Italian Obsession

Chapter 13

Valentina

*** The next morning: When I got to work, I did everything I could to avoid Danny, but it was pretty hard when I had to see him walk past my desk several times throughout the day.

"Are you okay? You've been quiet."

I looked at Micah and nodded. "I am trying to be okay."

"You are strong, Valentina. Just know that."

"I wish I could believe that."

"Regardless of what happens between you guys, you are strong, and you have other people who will get you through this. Okay?"

"I know."

"Valentina, can I have a word with you for a moment?"

I looked at Danny and shook my head. "Not out here."

"Come to my office. It will only take a few minutes."

"Fine."

I followed him to his office and sat on a chair. "What do you want?"

"I want you, Valentina. You have no idea."

"Why?"

"Because I can't stand the thought of seeing you raise my child once he or she arrives."

"We made a mistake, and I am paying the price for it."

"I don't want it to be just you, I want it to be us instead."

"I wish I could believe that."

"Valentina, I seriously want to be a part of your life."

"So, what, you're just going to toss my sister out like trash, although I couldn't care less if you did that."

He chuckled. "I know it sounds easy, but I would do absolutely anything to be a part of your life, baby."

"Don't call me that."

"I am serious. You're the mother of my child and I can't just ditch you."

"Okay, if you want to do that, you need to prove it."

"How so?"

Shrugging, I stood up and opened the door. "You have nine months to figure that out, I am sure you'll think of something."

After I clocked out at 5, I drove home, wondering if Danny would be able to actually prove to me that he would actually follow through with his promise.

"How was your day?"

"It was alright."

"Did you break the news to Danny?"

"Yeah."

"And?"

"He was angry when I told him originally, but he claimed that he wanted to be a part of our child's life."

"How does he expect to do that?"

"I don't know but I told him he has nine months to figure it out."

"What are you going to do if Natalia finds out that he is the father?"

"I don't know, but he's a big boy. He can figure it out."

"Oh, I forgot that Natalia has asked for us to go to their house for dinner."

"What?"

"I don't know how, but she found out."

"Did you tell her?"

"I would never! I can't believe you just accused me of doing that."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. Does she know that the baby is Danny's?"

"No."

"But you still said yes?"

"Val, I am sorry. She is persistent."

"It's whatever, but I have to make a quick phone call before we leave."

"Sure."

I went to my room and called Nico. "Hey, what's up?"

"Look, I need you to help with something."

"Anything."

"Is there any way that you could meet up with me?"

"Now?"

"Yeah."

"I am at my buddy's house, but I can head out. I'll be there in fifteen minutes, is that okay?"

"Yeah."

"See you soon."

*** Fifteen minutes later: I heard the door open and Nico's voice. "Where's Valentina?"

"Upstairs."

I heard footsteps and saw Nico enter my room. "What's up?"

"Look, I don't expect you to say yes but... I need your help."

"What is it?"

"I know we didn't sleep together or anything, but my sister found out that I am pregnant, and I need you to come with me to their house."

"Why?"

"I need you to pretend that you're the father."

"What else?"

"That we're together."

"So, you just want me to make shit up about us?"

"Just for now, Nico. Please, I need you to do this."

"What do I get out of this?"

"We will figure that out later, but this is important."

"I don't know, Valentina."

"Nico, please. I am begging you."

Nico took a deep breath and nodded. "Alright, fine. I'll do it."

"Thank you so much."

"But you are going to pay the favor."

"How?"

Nico shrugged. "That's up to you."

I was beyond relieved, now that I had a backup plan although I hated lying, but I had no choice in the matter. If Natalia found out the truth, things would only go from bad to worse.