by Lexy Timms
Charity batted her eyes back. “I have to make a pit-stop in the bathroom. I’ll meet you there.”
She slipped into the bathroom and stared at herself in the mirror. She was a physician and knew how things worked. She’d been so busy with everything she hadn’t been paying attention to her body. Except… Her appetite seemed to be out of control, her moods were wobbly and obvious, her boobs were tender and she was late.
Could she be pregnant?
Her hand came to her mouth. Was it something she wanted? It could all be stress related. It didn’t mean she was. She shook her head and brushed her teeth. She wasn’t going to worry until she took a test. And that wasn’t going to happen tonight.
Charity slinked into the bedroom with a peach lace bra and matching panties. Sex while she was pregnant with Jamie had been spectacular. Charity would get an idea whether or not she was carrying her second child. It wasn’t a perfect test but it was more fun than peeing on a stick.
Elijah lay naked while he waited for Charity. The white cotton sheets were a perfect contrast to his tanned skin. She slowly pulled the sheet away, showing his ripped lean body. He was hard and throbbing as soon as Charity positioned herself next to the bed. She slowly removed her bra one strap at a time and stepped out of her panties. She tossed them to Elijah, who inhaled their sweet scent. Charity extended her dainty hand; he met it with his and pulled her in tight. His hands were soon tangled in her long blonde hair. He kissed her lips wildly as she pushed him inside of her and moaned loudly. Elijah and Charity didn’t always climax simultaneously but when they did it sent both of them into the stratosphere. This was one of those times. Their juices flowed together and at the same time, they experienced nirvana.
Words were not spoken as they lingered in the afterglow. It was at that moment that Charity realized unexpectedly that she was pregnant. A tiny Bennet was swimming around in her belly. She wouldn’t tell till a test confirmed.
“I’m always amazed when you make me feel better. I love you, Charity. I thought I was coming home to trouble, and yet, you always leave me breathless. I don’t know how I got so lucky.” Elijah ran his forefinger over her abdomen and then gently kissed her navel. He had no idea there was someone in there anxious to meet him. “Do you want me to tell you about Simon now?”
She didn’t want the moment ruined by whatever Simon was doing. It couldn’t be good. “It can wait till morning. It’s not a priority. Tomorrow is another day in which I’m going to start checking things off my list. I have a lot to accomplish before…” Charity stopped. Keeping good news from Elijah was not easy.
“Before what, Charity?”
“Before my dad’s party. Did your mom tell you what she’s planning? I’m still trying to envision classical music mixed with hotdogs and red wine at a baseball field.”
“I’m looking forward to it. A true celebration of all that this family has accomplished and endured. It hasn’t always been easy but we’ve managed. I think my mother is just crazy in love with Scott. Emphasis on the crazy,” Elijah joked.
It was just a little sprout growing inside of her and Charity was already bursting with joy. She thought she would be disappointed or stressed. She had so much to do and she had her job with Pinnacle. Instead of feeling anxious, she felt excited. She’d confirm with a test and then tell Elijah. Maybe after her dad’s birthday. Let him have his moment, he deserved it.
She smiled as Elijah rolled over to spoon her. Hopefully she could keep the secret long enough.
Chapter 22
Simon took time in the exam room before he drove home. Elijah had refused to give him any narcotics so he could be fine to drive when his head stopped pounding. His marriage was in tatters and now his physical well-being was being risked. If the accident had been worse and he flew through the window, he could have died. The last thing Julie would remember about him was his affair with Pam. Simon realized that it was time to melt plastic Pam and salvage whatever he and Julie had left. He headed to human resources where he knew she would be working late.
“I see Elijah sewed you up. I don’t know why he made such a big deal about it. He wasn’t breaking any hospital rules by stitching your forehead. If you had been drunk or high, that would have been a different matter. There are strict regulations about that shit that the hospital can’t even cover up,” Pam commented.
