Page 21 of Mr. Almost

You can grab it once Hannah comes back from her break.

With the decision made, I push through and start working on things that need done. I’m so consumed with busy work that I don’t even hear her when they approach.

“Liv.”

I turn and see Chloe walking up to the desk with Ari in her arms.

My eyes widen as I make my way out from behind the counter. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m so sorry. Day care called me to take her since you didn’t answer. Littles isn’t feeling well. I’m sorry, I would stay with her, but I have to get back,” Chloe says frantically as she hands me Arianna.

As soon as her head hits my skin, I can feel the heat. My little girl has a fever.

My heart is hammering in my chest. This is the last thing I need today.

Even though I haven’t seen him yet today, I need to get her out of here before he makes himself known and accidentally sees her. I don’t want him to say anything to hurt my kid.

“It’s fine. You go. I’m going to get my stuff and head home.”

“Will they be okay with that?” she asks as she looks around.

“They have to be. Besides, it’s not like we have any other option.”

Regret crosses her face. “I’m sorry. I would have taken her home, but?—”

I cut her off. “No, it’s fine.”

She gives Arianna one last kiss before she rushes off. Then I think about how I’m going to handle this.

“Mommy. I don’t feel well.”

I rub her back, trying to soothe her. “I know, bug. Hold on, okay?”

Picking up the front desk phone, I dial Bianca, my immediate supervisor.

“What’s going on?” Bianca asks right away.

“I’m sorry to bother you, but my daughter is ill. My best friend just dropped her off because the day care couldn’t get a hold of me. I need to takeher home.”

“Oh shit. Okay, I’ll be right down,” she says quickly before hanging up.

I tap my foot as I wait for her. Every second Arianna is in this hotel, the more my stomach sinks.

I’ve been so careful. I haven’t let on that I went through with the pregnancy his mother tried so hard to convince me to terminate. I didn’t want him to tell me himself that he wished I would have ended her life. Not this precious girl.

I would rather have him pretend that she doesn’t exist than have a change of heart and want to be a part of her life.

God, if he tried to take her from me, I would die.

“You’re hurting me, Mommy,” Arianna says weakly.

“I’m sorry, sweet girl. You know how I hate it when you’re sick,” I say, relaxing my hold.

Finally, Bianca shows up. I let out a relieved sigh. She even has my bag in her hand.

“Oh, she is so precious. Go on and get her home. I hope it’s okay, but I stopped by your locker and grabbed your bag. Let me know if you can’t make it tomorrow.”

“Thank you. I’m so sorry about this,” I say as I take my bag from her and place it over my shoulder.

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