Page 100 of Shots Fired

Jenna: Probably. Who knows? He isn’t boyfriend material, but I’m resigned to the single life. So, I might as well have fun.

Me: That’s what I was saying a few months ago. Oh, how the tables have turned.

Jenna: You mean by having the hottest guy in the NHL at your feet with his baby inside your womb, all while he worships the ground you walk on? I’ll take the surprise pregnancy to have that.

Me: When you put it like that …

Collins: Practical question, but what are you doing about your job?

I stare ahead into Janine’s office as she talks with Penelope over something, dread festering in the pit of my stomach.

Me: Actually, that’s a really good question and one I don’t currently have an answer to. I was talking to Mum about my plans after maternity leave, and we hit upon a snag, which her lawyer brain is trying to work through. My contract with Glide—and work visa—ends in just over eleven months, at the end of October, since they extended my initial twelve-month contract. So, unless Janine offers me a permanent position beyond that point, then I’m out of work, and the baby will only be four and a half months old. That’s if she doesn’t terminate my contract when I have to leave and give birth in June since that was never the agreement. When I moved here, I figured I’d be able to find another job once I had some experience behind me, and I was prepared to take that risk. But who’s going to take me on now? I refuse to go back to work after only a few months with our baby. The whole entire situation is shit.

Kendra: Wait, so having a baby in the US with an American man doesn’t mean you can automatically stay?

A wave of nausea passes over me.

Me: Nope.

Kendra: What does Archer say?

Me: I haven’t told him. I found out, like, two days ago, and I’m still trying to work through it. Mum is getting some advice.

Collins: You need to tell Archer.

I close my eyes, trying to temper my rapid heart rate.

Me: I know.

Collins: I’m so sorry this is happening, Babe. Am I the only one without drama in my life?

Kendra: It appears that way.

Me: I feel like a girls’ night is overdue. Drama requires cocktails. Or in my case, mocktails.

Me: I JUST WANT A COSMO!

Jenna: Agreed. And if this whole thing with Phil blows up in my face, I’ll be sure to have your quota of alcohol, trust me.

Kendra: I will return with dates, venues, and times. Girls’ night is on!

Dropping my head between my shoulders, I inhale a deep breath and blow it out for eight seconds.

It’s all going to work out, Darcy. You’ve got your mum working everything out.

Collins is right, and I know it. I need to tell Archer because I know he hasn’t considered any of this. We’ve spent the past five weeks trying to get our heads around becoming parents, and now this.

I’m halfway through the same page I’ve read multiple times when my phone buzzes again.

Jack: Is it me, or does it feel like I see you less now that you’re in New York than when you were in Oxford?

Me: It’s definitely a you thing. I’ve been coming to games. I’m just busy with work—so many deadlines.

Jack: Yeah, well, I miss my baby sister, even if you are annoying. My wife sees you more than I do.

Me: It’s funny you should say that because we’re arranging cocktail night. Girls only though, I’m afraid.

Jack: Are you seeing Liam again, and that’s what’s got you busy?