Fast Lane | ✔️

10

Ch10

The afternoon had been almost perfect, similar to how things used to be, but Claire knew it would be short lived. Every once in a while she'd catch Miller staring off into the distance deep in thought, only he was too sweet to admit his mind was elsewhere. He'd tried so hard to make the day about her, never once mentioning work or the screenplay, or everything else he'd put on hold to hang out.

They drove to the northern tip of Santa Monica Bay and spent their time together wandering around Point Dume State Beach, waiting for the gray whales to make their appearance and watching the rock-climbers show off their athletic skills on the jagged cliffs above the crashing waves. They took off their shoes and strolled hand-in-hand along the shore, laughing and having fun observing the assortment of people enjoying their day at the park. Miller had been relaxed and easygoing, as if he didn't have a care in the world. Only she knew better.

Claire desperately wanted to tell him about the baby, but she knew the timing wasn't right. Only how much longer could she put it off? Soon, he would see she was showing, and then what? Once again she wondered if she was doing the right thing. She hated keeping the unexpected news from Miller, but she didn't want to overwhelm him any more than he already was. Claire didn't know what she would do if he wasn't happy they were expecting.

Just a little while longer, she promised herself. Then things will have calmed down and he won't be feeling so stressed. His work on the screenplay was almost finished and she could not wait much longer. No longer would her boyfriend spend his time concentrating on research and writing, he would be able to focus on her and their new addition.

Claire smiled to herself and brought a careful hand to her stomach. She could tell it was beginning to swell ever so slightly, not enough for anyone else to notice except for her, but she kept her microscopic bump carefully concealed under loose fitting shirts and baggy jackets just to be safe. Her breasts, on the other hand, were another story. They were round and tender-voluptuous in certain outfits-so unlike her normal slender physique. Claire had not been expecting to experience physical changes so soon, it took her by surprise! According to her calculations, she was approximately six weeks pregnant. That meant her baby was about the size of a sweet pea. From everything she had read online, he or she was already forming tiny arms and legs and even had eyes and a nose! If only she could share her excitement with Miller.

Soon . . .

Her first doctor's appointment would be in a couple of weeks and Claire was really looking forward to hearing what the obstetrician. They would then be able to determine the baby's official due date, and she could hardly wait to celebrate the future birthday. Everything would be changing soon, for her and for Miller. Once they welcomed the precious bundle of joy into their lives, nothing would ever be the same--in a good way. In the best way. She'd never put too much thought into becoming a mother before, but once she missed her period and took the test, all of that changed. Claire had always assumed she'd been put on earth to be an actress, to help bring an amazing story to life, but she knew better now. She had been put on earth to become someone's mother. A tiny little person created by her and Miller--someone she could love, nurture and guide.

A baby . . . Our baby! Claire hugged the secret to herself and smiled once more.

There was nothing she wanted more.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Earl Samson left his small, cramped Hollywood apartment just after six, hopped in his beat up Ford minivan and made his way toward the Beverly Hilton. There were some big names scheduled to attend the evening's fundraiser and he had plans to photograph each and every one. It'd been a long time since he'd captured a good shot-too long-and he needed a break in the worst kind of way. Thirty-eight years in the business and he was still waiting to hit the jackpot. He was a decent photographer, that much he knew, so when would it finally be his turn to catch the photograph all the magazines wanted? When would he be the one to find a celebrity in a compromising situation, or be the first one to spread around new gossip? What he would give to stumble upon some famous jerk cheating on an unsuspecting spouse, or maybe capture the last imagine taken before some filthy-rich superstar overdosed on an illegal substance. The tabloids paid good money for photos like that--the illustrious "money shot"! He'd finally be able to buy himself a new car before his old clunker broke down.