TIFFIN 3

47

I already knew how much of a pig I was when I felt thick frosting coat my lips.

 Both Niall and Josephine stared in bewilderment as I swallowed the sweet chunks. I wasn't sure if it was wishful thinking, but my hunger seemed to have intensified since the doctor's visit.

"I'm sorry," I apologized, wiping at the corner of my mouth, "This is completely disgusting."

All that followed was a chorus of laughter.

"Keep eating." Niall urged. "Don't mind us."

Just as I was about to do that, a violent knock beat on the front door. I was tempted to ignore it, but when it continued, I knew a headache was around the horizon. Rolling my eyes, I yanked it open staring at none other than Cole on the other side.

Why now?

It was then that I recalled the frosting on my face. Fuck. Like some weirdo, I began wiping at my face.

"Cole," I began, "What are you doing here?"

Instead of immediately answering, he ran a hand through his disheveled hair. His eyes ran over my state which probably looked shitty at the moment.

"What do you mean, 'What am I doing here'? I've been worried about you, Kristina. I've been going crazy, trying to figure out what is going on between us. The other day you practically kicked me out of your office due to some phone call and then I hear about Tawnee rushing you to the hospital?"

Why was he so upset about this? It wasn't like he was my boyfriend. I didn't need to answer to him.

"Yes," I shrugged, "I was rushed to the hospital, but it's no big deal."

He stared at me as if I'd just grown two heads.

"No big deal? You never returned to the building."

I huffed, turning to look at Jo and Niall who now stared in confusion.

"Cole... this really isn't a good time. I have friends over."

He rolled his eyes, swiveling around to stare at his Mustang.

"I suppose you're going to make me leave again? I'll go ahead and let Eli know."

What the hell? Did he bring Eli along with him too? What game were these two playing? I was not on the market as a free-for-all!

Josephine detached herself from Niall, rushing forward.

"Of course she wouldn't do that, Cole. Please, go fetch this Eli and join us for some cake!"

As soon as a smiling Cole disappeared from view, I directed a glower at Jo.

"Excuse me, but what was that?"

She snorted.

"I was thinking that Cole is still my boss and I wasn't about to turn him away. Look, I don't know what's going on with you and him-"

I narrowed my eyes.

"Come on, Jo. You know me better than that. Cole used to be my boss. You know how he came onto me constantly. I was never into it..."

"Well, you might want to make it clear again because I'm not sure if he got the memo."

My face fell as soon as I saw the two men who wanted to court me, but I forced a small smile. It wasn't their fault they had crushes on me. I could fake pleasantries.

"Kristina," Eli greeted with a shy smile, "It's so good to see you. How are you feeling?"

"Neutral," I replied, leading them both into the kitchen. "I feel much better now that I'm on antibiotics."

"You sure?" I heard him ask as one of the chairs screeched across the floor. "I've heard you puking quite a bit at work."

I remained silent as I slid two paper plates laden with white and pink cake towards him and Cole, who now looked more appreciative.

I couldn't just unload all my burden on these two guys, could I?

Realistically, I knew that Cole was no longer my boss and I was Eli's superior. If I decided to tell them about my pregnancy it wouldn't matter, but would it cause a rift between us all?

Wasn't that what I wanted?

"It's no big deal because I'm pregnant."

I bit my lip as I waited for a response. Even a chuckle would have been inviting, but all I received were blank expressions from them both. One look behind me told me that Jo was flabbergasted that I would even mention this.

After another minute of silence, Cole scooted back from his chair, forgetting about the delicious piece of cake. He cleared his throat.

"Yeah, um. I just remembered that I had a previous engagement. Eli, remember?"

As if suddenly remembering, Eli jumped up from where he sat as well.

"Yes, of course. Kristina, thank you for this meeting, but we have to go now."

I stared in awe as I watched the two men rush out the front door. Just a few seconds ago they couldn't wait to be in my presence but now they couldn't wait to get away. What had I done?

"Um, Kristina," Jo began warily, "I think you have a habit of oversharing."

I raised an eyebrow.

"Are you saying I scared them away?"

When she didn't answer, I buried my face in my hands. I was such an idiot.

Just as I was about to propose I go lie down, my phone began ringing incessantly on the counter. Picking it up, I felt more relieved than anything. Crap. Was it the end of the day already?

"What is it?" Jo asked.

"It's E," I said, quickly correctly myself, "I mean, it's Ezekiel. The guy helping me look for Kylie. You up for meeting him now?"