Page 13 of The Wrong One

“And you don’t want to work for your brother,” Caroline nodded.

“It’s my brother and his friend,” I explained. “It’s not really my thing. It’s adjacent to what I do.”

“Do you have other options?” Julia asked.

I had to laugh. “Not a single one.”

“I guess that settles it,” Caroline said. “Job or no job. I think it makes it pretty easy.”

“I suppose that’s true,” I agreed. “I think he knows I’m going to take it. I obviously need it.”

“Then this little feast is now a celebration,” Caroline declared. “We need to celebrate your new job.”

We all raised our glasses and drank. All but Emmy, who very casually put her glass on the table without taking a drink. I knew my cousin.

“Emmy, is everything okay?” I asked.

“Yes, fine,” she said.

“Emmy,” I said again.

Lena came out with another tray of food. It was a clam chowder with crusty bread. Emmy covered her mouth with her hand and looked away.

“Oh, I know that look,” Julia said with a laugh. “Lena I’m thinking clam chowder is not going to be on the menu. I don’t want sweet little Emmy puking.”

“What?” Lena looked down at her creation. “Does it smell fishy? I tasted it and it tasted fine.”

“No, no,” Emmy said. “Your clam chowder is fine. It’s me.”

“Because—” I prompted.

“Because I’m pregnant,” Emmy announced.

“I knew it!” Julia laughed. “Congratulations.”

I was so happy for her. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you.” Emmy smiled.

“I’ll have the clam chowder in the kitchen for anyone who wants it,” Lena said. “How are you with chicken?”

“I’m good.” Emmy laughed. “I’m so sorry. I love clam chowder. I hope this baby understands it doesn’t get to dictate my eating habits.”

“Oh, good luck with that,” Julia said.

ChapterSix

Cam

Iwas hard at work, my brain focused on getting the right sequence figured out. I did need help in the lab. I could probably come up with the right formula eventually, but I wasn’t there yet. Our technology was good, but doctors and the medical world wanted more. They wanted to find every possible genetic disease in a single blood sample. It wasn’t easy. I believed it was possible, but it was just out of my reach. With more research, I’d get there.

I heard the door buzz to the lab. I glance up to see who was coming in. There were only a handful of people who had access to the lab.

It was the head of HR with Izzy walking in behind him. This was it. She was officially working in the lab with me. The only thing I could do was embrace it. Embrace her.

“Hello,” I said and walked over to greet them. “Glad you’re here.”

“I have to get back to the office for an interview,” HR said. “Can I leave our new lab assistant in your capable hands?”

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