When I got home from Joe’s and checked my phone, only to realize that Sam hadn’t bothered to call me all day, I was extremely disappointed. I considered calling him, but decided that it was best to have this conversation in person. I would have the day off tomorrow, so I decided to pay Sam a visit at his office. The thought of going there made me a little jittery, so I jotted the words “You can do this” on a lime green Post-It note and slapped it on my bathroom mirror before sliding under the covers of my bed.

I took a deep calming breath and discovered that I could still smell Sam on my sheets and pillow. His scent was glorious. I turned my face into the pillow to drink it in, craving some sort of connection with him. Realizing how obsessed I had become, I shook my head and rolled my eyes at myself.

I would need all of my strength tomorrow to face Sam and resist him long enough to talk him out of forcing Joe out of business. I tried to sleep, but my mind was just too active. Speaking of active, Peanut seemed to like doing somersaults in my tummy lately, especially any time I tried to rest. I gave my belly a pat and rub, trying to reassure my little one.

It was a long, restless night, so I got up early and donned a pretty, hot pink maxi dress. Most of my other clothes were starting to become tight, so I made a mental note to talk to Court about going shopping for maternity clothes. She would love that.

I made myself some hot tea and a slice of peanut butter toast, smiling as I remembered what had ensued in my bedroom the last time I had this combination. I ate my breakfast in the computer room while I looked up and printed out the Google Map directions from my house to Davis Industries. Their office was located in the city, but it looked to be only about a 40-minute drive. I considered calling to let him know I was on my way, but decided it was best to have the element of surprise on my side.

I despised city driving, but I managed to only be on the receiving end of one honk and rude gesture before I made it to a parking garage near the address I had for Sam’s office building. I scored a “compact car” parking space on the first level of the garage. My beat-up, little car might not be much to look at, but it definitely came in handy sometimes.

“No time like the present.” I said the words aloud to myself before taking a deep breath and hoisting myself out of the driver’s seat. My expanding belly was starting to make things that I used to take for granted, like getting out of a car, a little more difficult.