up to Stephen, but now a pregnant woman, too. Stephen is surprised when he turns to find Kim standing there.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to crash your big day. I’m just here to talk to Blaire,” he says. He has already taken a few steps away from me. He’s not gripping my elbow anymore. I glare at him and then look at Kim apologetically.
“It seems like you’re doing more than just talking to her,” she adds with a wry smile. He clears his throat.
“Things just got a little heated, but it’s all under control.”
“Is it?” she asks him, cocking an eyebrow. I guess Kim can be pretty badass when she wants to be.
“Stephen was just leaving. He wouldn’t want to spoil your baby shower,” I say.
“No, of course not. Blaire, should we talk later?” He is trying to stay cheerful.
“I’ll talk to you when I want to. Please don’t corner me again, Stephen; it could have disastrous consequences for you and your reputation.”
There’s a lump in his throat, which he tries to push down.
“I just wanted to speak to you, Blaire. Is that really so bad?”
“It is when you try to force her into it. How did you even find her?” Kim interjects.
“He spoke to my assistant,” I answer for him, and Kim tuts and shakes her head like he has been a naughty child. I know he is mortified. Embarrassed. He can’t wait to get out of here. Because if there is one thing Stephen has always cared about, it is his self-image.
We stare at him together, and already, I can see him shrinking away.
“I’ll text you,” he says as he takes some steps back.
“Don’t bother. I’ll text you,” I call out, and to Kim, I whisper, “or not.”
She smiles, and I put an arm around her shoulder.
“Thank you for making an appearance when you did. I really wasn’t expecting him to show up like this. I hope this hasn’t spoiled your day.”
“I want you to realize something, Blaire; if it wasn’t for you, I would never have met the man of my dreams. This baby would not be born, I wouldn’t be living with Kirk…if it wasn’t for your contribution to our relationship. I will always be loyal and dedicated to you, and no, you haven’t spoiled my day in the least.”
I may not have the man of my dreams, but at least I have the best friend a girl could ever ask for.
I’m so exhausted as I come back home. The baby shower has been a success. Other than the slight hiccup Stephen created, Kim seemed happy and glowing through the whole event.
Maybe I’ve had a little too many mimosas for my own good. I step out of the elevator and see Rachel leaving the Davenport apartment. She looks up at me and stops in her tracks. There’s almost a guilty expression on her face.
“Oh! Blaire!” she exclaims nervously as I walk towards her.
“Don’t worry about it, Rachel; I’m not going to waste any of your time. It’s nice to see you but you can be on your way,” I say with a smile.
She smiles too, but I can see she’s trying hard. I walk up to my door and fumble in my tiny clutch for my keys. Rachel hasn’t moved yet; she’s still standing there, looking at me.
“Blaire, I just want to say that we miss you. I thought you should know. It’s not like we’ve forgotten about you.”
I get the key in the door and turn it. I wasn’t going to say anything but Rachel is making it very difficult for me to remain silent. I almost feel emotional and teary-eyed. I look at her with a wide bright smile.
“That is very sweet of you to say, thank you. I miss you guys too. I miss Anya so much. I don’t know how much Trevor has told you, but whatever he has said, I want to add that I didn’t want this to happen. Especially for Anya’s sake.”
Then Rachel reaches out to squeeze my hand affectionately.
“I know that. I saw how much you cared for her. I’m sure you still do. She’s doing great but she misses you. Mr. Davenport has had a hard time trying to explain the situation to her. I don’t think she understands.”
This does bring a tear to my eye, and I push the door open. I should get in. Avoid seeing Trevor at all costs.
“There are so many things I would change about all this if I could. Maybe someday