After a while, he murmured, âThat was probably your mom, coming to check up on you.
So only you can see her.
â
Melissa had grown independent.
Though she rarely leaned on Marcus, now she felt Like a kid seeking comfort in his arms.
Her voice held a hint of innocence.
âReally?â
âYep.
She pops by to see her kid living the good life, married to a solid guy,â Marcus assured.
Melissa wrinkled her nose but smiled.
âYouâve got some nerve saying that.
â
âWhy wouldnât I? You were feeling great with me in the apartment earlier, werenât you?â
Blushing, Melissa didnât argue.
They sat quietly for a bit.
Elsie seemed to sense Melissaâs mood and brought her a glass of cranberry juice.
âMrs.
Fowler, try this.
â
Not wanting to disappoint Elsie, Melissa took it.
The scent appealed to her.
She took a sip but the taste made her stomach churn.
Rushing to the bathroom, she retched.
She retched for a long time.
Marcus followed.
âLetâs get you to the hospital.
You mightâve caught something.
â
Melissa knew her body well.
She shook her head.
Maybe sheâ¦
Behind them, Elsie stuttered, âIs Mrs.
Fowler⦠expecting?â
Elsie smiled softly.
âs BunnyBookery
Melissa tensed up a bit while Marcus tilted his head, giving her an intriguing look.
Elsie, accustomed to Albert and Jessieâs flirtations while she was still working for them, read the room and exited the spacious washroom silently, leaving the couple alone.
Suddenly, the air between them shifted.
During Melissaâs first pregnancy, Marcus had been absent and was unfamiliar with the whole ordeal.
With a touch of concern, he inquired, âHow are you feeling now?
Still sick?â
Melissa placed a hand over her chest, shaking her head.
âIâm fine.
Just feeling a bit off,â she said.
There was a brief silence before she added, âRelax, I might not be pregnant.
Maybe itâs just something I ate.
â
It seemed Melissaâs sudden yearning for Marcusâ presence was spurred by an emotional impulse.