“It was embarrassing, Pam. Elijah would never do to Charity what I am doing to Julie. They have gotten through the death of a loved one, Dr. Thompson’s heart attack and their daughter’s accident. They get pissed and I’m sure they want to run from their problems. Instead, they run to each other, which is their safe haven. Morally and ethically, I’ve lost my way.” Simon took a seat in Pam’s cubicle.
“Don’t give me that safe haven bullshit. Julie doesn’t provide you with that. If anyone does, it’s me. Elijah is a fucking altar boy and you can’t compare yourself to him.”
“A safe place just doesn’t happen Pam. It has to be built with trust and fidelity. In addition, another thing, don’t ever speak in derogatory terms when it comes to Elijah. He has been with me through thick and thin. I used to have integrity, as Elijah does, but I pissed it all away. I would give anything to get that back.” Simon placed his head in his hands, as if he had come to a realization. Perhaps the knock in the head did some good.
“I think you’re confused because of the accident. You may have a minor concussion and I think you should have an MRI.”
“O.k. Dr. Pam. Why don’t we just take out an ad in the hospital bulletin that reads. Married Dr. Has Accident while HR Generalist Sucks his Cock. I doubt that’ll do a lot for my reputation or yours,” Simon said sarcastically.
Pam placed her hand on his leg. “Calm down. I think maybe it’s time to tell Julie the truth. We can start over somewhere else because I can get a job anywhere with my skills and you’re in high demand. Eventually, we’ll be able to live on your salary alone and Julie will be a memory.”
Simon’s eyes nearly popped out of his skull. “Whoa, hold the phone Pam. I’m not here to make future plans with you but to tell you it’s over. I’m ready to walk over hot coals or do whatever it takes to repair my marriage with Julie. I would remember if I ever promised you some type of future. You should have known that becoming involved with a married man was not going to end well. Shit Pam, we had fun but we’ve taken this thing far enough. You’re a nice woman and you deserve someone that you can plan a future with; that man isn’t me.”
“When Julie leaves you, I think you’ll be singing a different tune. I’ll give Julie a call as soon as you leave this office and tell the good doctor everything you’ve been up to. Sorry it has to be this way Simon but I think you should both have to suffer the consequences. You’ll never find a woman who looks like I do and who treats you as I do.” Pam crossed her arms. Her smug smile made Simon sick to his stomach.
“I’ll beat you to the punch on that one. Julie probably already knows but if not, I’m gonna tell her the ugly truth.” Simon hesitated and considered being a gentleman, but decided what the hell. “As far as looks go, you’re downright frightening without make-up. You should see about getting a refund on all the work you’ve done to your body. That low-rent plastic surgeon of yours should lose his license. He probably got his degree from a gumball machine.”
Simon’s head didn’t hurt anymore and he felt relieved that the charade was over. Pam didn’t cry; she had probably heard the comments before. Simon expected her to be setting her sights on another doctor as soon as he left. As he got up to leave, Simon pulled his phone out of his pocket. He had an important phone call to make.
“Julie. Are you home? Can you talk for a minute?” Simon asked.
“I’m sitting in my car. I just walked out of the grocery store and I’m heading home next.”
“I hate to do this over the phone, but you need to hear it now.”
“I guess now is as good a time as any. We’re rarely in the same room together these days.” Julie wi
shed she had purchased a fifth of vodka or at least a bottle of wine while she was in the store. She grabbed a bag of chips because she didn’t know what one was supposed to eat while getting dumped.
“Julie, first know that I love you now more than ever.”
Julie’s mouth fell open and she dropped the chips on the floor of the car. “Oh.” Julie felt as if she needed to say something.
“I also have to tell you that I’ve been cheating on you with Pam from HR.” Simon waited for the shit to hit the fan and the yelling to begin. He was an ass to tell her on the phone. A real man would have done it in person.
“I figured that out last week. Plastic Pam – really Simon? I would’ve thought you had better taste.”
“You don’t sound mad.” He didn’t know what else to say.
