The Test of Time

95 ~ Month Thirty: May

It's been a long day, Eric constantly in my ear about how one of my staff isn't competent enough to make the trip to Chicago.

They literally have to jump on a plane and deliver some swatches of fabric and paperwork to a client's house. A monkey could do it.

I don't know why the package can't just be posted, but hey, apparently that's not the Tommy Ross way.

I know what Eric is after, he wants me to go instead but I'm not doing it. I don't even like this damn job, I'm hardly going to drop everything and fly across the country for no good reason. If Jenny wants to go, to 'see the beautiful sights of the windiest city' then she can be my guest.

I've only got half an hour left until the end of the working week and then I can go home and stuff my face with junk food until Monday, all the while somehow figuring out how I'm going to tell Eric that I'm pregnant.

Maybe I'll just quit.

I wish! No-one will hire a pregnant lady who's due for maternity leave in five months, it's hardly a good investment. I'll just have to put off finding my dream career for a bit longer.

Attempting to focus on my laptop screen I attempt to decipher what Tommy has said in his monthly email that he sends to the company on the upcoming fashion.

"Savannah?" My head shoots up at the sound of my name, eyes falling onto the tall, statuesque Mrs Winters as she hovers in the entrance to my office.

"Olivia!" I exclaim, eyes widening as I stand up. She's here? At my place of work? Why?

"Please sit!" She smiles, waving her hand at me, "I hope you don't mind that I just turned up!" She walks over, gracefully sitting down in the seat opposite.

"Not at all!" I return her smile, "How are you?"

"I'm very well thank you." She replies, "Just thought I'd check on you, I know that pregnancy can be a hard time."

"It is." I agree, sitting back in my chair slightly.

"I found it hard both times, it's always nice to have someone to talk to." Olivia says, "I remember George never understood, always telling me to stop whining."

"Oh! Brett has been very caring." I assure her and her smile widens at the mention of her son.

"I'm glad." She grins, "He's a real gentleman. It's a testament to you."

"Me? You're his Mother!" I exclaim, sitting forward.

"Oh Savannah, that means nothing." She shakes her head, "You were the girl who turned him into a decent man." She declares, "I cannot claim credit for that."

"You have tried your hardest the last few years."

"It's not enough. I can never wipe out the years of neglect." She scoffs.

"I'm sure Brett's thankful for the effort you make now." I assure her and she smiles.

"You are too kind Savannah." She replies just as Eric walks past my office, halting as he takes in the sight of company in my office, immediately retracing his steps.

"Savannah, now is not the time for guests!" Eric snaps before Olivia whirls around to face him, "Olivia Winters!" He exclaims, clearly shocked, his eyes just about ready to fall out. "I'm sorry, I had no idea!"

"Do you talk to all your staff that way?" Olivia immediately retorts, her voice firm.

"I..." Eric stutters, "Of course not."

"Good." She nods at him, "I have a right mind to call in some favors with Tommy after how you just spoke to Savannah."

"I'm sorry Ma'am..."