Love & Secrets (Unedited)

Chapter Eight

Rosemary

   "When are you going to tell your family?" I ask Rome as we eat lunch together. Henry isn't here today, he asked for his week of vacation. Since things will be slow this week, Rome agreed we'd be able to handle it and if things pick up we'd figure it out. Rome bites into his sandwich, tiny crumbs falling onto the table. He shrugs not caring about what I asked.

  "They aren't too involved in my life. Yes I'll tell them before the public knows or they'll rip my head off." He rolls his eyes and I frown. "They won't care about your baby? The press always go on and on about y'all being so family oriented." That is what the press does, they assume but I thought they'd have some kind of reason for assuming that. "Exactly, the press. Can never believe what the press says. Rose, may I ask you... have you ever seen any family come in to visit me? Ask me how my art is going? How I'm doing?" He puts his sandwich on his napkin.

"Not that I know of. I don't really know how they look. When I met you I didn't even know it was you." I blush a bit and he gives a small smile. "Is it bad that I love how you didn't know who I was? It makes our night more special to me.. knowing you didn't sleep with me because of my money.. my name.." he trails off and looks down.

"We can head over tonight, tell them. I was invited for family dinner and wasn't going to go at first but with you being three months pregnant now and about to start showing we might as well." He says and starts to eat his sandwich again.

"Are you sure? I don't want you to feel like I'm forcing you to tell them. I was just curious of when." I offer a smile and he accepts it by smiling back. "No you're right to ask.. your belly won't be flat forever. I'm not going to hide you in public especially when we need to travel for work. I'm thinking we can announce it when you're a little bigger. That way it stays between us for a little longer. No press involved." His eyes hold hope and how can I say no?

"Of course, I honestly don't want our baby to be in the spotlight. I'd love to keep things more on the private side." I grab hold of his free hand and he grips mine with the same amount of energy.

"Also..." I pull my hand back and stand up. I walk over to his side of the table and he watches my every move. I open the sweater I wore all day and reveal my tiny baby bump I grew , I swear overnight. I watch his face as the muscle relax and a smile forms on his face. "My baby.." he says and hesitated to put his hand so I lay it on my belly for him. "When did you grow?" He asks not taking his hand off and I smile. "I noticed this morning when I put this tight shirt on. I wanted to tell you earlier when I came into work but you were with some visitors giving a tour of all the art. I didn't want them to see." He nods and finally takes his hand off my belly. "Maybe I am a bit excited to tell my family now that you're starting to show. I won't get my hopes up but I know I'm excited for our baby." He says and hugs me.

I was caught off guard but I hug back.

—

The rest of our work day goes by in a breeze. The day always goes quickly when we have groups of people coming in. This is light work for us. It's not super busy but it's just enough to keep us busy. While Rome was tending to the people, I was setting up a display for him to do a live painting tomorrow.

Now we are currently at his parent's doorstep waiting to be let in. "I will warn you, based off the past, they will ask loads of questions. Please don't be offended when they ask if the baby is mine. I will answer it for you. I trust you." He smiles and I nod. Now more nervous than ever. Rome knocks on the door and we wait a few seconds before someone opens it. The same girl who went to see him at his gallery opens the door. Ah, a sister.

"Hey brother. Why's your secretary here?" She asks, examining me from head to toe. I'm glad I changed after work so I fit in a little better here. Not that I would change who I am but I didn't want to be underdressed.