Page 219 of Bride By Coronation

She chirps, "Can I help you?"

I spot Skylar, and my stomach twists with nerves and wistfulness. I've missed my boss and friend. I shake my head, acknowledging, "My friend's already seated. I see her."

"Great." She motions for me to go through.

I stroll through the restaurant, remembering the last time I saw Skylar, getting more anxious.

She sees me and rises, waving at me.

I get to the table, lean in to hug her, then freeze. My heart pounds harder.

She winces. "We just had a weird moment, didn't we?"

"Yeah."

She holds out her arms. "Give me a hug."

"Okay," I say, relieved.

We wrap our arms around one another.

She retreats, tilting her head, and studies me.

My anxiety reappears. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

She gushes, "You've got that pregnancy glow."

I roll my eyes, groaning.

Mom and Dante can't keep their mouths shut. They told everybody before Kirill and I could tell anyone. Sean and Zara called us before we got back to Chicago. And they couldn't keep their mouths shut and told Valentina and Brax.

But it's okay. Kirill and I are so excited, being annoyed with anyone is hard. I'm glad my family's happy for us.

"Here, sit," Skylar orders, pulling out a chair.

I obey.

She takes her seat, asking, "So how've you been?"

"I'm good," I say, fighting the little bit of anger I feel toward her. I don't want to be mad at her, but the more time passed, the worse it got.

She sighs. "I'm sorry it's been so long."

"Yeah, me too," I say, a little harsher than I meant for it to come out, but I don't apologize.

She gathers her thoughts, then adds, "I didn't mean to not speak with you. I just didn't know what to do. Adrian was so upset."

"Yeah, I understand that," I acknowledge, still feeling bad that Adrian's sister went through what she did. But again, it's not Kirill's fault, so I'm conflicted on how they handled the situation.

She offers, "I've hated not having you at work with us."

Once again, my response is harsher than I want it to be. "Yeah, I've really missed it too. I wish you wouldn't have tossed me aside because of who I love."

Guilt washes over her expression. "You know I didn't want to, Fiona."

"But you did," I accuse.

She nods. "I know. And you have a right to be upset. I hope you understand the position I was in."

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