Page 23 of Working For A Billionaire

"Only a week," Gabby replies, pulling her shoulder length black hair into a ponytail.

"What do you think so far?" I ask, looking over my shoulder to make sure April wasn't around.

"I have got an idea," the woman says. "Why don't we go to the diner next door, and we will tell you all about it?"

"That would be great," I respond a little too eagerly then look to Riley for approval.

When she smiles, I feel relief wash over me. We gather our things and follow our new acquaintances next door. Something tells me that I’ll find out morethan wantedto know.

Chapter Nine

Riley

I feel like this is out of Harrison’s comfort zone, and that knowledge makes me appreciate this all the more.

The diner is almost empty, with only a few people scattered around the tables. Gabby and Manny make their way to a table in the back, and Manny pulls out his wife's chair and helps her sit down.

Trying to break the awkward silence, I ask, "Do you know what you're having?"

Gabby is beaming with pride as she announces, "A girl!"

Manny and Gabby share a proud look, and Manny laughs, "We've been trying for a while, and we finally got our wish. We're so excited!" He takes a deep breath, looking around the diner and then back to us. "We know it's going to be a long journey, but we're up for the challenge." He smiles, looking back to Gabby who is still glowing with happiness. I can't help but smile back, feeling happy for the two of them.

"Congratulations!" I exclaim, sharing their enthusiasm.

Harrison turns his gaze from husband to wife and asks, "Have you picked out a name?"

Manny smiles at Gabby and replies, "Alessandra, after Gabby's grandmother."

I chime in, "That's a beautiful name!"

Gabby and Manuel both beam at the mention of Alessandra's name. "It's perfect," Gabby says, her eyes twinkling with happiness.

"It really is," Manuel adds, smiling at his wife.

We all order our food and chat while we wait. The relationship between Manny and Gabby is obviously one of mutual love and respect.

Harrison looks at me and smiles, something different in his eyes. I feel almost as if we’ve been slightly infected by their love, and we could also almost pass for a loving couple. But I hope the conversation won’t turn to that direction.

"What about you?" Gabby asks as the waitress sets the appetizers on the table.

"A boy. His name is Anthony, after Harrison's father," I answer, happily grabbing a few celery sticks from the plate.

"That's amazing!" Gabby gushes. "How far along are you?"

"Five and a half months," I reply. "What about you?"

"Six months," Gabby replies. "Are you nervous?"

I nod and reply: "I'm a little nervous, but mostly excited. It's an amazing feeling knowing that I'm about to become a mother and that I'm going to be responsible for another life. I'm sure it'll be a lot of hard work, but I'm willing to take it on. I'm sure it will be worth it in the end."

"Me, too. You're right, it's a big change and a lot of responsibility," Gabby admits, her brown eyes widening as speaks.

Manny puts his arm around her shoulders and kisses her on the cheek and says: "You are going to be an amazing mother. You have nothing to worry about."

A pang of envy hits me as I watch the two of them. By the time the food arrives, I feel more comfortable talking to Gabby. It's nice to talk to someone who understands how I am feeling, and by the time we are ready to leave, it feels like we have been friends for years. We exchange numbers before we say goodnight and head to the car.

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