Her Chef (18+)

Chapter 5

Now sitting on my desk chair freshly showered in a cropped top and Christmas pajama pants, I begin braiding my hair before heading to sleep. Dinner went well, no one pressured me to talk, and everything just felt normal, as if I hadn't left. I learned that Lucia has a new job in engineering, Cristian is in school getting his master's degree in international business and finance, and that, although Janette and Luciano aren't together, she lives with him, according to Arsenio.

I had always thought the two of them were the oddest pair to be matched but opposites do attract. It was hard to imagine not seeing them together anymore after growing up seeing them always together. I guess Noel is what keeps them close.

Finishing off the braids 20 minutes later, I wrap the longer ends into a low bun and crawl under the covers of my bed. Plugging the phone into a charger by the bedside, I unlock it spotting a message from an unknown number. My curiosity got the best of me as I swiped to unlock it clicking on the message.

I found the box and I will find you.

There was no name attached yet I knew exactly who it was from. Shutting my phone down, I lay back on the bed nerves eating at me. Maybe I should go to the police, they could possibly help me, and getting rid of this phone number. But what would they do when I had no evidence for what he's done?

Not only that but the weight of finding a OB-GYN and a new job. I can already feel a headache coming on thinking about all that I need to do. And the fear that ran through my body of what Jack was capable of.

Before that fear could overcome my entire being and prevent me from sleeping soundly, my phone began vibrating on the table.

Picking it up once more I hesitate, it could be him calling. Shaking off the nerves, I look at Arsenio's name blaring on the screen before answering the call.

"Hi," I whispered into the phone laying on my back.

"Hey Mara, how's being back in your bedroom again?" Arsenio asks through the phone.

I was glad for the distraction of my thoughts, immensely glad for Arsenio in that moment.

"Bittersweet. I can definitely say I've missed it, but I've also outgrown this place."

"You know, there's no rush to leave. Your family loves having you though and probably even more so now that your..."

"Pregnant," I finish for him laying my palm on my stomach, "It's okay to say the word Arsenio. They also don't know; I haven't told them yet."

"What are you waiting for? I'm sure they'd be happy for you."

"You know," I sigh softly, "This wasn't what I was expecting for a pillow talk."

"Fine I'll change the subject, for now," He stated, "So... what color are your pajamas?"

I let out a laugh covering my mouth as I shake my head, "You know what, goodnight. I'll see you in the morning at Marty's."

"See you there, love you."

My breath hitched at the faint memory. At the end of every phone call with my family I had always said love you and they responded with I love you more and vice versa. It slowly became nonexistent when I had left and didn't realize how much I missed hearing it till now.

"Love you more Arsenio."

***

Marty's was just as I had remembered. The tall windows, wide open doors beside the water. The Parisian vibe was clearly displayed in the restaurant along with a variety of floral life. It was my favorite breakfast restaurant.