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"And what if we get towed?" Hayley turned on the hazard lights and double parked next to a large SUV. The drivers behind us started honking. I could vividly imagine them cursing and swearing at us.
"Who's going to tow us? You're waiting here. If anything happens, just drive another lap around the block." With these words, I opened the door and got out. It was hard for me to give up Hayley's support. But there were things I just had to do alone. And telling Carter that I was pregnant with his child was definitely one of those things. Hayley would be there for me afterward and celebrate with me.
Or comfort me, if necessary.
I'd rather not think about that right now. I crossed the sidewalk and determinedly pressed my finger to the doorbell next to the elevator. Carter had told me about the camera installed here. This way, he could easily see from upstairs who wanted to visit him. He didn't even have to ask for a name.
What would he think when he saw my face in the camera now?
Nervously, I shifted from one foot to the other.
Nothing moved in front of me. Neither did the elevator doors open for me, nor did Carter's voice sound from the intercom next to the camera.
I pressed the doorbell button again. This time a bit longer.
Again I waited. Also a bit longer.
Nothing.
Was Carter not at home?
Or... Or was he home, had seen my face in the camera and decided he wanted nothing more to do with me? Like at the wedding, when he had sent me away? Had he turned away when he saw me?
I swallowed.
The thought caused me such discomfort that I feared I might feel sick again. Was this now also from the pregnancy? Or was it something else?
I pressed the doorbell button a third time.
As expected, no one answered this time either.
Dejected, I turned around and slipped back into the green Toyota as quickly as I could.
"Well?" Hayley looked at me. She made no move to drive off, even though the drivers behind us were still honking incessantly.
I shrugged. "He's not there." Sniffling, I added, "Or he doesn't want to see me." I tried to act as if it didn't bother me, but of course, I didn't succeed.
"Don't worry so much." Hayley put a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Maybe he's just still at work? He's always pretty busy, if I understood you correctly."
At these words, hope welled up in me. "At work... the entrance is just around the corner."
"What are you waiting for? If we're here anyway, we might as well use all the possibilities." Hayley gave me an encouraging nudge.
This time it was easier for me to get out and cover the short distance to the main entrance ofCarcoBatteries. But as I turned the corner, I saw that everything was dark behind the large glass panes. Disheartened, I looked at the ground.
"Come on, there might be a doorbell. Since we're already here, we might as well take a closer look. It's just a few more steps." Hayley's voice. I turned around. My friend had gotten out of the car and followed me. I looked at her gratefully.
"What are you waiting for?" Hayley gave me a nudge.
Slowly, I walked forward to the large glass front. Behind the window, everything looked as empty and deserted as usual at this time of day. Carter's employees were probably at home, enjoying a nice evening with their families.
But where was he?
Who was he spending a nice evening with?
I pressed my nose against the window. I couldn't see anything in the dark. I slowly stepped back. Indeed, there was a doorbell next to the door. I put my thumb on it and waited. Nothing moved. Again, I pressed my face against the window. Inside, everything remained dark.
"What are you doing here, lady?" A male voice.