CH 108

The afternoon shift this week meant I could sleep in a little as I stepped into my apartment elevator. I pressed the button for the lobby floor and leaned against the mirrored wall, phone pressed to my ear.

“You were saying?” Mateo’s deep voice rumbled through the line, warm and patient.

I rubbed my temple, trying to shake off the last traces of laziness. “I was thinking about getting a doctor’s note to stop working earlier, or maybe an Aufhebungsvertrag — you know, the mutual termination thing. According to the law here, if I just resign it takes three to four weeks notice. I don’t want to drag it out.”

There was a short pause on his end. I could almost picture him frowning, running a hand through his hair the way he did when he felt guilty.

“Baby… I’m sorry,” he said, voice softening. “How did I not think about this sooner? I should’ve asked you about work the moment you told me about the pregnancy.”

“It’s okay,” I replied quickly, shifting my weight from one foot to the other as the elevator dinged and the doors slid open. “Really. We’ve both had a lot going on.”

“I told you about the Christmas visit so late,” he continued, sounding genuinely regretful. “Do you think Lukas could help fast-track the paperwork? He still has connections here.”

I hesitated, stepping out of the elevator and walking toward the exit. My fingers tightened around the phone. “I… I don't think it will work. We had a little  argument yesterday and...and... besides, I was too busy planning everything for Olga, and I knew if I brought it up I would’ve pissed him off even more. He would’ve tried to make sure I don’t leave at all.”

Mateo went quiet for a moment, thinking. Then he let out a low hum. “Your pregnancy can actually help. The law says pregnant women shouldn’t be near certain fluids or sharp objects in certain environments. We can use that angle.”

How come I didn't know?

I stopped just outside the doors, a small smile tugging at my lips. “You’re so smart. That’s why I love you.”

Mateo laughed. “I just googled it, baby. Don’t give me too much credit.”

I laughed too. I spotted Jake already waiting by the car. He opened the back door with his usual quietness. I slid inside, still smiling.

As Jake pulled away from the curb, I stared at the back of his head for a second, then sighed. 

Mateo’s chuckle was soft "Don’t worry so much, okay? I don’t want to start crying again like yesterday.”

"I’m not worrying. Much. I cried?” I snapped immediately.

I glared at Jake through the rearview mirror. He kept his eyes on the road, but I caught the tiniest twitch at the corner of his mouth.

“You’re such a snitch,” I muttered, half-joking, half-serious.

Mateo laughed again. “Jake’s a nice snitch. He has a heart of gold — that’s exactly why I sent him. He’ll look after you when I can’t.”

We talked for a few more minutes — light things, stupid things, the kind of conversation that made the distance between us feel smaller. By the time we ended the call, I felt a little steadier.

Jake pulled up in front of the hospital. I thanked him quietly and stepped out, my mind already spinning with worries about how I was actually going to stop working or take leave without everything blowing up.

This should have been planned out!

The moment I walked through the automatic doors, someone slammed into me with a tight hug that nearly knocked the air out of my lungs. Olga. Her arms wrapped around me like she hadn’t seen me in weeks instead of hours, and just like that, my mood lifted.

I knew I needed this pretty lady.

We both grinned like idiots as we dragged ourselves toward the staff room to clock in. Olga couldn’t stop smiling — her whole face was glowing, eyes bright and a little dreamy. Love.

“So… we were busy all yesterday,” she said, wiggling her eyebrows as we signed in. “We went to his parents’ house and… I didn’t do anything.”

I wiggled my brows right back at her. “Busy, huh?”

Olga blushed hard, biting her lip as she laughed. “Yeah, that’s what I said — we were ‘busy’. You know. He is… not patient at all.” She dissolved into giggles, covering her face with both hands.

I shook my head, grinning as we started walking out of the staff room. “You two are disgusting. In the best way.”

Olga bumped my shoulder. “What about Mateo? He went back already?”

I laughed, shaking my head. “No. That was just to keep you busy and distracted. Mateo isn't actually coming, I am heading to UK soon. Remember?"

Olga gasped, stopping dead in the hallway. Her eyes went wide, mouth forming a perfect ‘O’.

I kept walking, forcing her to catch up. “Jake had to keep you occupied too. That time you thought you were distracting him for me? He was actually distracting you while I sneaked out to plan everything.”

Olga’s jaw dropped. She stared at me for two full seconds before bursting into loud laughter, doubling over slightly and clutching her stomach. “Oh my God! You are unbelievable!” She pointed at me, still laughing. “And the cat? The questions about rings and family? You were interrogating me for the surprise! What… girl…”

I beamed with pride, shrugging innocently. “Joshua was in on it the whole time.”

Without warning, Olga pulled me into another crushing hug, this one tighter than the first. I felt her shoulders shake as she started crying happy tears against my shoulder. “Thank you,” she whispered, voice thick. “Thank you so much.”

I gently moved her back, frowning at her with mock seriousness while wiping a stray tear from her cheek. “No chick-lit moment right now. That beautiful nose is going to be all red before we even start work. Save the waterworks for later.”

We both laughed, the sound echoing down the corridor like idiots.

Dew walked by just then, teal scrubs bright as ever. He slowed, looking between Olga and me with a confused frown before zeroing in on me.

“You didn’t tell me about your hot guy,” he said, tilting his head.

I blinked, confused. “What hot guy?”

“Jake. The guy outside.” Dew gestured vaguely toward the entrance. “Remember two weeks ago I told you about this hot gay guy who was just too…?” He made a dramatic chef’s kiss motion.

I nodded slowly. “Yeah, I remember.”

“It’s him,” Dew said, eyes wide. “He just vanished and now he’s back when I already have someone. Do I need to break up so I can be with him?”

I burst out laughing. Olga nudged Dew with her elbow. “Maybe ask the hot guy first, Dew. Communication is key.”

Dew was about to reply when his gaze dropped to Olga’s hand. His eyes widened like saucers. “You are engaged?!”

Olga turned beet red. “Shhh! Keep it down—”

But Dew was already shouting, voice echoing through the hallway. “Olga is engaged! Our Olga is getting married!”

Olga slapped a hand over his mouth and started dragging him away, muttering curses while trying not to laugh. I just shook my head, smiling as I watched them disappear around the corner.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. I hadn’t even put it away after the call with Mateo. I pulled it out and answered without looking.

“Hello, love,” Mateo started, his tone light but carrying that familiar edge. “So I called Lukas and—”

“You what?!” I stopped walking, eyes widening.