The First Time I Saw You

Chapter 20

"Sir...?" Claire had to call out again after a minute of silence. She was on the phone with her boss, whom she had just informed she was in her first trimester of pregnancy. She was just trying to be professional and inform him. Claire was positive she wouldn't let her condition get in the way of her work, but it was the right thing to do.

Masrani had scheduled to visit the island in a couple of weeks, and even if she could have waited and done this in person, Claire figured over the phone would be easier, giving him two weeks to process the news — his low enthusiasm for her relationship was her main thought.

"It's Owen Grady's isn't it?" Simon wondered bitterly.

"There are a few things I'd like to run by you about the facilities and accommodations Jurassic World offers to pregnant employees, if I may?" Claire changed the subject.

Now that she was pregnant and her needs were slowly changing, she had realized that the benefits the park offered to pregnant women were few to none, starting with the health clinic that didn't have any of the equipment necessary for the constant check-ups and ultrasounds, not to mention a proper maternity ward.

For the past week, Claire had sat with the head of Human Resources to study the population of the island and how many of her employees could potentially become mothers at some point — including the current ones.

Claire had learned that the lack of a clinic and an on-site OB-GYN forced moms to take the ferry to the mainland for their appointments, and spend the last couple of weeks of their pregnancy there to get ready for labor.

Simon sighed. "You may, Claire."

"Little Man Cave Daycare is a success," she started. "Parents are very grateful for the program, and now that their kids have access to high level and free education on the island, the lates and absentees have decreased by 80%." She started.

None of that was under her command: there were managers that reported that kind of data, but now that it was of her personal interest, Claire had gone above and beyond to learn about the statistics to use to her advantage and push for a proper clinic that women in general could use.

"But every one of those moms missed work days when they had to travel out of the island for their bi-weekly checkup or whenever they were needed, not to mention the leave they are granted before birth so they can have access to a suitable hospital." Claire explained. "So it occurred to me that in order to avoid the inconvenience and to reduce the absentees in our staff, our health center should be properly equipped with both tools and personnel...not only for pregnant employees, but for the female population on the island in general."

"You want me to build you a hospital where you can deliver that man's child?" Simon scoffed.

"This wouldn't be just for my benefit..." Claire frowned.

"Okay."

"Mr. Masrani?" Claire smiled over the phone, trying to make sure she was understanding correctly and he had agreed to add women's health care to the program.

"We may go into details during my visit." He agreed.

"Thank you sir!" She was grateful. "I'll schedule an appointment so we can meet with the manager and set this new project up."

"We have a lot to discuss." He offered, evidently not thrilled about Claire's news.

Claire nodded and released a sigh, "Alright sir."

"Very well." He added dryly before hanging up. Claire twirled the diamond ring around her finger and smiled to herself.

The redhead unlocked her laptop's screen: the first thing up was a bridal shop she had been browsing and daydreaming about before her call with the CEO. She nibbled on her nails, and after giving it a thought, she clicked on the section for pregnant brides.