Page 92 of Knocked Up by My Fake Fiancé
Somewhere in the middle of the first course, George and Marina arrive. Both of them are dressed to the nines, Marina in a figure-hugging royal-blue gown, George in a tuxedo.
Marina's gaze immediately finds mine. She gives me a soft, unreadable smile before turning to my mother.
"I'm so sorry we're late," she says as she walks in. "Pregnancy brain hit me hard today."
"What—you're pregnant? Well… congratulations!" My mother's face lights up like a Christmas tree.
Of course, we all offer our congratulations. George and Marina smile and nod, acting every bit the happy couple—enough to make me sick. I can't decide how this news affects things. If it's a boy, it'll put even more pressure on Pops to make George the permanent CEO when the time comes. However I slice it, it's not great news for me.
Still, I swallow my feelings, shake their hands, and offer congratulations like everyone else.
Finally, Marina turns to me. "Hello, Grayson. We meet again."
"If I didn't know better, I'd think you were stalking me."
She laughs, which makes George frown. "Hardly," she says. "But it really is nice to see you again—if I didn't tell you that already."
I enjoy the sour look spreading across George's face, so I respond smoothly, "Likewise."
Marina's eyes drift toward Jenna, who looks… annoyed. Jealous, even. Is she jealous that I was talking to Marina? The thought shouldn't amuse me—but it does.
"And I'm sorry, I don't believe we've met," Marina says, turning to Jenna.
"Jenna," Jenna replies.
"Hello, Jenna. I'm Marina."
"I know," Jenna says flatly. Maybe it's my imagination, but her smile looks tight around the edges.
"Jenna is Grayson's new fiancée," my mother interjects, trying to smooth things over as George and Marina take their seats. "We were just talking about her work and the importance of family. She owns an event management company, but I want her to know that when they're married, her children will take precedence over whatever work she's doing."
"Leila," my father says, exasperated, because he sees the look I'm giving my mother.
"Your mother's right," Marina adds suddenly.
I raise an eyebrow. She's the last person I expected to agree with my mother.
"I know, I didn't think that way back then," Marina continues. "But now that I'm pregnant, I understand. Children are a gift, and those first few years go by so fast. I don't want to miss a single second."
I study her. I can't tell if she actually believes that or if she's just trying to score points with my mother.
"You see?" my mom tells Jenna. "Even Marina feels that way—and she was just like you only a few years ago."
"I'm glad she feels that way," I say evenly. "But you're smart enough, Marina, to know that your reality isn't everyone's. It doesn't make anyone less of a mother just because they don't want to spend every waking moment with a baby."
"Yes, but I just?—"
"Enough," my father says sharply. "This baby conversation is irritating. Let's talk about something else."
"But—"
My father gives Mom a warning look, and she finally shuts up.
The rest of dinner passes in a haze of food and small talk—mercifully, not baby-related. Steph and Jenna are deep in their own conversation, while my father and I discuss work. Mom chats with George and Marina, glowing every time the word grandchild slips out.
At some point, Steph excuses herself to go upstairs, and Jenna heads to the bathroom. A minute later, Marina follows. I vaguely wonder if there's going to be some kind of confrontation but decide they're both too mature for that.
That is—until we hear a loud moan.
