The Contract

"So, he calls me yesterday telling me how his life has fallen apart," Kourtney told Bethany. "How he didn’t get the job at Washington, and all that crap."

Bethany rolled her eyes. "Ken is such a jerk. The nerve of that guy."

I flipped to the next page of the book in my hand, barely listening.

"So, what do you think?" Bethany asked, leaning forward.

"You all did great," I replied, glancing up. "The gold and black really set the tone for the event."

Kourtney nodded. "I have to agree, it did."

She placed the photocopied file on my desk, and Bethany tilted her head. "So, what's going on?"

I looked up, confused. "What's going on?"

"She's asking about your marriage life," Kourtney supplied with a smirk.

Bethany leaned in, grinning. "We were hoping to get some tea from you since you’re the first to get married in the squad."

I chuckled softly. "I’ve got no tea," I said, organizing the clutter on my desk.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

"Come in!" Bethany called, and Layla stepped in with a phone in her hand.

"Mrs. Vega, you have got a call from Caesar," she said, and we all looked up.

Moments later.

"Oh my gosh!" The girls squealed and jumped up in excitement. "We’re not sure yet, girls," I said, trying to rein in the excitement.

Bethany practically bounced in her seat. "We are going to host the Stellar Awards!"

"Not host, but plan," I corrected, signing a few documents.

Bethany pouted. "Why aren’t you excited?"

I glanced up at her, my face unreadable. "They’re still considering Paradise. After the meeting tomorrow, we’ll know for sure." I shut the book I’d been flipping through and glanced at the time—past 6 pm.

Closing the file, I turned off my laptop. "Let’s wrap it up here. I’m leaving. Schedule the meeting for tomorrow at 12," I instructed Kourtney as I grabbed my coat and bag.

I opened the door, and Jeffrey followed me out. It was Tuesday, and I was dressed in a white skirt, a black top, and a matching jacket.

"Hey," I glanced back at Kourtney.

"Yeah?"

"Are you okay?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

I paused, considering her question before answering. "I’m good."

With that, I stepped into the car, and Jeffrey shut the door behind me.

The drive was quiet, and I let out a deep sigh. It wasn’t that I wasn’t happy about the new deal—if we landed the contract, it would be great, but things had been off since I arrived yesterday.

First, I get threatened by that asshole, then harassed by that man-whore. Travis stayed back in Washington, and I’ve only seen him on the news. I shut the magazine I was flipping through and leaned back in the seat.

My phone buzzed in my bag. I sighed, pulling it out. Bella was calling.

I answered, surprised. "Where are you?"

"Where should I be?" I replied, confused.

"Natalia just got admitted to the hospital," Bella said quickly, her voice tense.

I felt a knot form in my stomach. "So?"

"She’s in labor. Everyone’s here. You should be too. I’ll send you the location!" Bella ended the call before I could respond.

I stared at my phone for a moment, still processing. High time she gave birth to that child!

I looked at the text with the location and sighed, sinking back into the seat. "Change of location. St. Reagents," I told Jeffrey, and he swerved the car.

We arrived at the hospital by 6:40 pm. I walked down the hall, and as I did, everyone turned toward me. Tim was squatting by the door, Aunt Regina pacing back and forth, while my mom sat next to Bella and some of Tim's relatives.

"Good evening, everyone," I greeted, walking toward Aunt Lucy.

"How’s she doing?" I asked, my voice low.

Aunt Lucy glanced up. "She’s been in labor for about an hour now. They just went into the ICU."

I looked around at the worried faces. "Why are they acting like we’re mourning?" I whispered.

"I was literally in the shower when I got called," Aunt Lucy muttered. "For some reason, they think I’m needed here."

I sighed. "Let me go talk to them."

I walked up to Aunt Regina. "She’s going to be fine, Aunt Reggie." I rubbed her shoulders lightly, and she looked up at me, her eyes red.

"Oh, Pearl," she whispered, and I smiled warmly at her.

"I’ve known Natalia to be really strong. It’s going to be good news," I reassured her, and she nodded with a smile.

I then moved to my mom’s side. "Good evening, mom."

She didn’t look up immediately. "How’s Travis?" was the first thing she asked.

"He sends his regards."

"I saw the news. Congratulations to you both," Bella said, her voice soft. I nodded, but before I could say anything else, the door opened, and we all stood up.

The doctor stepped out, a calm expression on his face. "Family of Mrs. Cooper?"

"Yes!" everyone rushed forward, eager to hear the news. The doctor smiled. "Congratulations, Mr. Cooper. It’s a girl!"

______________________________________

I walked into the ward, and the whole family was gathered around. Tim had the baby in his arms while Natalia was surrounded by relatives.

I walked over to him and peeked at the baby, who was small, sound asleep. "She’s beautiful. Congratulations, Tim."

Tim looked up, a proud smile on his face. "Thank you, Pearl."

I stared at the little girl, amazed at how fragile she looked. Something so small could bring so much happiness.

"And I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to the wedding," Tim added, his voice quieter.

"Forget about that," I said with a small smile. "Can I hold my grandchild?" Aunt Regina asked, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Tim chuckled and gently handed the baby over to her. Aunt Regina had a permanent smile on her face as she rocked the baby lightly in her arms.

I walked to Natalia’s side. "She’s really pretty. Congratulations again."

"I saw the papers. Congratulations to you and Travis," she said, her eyes still tired but filled with warmth.

I glanced back at Aunt Regina, who was forcing the baby into Aunt Lucy’s arms. I couldn’t help but chuckle.

"Thank you," Natalia murmured softly, and I smiled at her.

"Sure," I replied, turning to Aunt Lucy. "It’s late. I have to go home". Aunt Lucy rolled her eyes playfully. "Please, take this baby from me."

I laughed. "I wonder what they’re going to name her."

"Azalea," Natalia replied with a smile, and Tim placed a soft kiss on her head.

Aunt Lucy groaned at the choice of name. "So, you’re leaving?"

"Yeah, I have a busy day tomorrow," I said, heading toward the door.

"Goodnight then," she called after me.

My mom and the rest of the family were too caught up in the excitement to notice, so I slipped out and headed home.