Lights Out

Bonus Three: Big News

My finger nails tapped the side of the countertop in a steady rhythm as I waited for the timer on my phone to run down to zero. I looked up into the eyes of my reflection. They were restless. The sound of the alarm made me jump, and I tapped the screen to silence it before taking a breath. I turned over the plastic and my heart dropped. I was pregnant. I rested my head on the counter and let out a shaky breath. Was I happy? This would surely mean the end of me at McLaren. Would I miscarry like last time? I needed Harry. No. First I needed to talk to Nick. He'd help me get my head on straight before talking to Harry. We hadn't planned for this. I'd gotten the implant out because I'd started having non-stop periods, but we were careful. Apparently not careful enough.
"Fuck."

I needed to call Zak, or Andreas. I'd call Andreas. Nick had said to call either of them, find out what my options were in terms of the team. My thumb shook as I hovered over the contact of my team principle before I finally hit the call button and put the phone to my ear. He picked up after six or seven rings.
"Jessie! How are you? How's your winter break?"
"It's good thanks, Andreas. The weather in Dubai is amazing. How about you?"
"It's good to be back with the family. What can I do for you?"
"Um, I've encountered a little bit of an issue that will probably need Zak as well."
"Is everything alright, Jessie?"
"I, um, I'm sorry. I am pregnant."
"Oh, congratulations!!"
"I know that there are difficulties that this will place on the team and-"
"Jessie, we can work all of that out, don't worry. Tell me what you would like to do."
"Well I'd like to stay with the team, I'm not ready to retire yet but..."
"You want to keep the baby?" Andreas asked.
"Yes."
"Let me talk to Zak and see what we can do. In the meantime, I'd tell Harry, because I don't think you've told him yet, have you."
"No, I haven't. He's out trying to play golf with Lando and Max."
"Ah, lucky him. I'll call you back, Jessie."
"Thank you, Andreas."
"Talk to you in a bit."

I parked the buggy up with the rest of them, getting out and sitting with Luisa, who was reading in one of the front seats in the other buggies.
"Oh, you're here! I thought you weren't feeling well," she said, giving me a hug, which I returned.
"I thought the air could do me some good. How badly is my one doing then?" I asked, making her laugh.
"Um, he's hit the ball a few times," she replied.
"Well, at least we're getting somewhere."
"JESS!"
I turned to see Harry grinning at me as he walked towards us, Lando, Max, and the others stopping their conversation, Lando waving at me. I waved back.
"You feeling better?" he asked. I nodded.
"I need to talk to you though," I said, hopping off the buggy. He slipped his arm around my waist and kissed me on the forehead.
"Sure, what's up?"
I looked back to Luisa and walked a little bit away, Harry following.
"Is something the matter?" he asked, confused.
"No," I said quietly, turning to him and leaning up to whisper into his ear.
"I'm pregnant."
I stood back, watching his eyes widen and a massive smile creep up his face.
"Are you really?"
I nodded. He ran his hands through his hair, the look of surprised happiness still on his face.
"Wait, but your racing."
"I've called Andreas, I'm waiting for a call back from him and-"
"Jessie," Luisa called, "your phone is ringing."
"That'll be him then."
I started to walk back to the buggy when he pulled me back and kissed me.
"I love you."
"I love you," I smiled back. "Don't say anything to them!"
"No promises," he grinned.

"Hello, Andreas."
"Jessie. I have good news. Uh, have you told your other half yet?"
"I have," I said, s smile toying at my lips.
"Well, Zak is very happy for you. Anyway, we have come to a decision about your contract. We've had our eye on someone in Formula Two as a new reserve, so, for the duration of your pregnancy, he can take your seat and we can help him find a seat at the end of the season, when you can come back to us."
I was lost for words.
"Tha-, thank you, Andreas. Wow, um, I don't know what to say."
"And you can still travel with the team if you want, we can always use someone in the pits helping us out."
"Thank you. Wow! Who is the F2 driver?"
"Someone you know, actually. Max Fewtrell."
I sat down in the buggies.
"What's going on?" I heard Lando say quietly to Lu.
"I'll send out the email later about a meeting, don't tell Max yet. You cans discuss it with Lando if you want, but that's up to you; I know the three of you are good friends. Congratulations, Jessie, I'll be in touch."
Andreas hung up the phone and I sat there in stunned silence.
"What was it?" Lando asked, confused. I looked to Harry, a grin still on his face.
"Just working out arrangements with the team, next season is going to be a little bit different. Well, very different, actually. Oh, we're going to have to redecorate the spare room at some point."
"I'm so confused," Max said to Lando. I looked to Harry again.
"She's pregnant," Harry said, his grin developing into a massive smile.