Page 21 of Dump and Chase

We chatted about Jill’s job while we waited. Richardson’s had been so impressed with her work that they wanted her to consider taking over PR for their huge Canadian expansion. The company was still in the planning stages, even though they’d launched several stores already. I was happy for her, though. It sounded like a huge promotion.

Wolseley breezed in moments later, slapping her colorful BoHo knit bag on the table. She plopped into her seat and sighed. “I’m sorry I’m late. I was at the restaurant site and everything is behind schedule. I needed to talk to the contractor before he left for the day. He promised he’d get back on track. I don’t even want to talk about it. So enough about me. What’s going on that we needed this emergency coffee date?”

I filled her in on being fired.

“What jerks! Well, you know if you need some work, I can always use you for catering.”

I had helped her out before, and I thanked her for the offer. “There is something else I need to talk to you both about.” I couldn’t even look at them when I said it and instead ran my finger around the rim of my paper teacup. “So you guys know that I slept with Ethan after his dad’s funeral. Well, turns out I’m pregnant.”

Wolseley’s brown eyes bulged while Jill’s mouth fell open.

“I went to see my doctor yesterday, and she confirmed it,” I continued. “I’m about two months along. I told Ethan last night. I haven’t told anyone other than you two, and I’d like to keep it that way for a while.”

“Holy shit,” was all Jill could muster.

“A baby?” Wolseley said. “I don’t know what to say. Congratulations?”

“I’m going to keep the baby, so yes.”

Wolseley jumped out of her seat and gave me a hug. Jill was still too stunned to react.

“I’m going to spoil this kid,” Wolseley said. “I’ll help you with whatever you need. I can’t wait to decorate the nursery.”

Jill, always the buzzkill, asked, “What did Ethan say? How did he react?”

“Surprisingly supportive. He wants to be in the baby’s life. He also suggested I apply for a physiotherapy position with the Ravens. It’s the Kodiaks farm team, and they also play out of Vancouver in the same building.”

The excitement slipped from Wolseley’s face. “Vancouver?”

“I haven’t made any decisions yet. This is all happening so fast, but I do need to apply for that job by tomorrow if I have any chance of getting it.”

“Wait, wait, wait,” Jill said, holding up both hands. “All I hear you saying is that you plan to chase after Ethan.Again.I don’t want to burst any bubbles here, but you’ll be pregnant and alone. At least here, you have your family and you have us. How much help do you think Ethan is going to be? He’s going to be too busy sucking up to his fiancée if she doesn’t kick his ass first.”

I expected this from Jill because she was the cautious one. “I’ve thought about this. The job is a ten-month position, so I’d have two months off every year.”

Jill tilted her head and frowned. “Last time I checked, a pregnancy is nine months, and you’re already two in.”

“Right. I’ve thought of that too. If I apply, I’m going to be honest and tell them I can’t work the full year. And if I don’t get the job, then so be it.”

Wolseley slapped her hand down on the table. “I think you should go for it. Now that your mom is semi-retired, she’ll help you out. And when you come home for two months, you’ll have babysitters.”

Playing the devil’s advocate, Jill wasn’t finished yet. “And where are you going to live? I imagine being a physiotherapist for a farm team doesn’t pay well.”

I cleared my throat and prepared for Jill’s wrath. “Ethan offered his condo.”

Jill’s blue eyes narrowed. “With him and his fiancée?”

I sipped my tea, which was still scalding and burned my tongue, although I tried to be cool about it. “No. He’s living with her somewhere else.”

Jill’s expression didn’t change. “And so his fiancée already knows about the baby you’re having with the guy she’s marrying?”

“I don’t know.”

Wolseley turned to face Jill and scowled. “What’s with the third degree?”

“Tang needs to know what she’s getting into.”

I waved my hands at both of them to stop the argument I knew was coming. “Listen, I’m fine with the questions. That’s why I invited you both here. This isn’t supposed to be an easy decision.”

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