Page 67 of Flawed

"You know that book about what to expect when you're pregnant?" I reveal.

He replies, "I have no idea. I've never knocked anybody up. Hoping it stays that way."

Shame fills me. I was so stupid to trust that my birth control would protect me. When Luca asked the first night we got together if I was on anything, I told him I was on the pill. He told me he was clean and it was good enough for me. Now, I realize how reckless we were.

Massimo clears his throat. "Sorry. Didn't mean for that to sound judgmental. I've just been lucky."

I force a smile. "No worries.”

"So, do you know what your childcare will be once you return to work?"

It's another issue that I've stuck my head in the sand about, so I admit, "I haven't figured that out yet."

He studies me.

I squirm in my seat. "Is there anything else you need to discuss?"

"I want you to train Barbara," he informs.

"Who?" I ask.

"The new flight attendant."

"Oh."

"It's just temporary," he reminds me.

I blow out a breath of air. "Sure."

He adds, "And it'll be good to have a sub in case we need it."

Goose bumps break out on my skin. "A sub?"

"In case you have any last-minute emergencies once you're a mom," he answers.

"That won't be needed," I object.

He grunts. "At some point, something with come up where you'll need to stay on the ground when I need you."

More panic fills me. I grab his arm. "Massimo, I don't want to lose my job!"

"You aren't, so chill out," he states.

"It sure sounds like it," I admit.

He shakes his head, repeating, "You aren't. But we need to be realistic and prepare. Things change. Life changes, Chanel. I'm just covering both our asses, that's all. Promise."

I look out the window at the falling snow.

"I promise," he repeats.

I exhale and decide I need to accept it. Massimo will do what he wants. I ask, "How did you find her so fast?"

He throws his fingers in the air. "Just some random flight attendant Papà said he's used in the past when needed. She signed all the confidentiality agreements and everything. So I think it's safe to use her."

I fret, "Your papà knows I'm pregnant?"

"Calm down. I told him you needed some time off for a personal matter. He doesn't know," Massimo reassures.

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