Everyone in the room is staring at me. I’m at a loss for words. I could point out that I thought Monica was going to quit prior to this point, but I don’t think that would make things better.

“Monica,” Denise says gently. I don’t think she’s ever talked to me that nicely in all the time I’ve known her. “I am so sorry about what Abigail did to you. If there’s anything the company could do—”

“It was my idea,” Monica says suddenly.

Sonia blinks a few times, taken aback. “What?”

“It was my idea to be a surrogate for Abby,” Monica says. She crosses her legs slowly, adjusting the weight of her belly. “I felt terrible for her after everything she went through, so I offered to help her out. She didn’t ask me. I mean, you know she’s been trying to have a baby for a long time…”

“It still wasn’t appropriate,” Denise snaps, her eyes flashing.

“I had an attorney look over the contracts,” Monica says. “We have a very fair arrangement. Like I said, it was my idea. I wanted to do it. Abby in no way coerced me. She shouldn’t be punished for something that was my idea.”

Sonia and Denise are exchanging looks, but I don’t know what that means. However, I’m beginning to have a tiny shred of hope that I might not lose my job today.

“Monica,” Sonia says carefully, “you don’t need to defend her.”

“I’m only telling the truth.” She sticks up her chin. “If you’re going to fire someone today, then I’ll be the one to leave.”

Wow. I did not expect that.

“Nobody is going to be fired today,” Sonia says hastily, although Denise shoots her a look. It’s clear Denise would like nothing better than to say goodbye to me forever. And keep Monica instead.

Sometimes I worry Sam feels the same way.

“I’m so sorry about all of this,” I say. “Honestly, I didn’t mean to involve the company in our arrangement.”

“Didn’t mean to involve the company!” Denise bursts out. “How could you possibly think that—”

Sonia holds up her hand. “If Monica insists the arrangement was made fairly and is willing to sign paperwork to that effect, I think it would be in our best interest not to pursue it further. Monica, are you comfortable signing some documents for me?”

She rests a hand protectively on her belly. “Of course.”

Denise is glaring at me like she wants to reach out and strangle me with her bare hands. This probably isn’t the best time to discuss my upcoming maternity leave.

Chapter 22

“So it sounds like Monica saved the day then.”