“We’re at a standstill. I’m exhausted, Simon. I’m tired of worrying, of trying to figure out what’s going on. Everything. If you think plastic Pam is who you need, I’m definitely not the one who is going to stop you. You’re an ass and you should have moved out. You can do that now.”
“I came to some sort of epiphany when my head hit her windshield tonight. Elijah gave me ten sutures.” Pam had been entertaining his dick while he’d been driving. At least she hadn’t bit off his penis. There’d have been a lot more stitches then.
“I’m sorry. I know I still love you and I’m a dick. I know you’ll never forgive me, but I want to try and spend the rest of my life making this up to you. I’ll do therapy, marriage counselling, whatever it takes. I don’t want to lose you.”
“You might already have.” Julie sighed into the phone and Simon could hear her crying.
“Where are you? I’ll come get you.”
“No. Please don’t. I need some time to think.”
His world seemed to crumble in an instant. What if she didn’t take him back? “Okay. Whatever you need. I’m heading back to the hospital. I’ll sleep in my office. Call me if you need anything.”
She hung up without saying goodbye.
What was he going to do?
Chapter 23
Charity arrived at the office headquarters of Hal Jaworski. The imposing building with the helicopter pad on top was hard to miss. It cost a ton to make but it had little character, much like Hal Jaworski. She had left home early, which was a good thing because she had to make several stops along the way. Her recent nausea had been morning sickness. Charity couldn’t believe that she hadn’t seen the signs of pregnancy earlier. She wore a black suit with a pink silk top and a strand of pearls. She was going to look and act professional with Hal Jaworski and let him know she wasn’t going to play games.
The woman at the reception desk looked as if she were hand chosen by Hal. She was young and gorgeous. Charity hoped the woman hadn’t fallen for Hal’s charms. He was probably looking for wife number six, though this woman looked young enough to be his daughter. She smiled as she sat on a grey leather chair in reception. It was so comfortable that she was tempted to take a nap. That would have made a great story to tell her little sprout someday. Mommy fell asleep in the building owned by one of the richest men in America. All because you needed a nap. Charity patted her stomach to say hello.
“Charity, you may go in now.” The woman wore heels so high they could be a lethal weapon.
It was one of Charity’s pet peeves when a businessperson didn’t come out to greet a visitor personally. “Thank you.”
She walked in and Hal stood up to greet her. He shook her hand this time instead or trying to cop a feel. She opened her leather folder, which Elijah bought her, and started to shuffle the papers. “I’ve secured sizable gifts from a number of businesses and I’m working on a dinner featuring some of St. Luke’s top oncologists. Some former patients are also available to speak. You know the drill; tug on a few heart strings.” Charity passed a pile of papers to Hal.
“I appreciate your work and we’ll get to that, but I want to know how your family is doing. Jamie must be two and Elijah is an all-star at Thompson. They must keep you on your feet. I bet your days practicing medicine seem easy in comparison.” Hal smiled.
Who is this guy and what happened to Hal Jaworski, industry magnate? Charity suspected that maybe he was planning to catch her with her guard down.
“My family is fabulous. We’re in a good place at the moment.”
“Ah yes, Chief of Staff, Doctor Scott Thompson. I was glad to hear of his recovery after his heart issues and my delayed condolences for the loss of your mother. I bet you didn’t know that I have three daughters. I keep them out of the public eye.” Hal paused and reflected for a moment. “Ah hell, they stay far away from me by choice. They’re from my first wife and they don’t like me much. I left their mother a long time ago and never looked back. In retrospect, I shouldn’t have left Nadine in the first place. What I wouldn’t give to see Bernadette, Helen and Rose again, but that’ll never happen. They think I’m a womanizing pig that doesn’t lift a finger to help mankind.” Hal folded his hands without looking at the stack of papers on his desk. “The sad thing is that they’re right.”
She wasn’t buying it. “Hal. Is there something specific that you want? I’m sticking with this job despite everything. I’m going to work around your list. I refuse to be a pawn in one of your money games. You want a hospital wing with your name on it. You’re not fooling me with your family tear-jerker.”
