My mom and Eva left Thursday evening around seven. It was actually more emotional than I thought it was going to be. I cry on the ride back to the condo.
"Mom?" I had asked her before she got on the plane. She was looking for the passports in her purse and looked up. "Please make sure it's safe...when you tell dad," I whispered so Evans and Eva couldn't hear.
She smiled. "I know. Don't worry, okay?" she asked, stroking my cheek.
I nodded, then hugged her tightly, not knowing the next time I’d see her. This visit had made me miss my dad even more, but I couldn’t even think about visiting him right now.
"Are you alright?" Evans asks after he opens the door for me. I’m jolted from my sad thoughts and realize we’ve reached the condo.
"Yeah. I'm sorry," I say sheepishly, drying the tears on my cheeks with my hands. "I didn't mean to cry."
He smiles. "It's okay to cry, Damien. Is there anything I can do? Do you want to go somewhere? Eat something?"
I look at him. "Do you have to go into the office tonight?"
He nods slowly. "Yes. I have to, since I missed the last couple of days. Do you want me to stay?"
I shake my head. "No, I—is it okay if I go with you? I don't really want to be alone."
He hesitates. "Are you sure?"
"Yes. I won't be a bother, I promise. I'll just sit in a corner and not say a word."
He smiles. "Okay. Just because you promised that."
I laugh as he closes the door again. He gets behind the wheel and starts the car. "So, what exactly do you do?" I ask him as he drives. It's late but I think that New York looks better when it's dark. There are lights everywhere. It reminds me of Las Vegas. I went there once when I was very young, the only place I ever went other than here. I can barely remember it, but I definitely remember all the lights.
"Oh, you know, just sit behind a desk and drink." he says, amusement all over his face. I like to watch him when he drives. Mostly because he can't look at me and intimidate me with his gaze. He is wearing a light blue shirt and navy pants. No tie today. He has his sleeves rolled up to his elbows and the first two or three buttons unbuttoned, teasingly.
I smile. "I knew it!"
He chuckles. "I’m actually planning a trip to Miami." He glances at me briefly, then looks back at the road. "I want to visit the clubs over there." He turns to look at me again after he stops at a red light. "Would you like to come?"
"I've never been to Miami," I say stupidly.
He smiles as he turns to look at the road. "Is that a yes? Don't worry, it will only be for two to three days and probably next week, so it won't be a problem with your pregnancy. We have the doctor's appointment on Monday, so we can check with the doctor."
"Uh, yeah, okay."
"Great. You'll love it, it's beautiful there."
I’m still wrapping my mind around the fact that he just asked me to go to Miami with him as he pulls into the club. He parks behind it. I don't know why I'm surprised; of course, he doesn't go in through the front door. There are two security guards outside the back door. They nod at Evan as they open the door for us. I realize that maybe coming wasn't the best idea when we walk into the blasting music. There are people dancing everywhere. Definitely not the best place for a pregnant woman to be. No wonder Evans was hesitant. He grabs my hand and leads me up the stairs. They are behind the main stage, hidden so people can't see them. Still, bodyguards guard the entrance.
Evan’s office is pretty large, spacious enough to fit two love seats. But the most amazing thing that I notice is the window. Full sized. I can see everything from here; it's pretty amazing. I'm guessing it's a one-way window. There’s also a desk, chairs, and a small table with liquor bottles and ice. This office is so Evans.
"This is sort of creepy," I say as I stare out the window. This office is soundproof so I can't hear the music, only feel the bass. Still everyone looks pretty funny dancing to no music.
He stands next to me, close enough for our shoulders to touch, close enough to make me shake. "I like it."
I look up at him. "Of course, you do."
He leans in to kiss me. This has become normal over the past few days. We haven't really talked about our relationship status, and to be honest, I don't really want to. That's complicated and I like how things are now, easy.
There is a knock on the door, and he kisses me again before pulling apart. I look away and lick my lips, feeling embarrassed for some reason.
"Yes?"Evans calls.
The door opens and I recognize the woman immediately. Blonde. Tall. Beautiful. Elena
"Hey." She smiles then looks embarrassed when she sees me. "Sorry. I didn't know you had company."
"It's okay." Evans places his hand on my back. "Ciara this is Elena.Elena,Ciara"
Elena offers me her hand. "The surrogate," she says, looking at me as we shake hands.
"Yes, the surrogate," I repeat bravely, taking my hand back.
"It's nice to finally meet you." She scans my body and her eyes widen. "You're pretty advanced. How many months?"
"Five."
Elena looks at Evans. "Wow, when you told me what you were planning on doing, I didn't really believe you. But you actually went through with it."
Evans nods. "Of course, I did. It's been"—he turns to look at me—"interesting."
"I can imagine," Elena says. She wiggles the folder in her hand. "Ready to do some work?"