Her Chef (18+)

Chapter 12

As soon as the words exited my lips my mind began to race. Was this the smartest thing I could've done at this time? With Jackson going M.I.A, it was only a matter of time before he would find me and who knows what would happen then. But then again I cannot hide this pregnancy, the one thing I was in control of and the one thing I knew would start becoming much more difficult to conceal from my family.

Amari was the first out of his chair pulling me into a tight embrace with Nathan following along. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes being held in the arms of my older brothers.

Amari kissed the top of my head,"I can't believe my baby sister is having a baby."

"I can't believe we didn't notice," Nathan mumbles as they both pull back looking at the small bump.

I didn't know what to expect of their response but I was glad it was a reaction of love. Although both confused they didn't look at me any differently and I loved them even more for it.

"Well, I couldn't just walk in the house and say 'Hey, I'm back and side note, I'm pregnant," I teased and Nathan mushed the side of my head rolling his eyes.

"Alright smartass, you know what I meant."

Although Nathan joked about not noticing, Amari felt that feeling most of all. When talking with his sister when she first arrived, noting her discomfort as she moved about her room he didn't second guess anything. He may feel the regret of not noticing but he also knew this was the time she needed her family most.

Especially remembering her stating she's no longer with Jackson. He would have to ask her about that soon.

"Move aside!" Lucia barked, pushing aside Amari and pulling me into a hug, "I can't believe my best friend is having a baby. I'm so excited!"

And Lucia meant it. Even though they've had a strained relationship over the years, it didn't make her any less happy or excited for her friend. She was a bit concerned, how she would be able to make things work with this new addition and the complications with the child's father. But she would put it in the back of her mind.

To be there for her friend.

"I still can't believe it either," I replied as Lucia pulled back, placing her palm on the small bump.

"How are you feeling?"

*Arsenio POV*

As the family rose from the table, surrounding her with words of love and congratulations, I sat back observing. Elijah took a gulp of his beer, sitting beside me watching them as well. He sat the glass back down before glancing over and elbowing me.

"What?"

"This is supposed to be a good thing, we no longer have to keep it a secret from them," Elijah folded his hands behind his head leaning back, "Why do you look so upset?"

"I'm not upset..." I crossed my arms watching her wide smile as she held Noel speaking animatedly with Janette and Luciano, "Over the last month we've gotten to a good place. And with the two of us only knowing, I don't know I guess that has gotten me closer with her. I just don't want to ruin it."

Over the past month Arsenio honored her concerns. He jumped back into work, pulling back from his days off and continued running his restaurant. Restaurant week was arriving soon which meant many meals to prepare and ingredients to order so as to not run out. When he was not in preparation, he was spending time with Samara, getting to know who she is now and falling more in love with her.

"I don't think everybody knowing will ruin anything, that's something only you can do," Eli hands drop turning in his seat facing Arsenio, "I know you like my sister, but she's going through some real shit right now. She needs a friend more than anything, don't cross that line."

Arsenio didn't respond to Elijah's warning knowing he was right. As much as they helped Samara and were there for her, she hid her feelings inside. She hid a lot inside and it was only a matter of time everything would be released. So as much as he loved her and wanted to be with her after waiting for so long, he agreed.

Everyone made their way back to their seats besides Amari and Luciano who fought over paying the bill next to the nervous waiter. Samara caught my eye, mouthing she would take the ride back with me to which I nodded immediately. I wanted to know where her head was, how she was feeling. I wanted to know it all.

***

The ride back to her job was a short one and a quiet one. I figured she may want to talk but maybe I was wrong. I pulled into the parking lot, parking my car as close to the entrance as I can leaving the engine running. Samara looked at the door to the building entrance then right onto the time blaring on the clock in the car.

"I just couldn't keep it a secret any longer..." She finally let out untying her large coat and placing her hand on the bump, "It's becoming too difficult to hide and I don't want to continue feeling like I need to hide it."

"Samara it's okay, I understand."

"I think... it's time i've told my parents," She played with her fingers, "Most of our family knows and It's time i've told them the truth."

"I'll be right by your side through it," I stated firmly looking over at her.

"Thank you but this is something I need to do alone."

I nodded watching as she opened her mouth looking to say more but closed it instead.

"Thank you for the drive," she let out a forced smile opening the door, "I'll text you. Love you."

"Love you more," I whispered out as she shut the door and me out.

What just happened?

As I watched her walk into the building a call came through into the car from Lucia. Letting out a large sigh, I pull out of the parking lot answering the call on the car screen.

"Hello?"

"You knew and you didn't tell me!" She screeched through the car audio causing me to muffle a laugh.

"You know the point of a secret is keeping it between two people."

"Oh, now we keep secrets from our sister! I can't believe this!"

I let out a chuckle driving towards the restaurant, "In all seriousness though, it was hers to tell."

"It is hers to tell yet you see what we all see, she is hurting alone. She is going through so much outside of having a baby, I can see it in her face."

"Yeah well, I can only help or do so much. I know there's something going on with Jackson but I can't help unless she wants me to. Or at least she asks for it."

"I love this about you Nio, really, but she will never ask... I will take matters into my own hands."

"Don't do anything stupid Lucia."

"I won't, I'm just going to find some more information on Jackson Hayze, secretly."

"If she finds out-."

"She won't and it's only to help her. Now I'll talk to you later, love you."

"Love you too."

Hanging up, I instantly pull into my assigned parking behind the restaurant wiping my hand down my face. Maybe I should begin taking Elijah's advice and just be her friend. Give her some room away from me for a while. I don't want to pressure her on anything yet not knowing is making me anxious.

And the way her mood changed in the car, it made me curious as well. Pulling out my phone, I quickly text Lucia.

"Text me everything once you find out."

***

Im so sorry it's been a while since the last chapter, it's been a rough 7 months but inspiration is coming back slowly but surely. How did you like chapter 12?

What do you think is Samara going through? What do you think Lucia will find?

What do you think will happen next, comment below!

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