Hal looked at her, his eyebrows now hidden in his curly hair. “Fine.” He straightened in his large leather chair. “An anonymous donor stepped in and wrote a check to match my contribution.”
She stared at him. That was impossible. Pinnacle would have informed her. “When?”
“Apparently late last night.”
“Why wasn’t I informed?”
“I haven’t had a chance to contact Pinnacle.”
“Wait a minute. They gave you the check? Not Pinnacle?”
Hal shrugged, looking as confused as she felt. “Apparently someone wants their name on a wall more than I do. Their check is for two hundred and fifty million. They want me to match it.”
Charity nearly fell off her chair. Shit like this only happened in the movies and she didn’t see any cameras nearby.
“Are you going to?”
“Hell, yes. No one is going to show me up at my own game.” He grinned suddenly. “Did you have this planned all along?”
She shook her head, wishing she did. “And you don’t know who the donor is?”
He shook his head. “It’s legit. You’ll have to ask Pinnacle to find out. They’ll be getting both checks later today.”
“Okay.” She didn’t know what else to say.
“Charity?”
“Hmmm?”
“I read your proposal on building a wing with adjoining rooms for parents so they can stay with their children during treatment or family can stay with patients. It’s a fantastic idea. I’ve told Pinnacle that’s where I want the money to go to.” He shifted and winked at her. “Now, between you and me, can we keep this nice-guy-image under wraps? Don’t want the business sharks out there knowing I have a soft side?”
“Uh, sure.” She had no idea what to say. Seldom did anyone throw her off kilter. “I’m having a baby. No one knows yet,” she blurted.
He stared at her in surprise. “Congratulations, I think.”
“It will be.” Her face burned. Why in the hell had she just told this psycho she was pregnant? “Uh, do you mind keeping that between you and me?”
He nodded. “Looks like we both have something on each other now. Sounds like fair business in my books.” He stood as his secretary paged him to let him know another client was waiting. “It’s been nice working with you. Looks like you’ll be wrapping this job up in six months instead of twenty-four.” He winked. “Timing kind of works out decent for you then.”
She nodded as she shook his hand. “I’ll send you a message once I’ve spoken with Pinnacle.” She left his office and as she rode the elevator down she pi
nched herself, trying to see if she was dreaming. She needed sugar to knock the shock out of her. What the hell had just happened?
Outside, she kicked off her shoes and walked on the grass in front of the building in bare feet. She grabbed her phone. “I hope I didn’t get you at a bad time,” Charity said to Elijah.
“There’s never a bad time when you’re on the other line. Did you tell Hal off? I’ll gladly go and tell him myself.”
“I didn’t have to. My work with Hal Jaworski is done.”
“If that’s your decision, I support you one hundred percent.”
“Actually, you’re not going to believe this.” Charity unlocked her car door and sat down inside. “There was a single donation to match his. More actually. An anonymous donor challenged Hal to donate another fifty million more. It’s crazy. I’m basically done with the job. Six months more, tops.”
“Seriously? Who?”
“I have no idea. He doesn’t either. I’m going to see if Pinnacle will say who it is.”
“I can’t wait to find out.”
“We’ll chat later. I’m heading home to take Jamie and Margaret out for lunch.”
“You do that. I’ll speak to you soon!” Elijah hung up the call.
Charity started to count. “Three, two…” She picked up the phone. “I love you too, Elijah.”
“Love you too.” He laughed. “I have to stop forgetting to tell you that.”
“Don’t you dare, I think it’s cute.”
Chapter 24
Margaret was sitting at the kitchen table when Charity arrived home. She was catching up with the day’s headlines and email.
“Greetings! Where’s the Peanut?”
“Jamie said that she wanted to go sit in her bed. All of the butterflies entrance her and if the window is cracked, it makes them look as if they’re flitting about. She fell asleep. I have some unfortunate news about Jamie.”
“What? What’s wrong?” Charity’s heart leapt to her throat.