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“Would you like to meet him?” I ask, glancing over in the direction of the couple, who are now making their way toward where we are standing.

“Oh no,” Marshall says, a slight panic in his voice. “Are they coming over here? And, of course, I look like a penguin.”

I laugh, and several heads whip in our direction, shock on their faces.

“Elsie.” A thick Turkish accent permeates the space between me and Emir. “Lovely to see you, dear.”

“Emir.” I smile. “Thank you for coming. Derek, it’s good to see you again.”

“You as well.” The massive man says. “And congratulations! We didn’t know you were expecting.”

“Thank you. I haven’t really been advertising it anywhere, but I’m very excited.” I reply sweetly.

“And who is this,” Derek asks.

“This is my...” I trail off, and Marshall gives me a wide-eyed look before gathering himself and saving me from my blunder.

“Marshall. Marshall Law.” He says before I can make a total fool of myself. “I’m the arm candy tonight.”

Both the other men let out deep chuckles.

“I like your humor, man,” Derek says with a smile and an extended hand to Marshall. “Derek.”

“Nice to meet you,” Marshall says, a bit of awe still in his voice.

Emir chuckles again at the exchange before introducing himself to Marshall.

“Well, any friend of Elsie’s is a friend of ours,” Derek says with a genuine smile. “She’s been a wonderful friend to both of us. I’m very grateful to know her.”

“He’s only saying that because I told him where to get delicious cheap margaritas.” I giggle, smiling widely at my friends.

“And strong ones at that,” Emir replies, offering a smile back to me in return. “Elsie, may I borrow you for a minute? Business.”

“I think Marshall and I are capable of entertaining ourselves for a while,” Derek says, causing Marshall to light up at the opportunity to talk to one of his idols.

“Yeah. Y’all go talk numbers or whatever.” Marshall says, beaming.

Emir leads me to the side in one of the alcoves so we can speak more privately.

“I’ve heard concerns about one of your current projects, Elsie.” He starts, his face stern and serious now. “Whispers have gotten to me about one of the clients you’ve been courting, and it doesn’t sound like they’re happy.”

“What?” I ask, trying to control my expression.

“There’s been a few board members who have raised concerns about your performance as of late.” He glances between Marshall and down at my belly. “I’m guessing Marshall is the father?”

“Yes.”

“As your friend, I can honestly say I’m thrilled for you. But as your advisor, I think there are those who are conspiring against you right now. Those who are questioning your capability to lead and would like to see you replaced.” He says cautiously.

“What would you suggest then,” I ask, turning all business once again.

“I think you need to arrange a meeting with the client the board is concerned with to set up a trip to their site.” He says, very straightforward, before glancing down at my baby bump. “I understand that circumstances may not be ideal, but I think this is the best solution.”

“Okay,” I say, my mind already frantically searching for a solution to everything. Then terror indeed strikes in my chest. “Emir, I made a promise to Marshall, though, that I wouldn’t travel.”

He can’t hide his grimace quite quickly enough to keep me from panicking.

“I can’t...” I say, my breath starting to shorten. “It would devastate him if I went back on my word.”

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