Her Chef (18+)

Chapter 11

The next three weeks flashed before my eyes.

Since that night with Arsenio, I had taken a bit of my mother and Lucia's advice. Figuring out ways to regain our friendship again and not trying to over work myself at the same time. I had managed to find a job, an office job with reasonable hours and good pay. A job that would keep me off my feet all day and in a secure building where I wouldn't have to worry about unexpecting guests.

It was great.

Hiding this now 11 week bump though, that was a full time job. At 8 weeks, I looked more bloated than anything but as the weeks passed my stomach became more pronounced. From below my breasts to the bottom of my stomach, it has rounded to the point it was noticeable.

I had gotten away with consistently wearing oversized cardigans, larger blouses, hoodie and sweatpants sets, and flowy dresses. However, as I stared down at the long sleeve clinging to my body, I knew there wasn't much time left to hide it. My Boss, Hannah Miller, knocked on the side of my cubicle with a small smile as I jerked my head up embarrassed at being caught staring at my belly.

"Don't worry, when I was pregnant with my first I was the same way."

I had disclosed in the interview I was pregnant. Each job I had previously applied to managed to not accept me and I had a feeling it was because I was pregnant. Hannah was the only one to give me a chance, I was so thankful.

"Just came by to see if you wanted to join the girls and I for lunch?" She leaned against the side of the cubicle wall, "It's this great new vegan place that opened downtown, I've only heard good things about it."

"I would have loved to but my brothers are taking me out to lunch. Maybe we can try next week?"

I tried not to have the eagerness in my voice that I felt inside at being included with Hannah and the other girls from work. Coming back home it was difficult reconnecting with previous friends. Lucia, Arsenio, and Jordyn, who I connected with just one week prior, were the only friends I seemed to have and my circle needed to be expanded.

Diversifying my group of friends was a must.

"Of course, we would love that." Hannah left with a wave.

My phone buzzed on my desk, an instant text from Elijah telling me he was outside. I packed my few belongings, thrusting it into my tote. Pulling the large double breasted coat from behind the chair I securely fastened it as I left the building to find my brother. With his car parked on the opposite side of the road, I looked before crossing, shuffling quickly to that side.

Nathan opened the passenger door, moving to the back seat and I hopped into the front shutting it behind me.

"I didn't realize Eli was your uber?" I take a sip from my water bottle glancing at Nathan in the rearview mirror.

"Mine too," Amari chimed in, moving his head beside Nathan, "It's just easier to take one car anyways."

Elijah rolled his eyes before pulling onto the road headed to one of our favorite spots on Boulevard Terrace, our favorite area to eat with our favorite restaurant, Alaia's Kitchen.

"Yeah the parking there sucks, hasn't changed over the years either," Eli sucked his teeth.

I recalled the parking frustrations of the Terrace, we would usually find some cash to pay for valet if we could find street parking. I'm guessing this time wouldn't be any different.

The rest of the ride was silent except for Amari' phone ringing every other minute and Nathan humming to the music in the car. 15 minutes later we were outside of the restaurant. Eli handed his car over to the valet then we made our way inside the busy restaurant.

My phone vibrated in my bag as I pulled it out displaying a number from the police department. My breath slowed as I poke Eli's arm pointing towards the bathroom. He nodded stating he will wait here for me as the other two walked further into the restaurant.

My footsteps move faster as I answer the call entering the one person restroom. Locking the door I put the phone up to my ear.

"Samara Huxton, we have called to inform you that Jackson Hayze has not been found so the papers were not served. I will speak with the courts but more likely than not the case will be done without him. Until then I would suggest hiring an attorney and work on getting a PI...."

The words jumbled into my brain as I heard loud and clear all that mattered. They weren't able to find Jackson, he disappeared. My anxiety spiked, he could be anywhere for all I know. He could be in this city trying to get me.

I mumbled a quick thank you before hanging up.

"Fuck!" My mouth let out the shout as I rub a hand down my face, stuffing my phone into my bag.

This is not good. I thought if he just received the papers and realized that the relationship we once had was over he would back off, I would be able to get my life back. Clearly that wasn't the case/ Everything was just becoming too much and too many secrets were piling up that I couldn't keep locked away forever.

I slightly opened the faucet, flicking the cool water onto my face before patting it dry. For now I would act as though everything is okay, because it would be. It had to be. My body moved out of the bathroom towards our usual table when Eli grabbed my bicep, shaking his head.

My face turned in confusion as we walked over to the back room. My brother walked in first and as I came in behind him my body jump at the loud,

"SURPRISE!"

I clutched my chest looking over the room. Arsenio, his siblings, Janette, Noel, my brothers, and Jordyn all standing around the large table with wide smiles on their faces. Confusion must have been written all over my face as Cristian laughed before pointing towards the cake in the middle of all the covered food on the table.

Welcome Back Samara!

My lips lifted up as I felt tears coming to my eyes. Oh gosh, these hormones. I dabbed my knuckle to the corner of my eyes as I walked closer to Elijah hitting his arm.

"I know you did this."

"What can I say?" His lips pulled into a wide grin as he pushed me towards the group.

***

The last 30 minutes had been filled with nothing but laughter as we shared stories, memories, and made unofficial official vacation plans. As I looked around the table I couldn't have been more thankful to have a family such as this. So loving, supportive, and there for one another. It made a twist in my heart, an icky feeling in my gut that I knew would only be resolved one way.

Everyone was finish eating aside from Nathan still picking at the finger foods. My coat had stayed in since sitting down and somehow I just knew. A feeling of calmness flowed over me as I stood clearing my throat.

Everyone looked up silently awaiting what I was going to say. I swallowed harshly looking at Elijah then Arsenio who seemed to understand what was going to happen.

"I just want to thank you guys for coming. Not only that for being the best family I could ever ask for, blood and not. With that being said, I have something I want to share with you."

I begin unbuttoning the coat slowly before pulling it open and standing to the side, "There's another addition to the family coming soon."

***

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