Unveiled - [H.S]

03

November 17, 2023
Ten weeks pregnant...

"I'm pregnant," I admit, looking at Rhory, guilt etched in my eyes. Rather than being shocked, she looks at me blankly. Not knowing what she's thinking is making me nervous.

As we sit on the couch, I tuck my hair behind my ears, and my chest heaves up as I take a deep breath.

"I know. I've known since last week," She replies.

My eyebrows draw together and I purse my lips in astonishment. "What do you mean you've known since last week?"

"I saw the pregnancy box in the trash. I didn't know for sure, but I had a feeling you were after you started acting suspicious." She shrugs nonchalantly. "So, who's the dad?" Rhory leans closer to me in anticipation.

I guess since she'll find out sooner or later, it doesn't hurt to tell her now.

"If I tell you, you have to promise not to tell anyone," I warn, pointing at her as though I was scolding her.

She zips her lips shut and gestures throwing a key across the room.

"He's a former client of mine," I mumble.

Rhory gasps dramatically. "Marley Elizabeth Tate, please tell me you didn't have an affair with a married or at least a to-be married man."

I shake my head almost immediately. "No, absolutely not."

Rhory releases a breath of relief. "Whew. You had me worried there." She places her hand over her heart as if to come down from a sudden panic.

"His name is Harry. He was getting married but his fiancée left him," I start. "A couple of months ago, I was supposed to meet up with them to discuss wedding things, but when I got there Harry was upset. Before I knew it, one thing led to another and here we are."

Rhory is slackjawed. "So, you ended up pregnant after being a rebound? Scandalous, Marley."

"It's not scandalous, Rhory. It was a stupid mistake, and completely unprofessional of me. If anyone finds out, my career would be ruined." I huff.

"Good thing your secret is safe with me. I promise I won't tell a soul." She extends her pinky and I hook it in my own.

I smile.

"So, when do I get to meet this Harry?" She asks.

"How about... never?" I say. I toss off the cotton blanket wrapped around my legs and stand up from the couch. All of this pregnancy talk has gotten me hungry, so I reach down onto the den's coffee table and grab my empty glass.