My Bad Boy Boss's Secret Baby

I was struck silent with rage. I’d always know Dad bought into some real bullshit, which only stood to reason considering some of grandpa’s attitudes, but actually hearing him say it out loud finally brought home what a controlling, manipulative, sexist jackass he really was.

“Bullshit.”

“Wh-what did you just say to me, young lady?”

“And you can drop the patronizing tone and nicknames too. It might have escaped your notice, but I am a legal adult. Despite what the voices in your head might tell you, you actually have no control over me at all if I say you don’t. I like to work. I like fixing things and making them work, and getting my hands dirty. I’m a laborer at heart, you heartless corporate drone, and I will never be like you or what you want me to be. I had a real chance at love, and you’ve ruined it for me. So you can get the hell out of my life.”

“Listen here, you ungrateful little brat, I’ll cut you out of my will if you don't do what I say. It is part of the price of inheritance. You will go to Arthur and beg his forgiveness and hope he’ll still marry you. Because if he doesn’t, you will never see one more cent.”

“Earl,” I said, unable to hold in my rage any longer, “go eat your fucking hat!”

It was almost comical. Dad’s eyes bulged to the approximate size of ping-pong balls, as his face turned a shade of red to match his garish pocket square. It seemed as though all his breath came out at once in one big whoosh. Both hands flying up to hold his chest as he fell back onto a nearby chair like an old-fashioned movie vampire in reverse. I should have been worried. I should have tried to help, but I was too busy picking up my bag and marching right back to my bedroom to put everything right back where it was. Where it belonged. All to Auntie Blair’s raucous applause.Chapter Twenty-Four - NinaIt smelled good. It smelled right. It smelled like victory. Auntie Blair was almost dancing as she made a full Texas breakfast. Something I hadn’t had in a very long time. Good, solid, simple, high-energy food for working people. It also smelled so great it made my tummy rumble in anticipation. I rubbed it gently, trying to calm the beast. It was then, of course, that it all came flooding back. The discovery, followed by the lovely sex. The interruption of my dad and what happened there. Everything I thought I would have or would be, both before and after I’d met Chad falling apart in a few hours.

“Hey, it’s okay, honey, just breathe,” Auntie Blair said, putting the skillet on the back burner to come over and stroke my back as I hyperventilated.

“Wh-what am I going to d-do?”

“Well, first things first. The most pressing issue is the little life growing inside you.”

“Yeah,” I said, nodding.

“If you don’t want to, you don’t have to tell Chad—”

“No,” I blurted before I could stop myself.

“Okay.”

“Sorry, but no, I can’t do that. This baby is Chad’s too. If nothing else, it will be a part of him to carry with me.”

“That makes sense,” Auntie Blair agreed, “though let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”

“What can I do?” I asked.

“I’ll tell you what you can do. You can eat a good, hearty breakfast and then go to work. When you’re there, you can explain things to him. Tell the truth and hope he is as wonderful as he seems. For what it’s worth, I think he’s perfect for you.”

Tears swelled in my eyed. “It’s worth a lot, thanks.”

“No problem, honey,” she said, giving me a squeeze. “Now, let’s get some food in ya, yeah? You must be famished.”

My belly full of good food and my heart full of honest love, I followed Auntie Blair out to the pumpkin Bug, hoping it would be as easy as she made it sound. I wouldn’t blame Chad if he was still mad. My dad could have that effect on people. It probably wouldn't help that I’d left with him… at least initially. I was just so scared that Chad might get hurt. Dad was always armed and could get so unreasonable when he was angry, especially if he thought he was right and particularly if he wasn’t. I could feel cramps clamp inside as we got close to the garage.

“It’s okay, baby,” Auntie Blair said, stroking my back, “just be honest, and you’ll do fine, okay?”

“Okay,” I said, calming myself down.

“Now get in there and fight for your man and your baby.”

Full of new confidence and vigor, I gave my aunt a kiss on the cheek and got out of the great pumpkin, marching off to meet my destiny.