just as Douglas walked into her office.

“Hey, beautiful,” he said as he walked towards her desk.

She smiled.

“Hey.”

He held her face in his hands and kissed her softly before pulling her into his arms. She closed her eyes and inhaled his rich musky scent.

“How are you doing?” he asked when he pulled away.

“I’m okay. You? How was your meeting?”

He smiled.

“Good. I’m just happy to be back in your arms where I belong.”

“You got a haircut,” she said as she ran her fingers through his hair. He smiled and nodded.