40

Elaine

We walked into an open elevator at the end of the lobby, and rode up to the first floor. The ride was silent, safe for Max subtly biting my earlobe and tickling my side. I stifled my giggle as I tried to nudge him off, but he caught my elbow, caressing it. When the elevator stopped and we stepped out into a huge, swanky kitchen, he wrapped his arms around my waist, kissing the back of my neck, while Samson watched us through his peripheral vision, smiling to himself.

In the kitchen, there was a tall, beautiful blonde girl donning on a long chef cap, looming over the gas cooker. She turned when she heard the sound of our footsteps, and smiled broadly at Max. I took in her scary baby bump and faded looks, trying not to gag. I didn't remember looking this hideous when I was pregnant for Finn.

She waddles towards us slowly, and Max pulled her in for a hug, careful not to press her stomach. “Hey, sweetheart. So nice to have you here.”

“Thanks, Jessy,” he released her and turned to m