I waddle over to Paul's desk, new changes and recalls in hand. His eyes rake over my body, swollen with Tyler's child.
"Looks like you are gonna pop."
"I've still got two months to go."
"If you need help with anything, let me know. I wouldn't mind babysitting if you wanted a night out."
"Thank you for the offer."
"Any time."
I waddle back to the desk and sit down. Kiki turns to me, shaking her head before rolling her chair over to my desk.
"I don't approve of your choices but I really can't wait until that baby is born.
"You are just jealous that this isn't you in this position!"
We both laugh and I start back on my paperwork and emails. Kiki sticks around and then gasps.

"Speak of the devil."
She stays by my side as Tyler approaches. He tosses a folded piece of paper onto my desk before walking into Harold's office. I open the paper discreetly.
Come to the cafe down the block. Say my name at the counter.
"That's it?"
I think over the note. Months with no word and he suddenly shows up with a demand. Meeting him at the cafe seems like both a good and a bad idea at the same time, but after work, I still find myself walking through the little cafe door. The barista behind the counter greets me with a wide smile.
"How can I help you?"
"Hi, I'm looking for Tyler M-"
"Follow me."
She comes out from behind the counter, motioning me to follow her up a set of stairs. At the top, there is a door. The barista stops and turns to me.
"Light switch is on your right. He should be here shortly. He said he was running a little late."
"Okay. Thank you."
She walks back down the stairs and I grab hold of the knob. Twisting, I push open the door with caution. I flick on the light and blink a few times, wiping my eyes to make sure it's not a hallucination. The same people from my promotion party sit at tables with spouses and kids surrounding them. Balloons and baby related items brighten the room. I stand in the dorway, frozen. The first one to make a move is Kiki.
"Welcome to the baby shower! Come on in and have a drink."
She takes my hand and sits me at the head table next to her and an empty seat. The party resumes and I turn to my best friend.
"Did you do this all for me?"
She smiles and a voice behind me speaks.
"With help from me of course."
"Tyler!"
Unable to control my actions, I stand up and give him the best hug I can. He chuckles and kisses my forehead before whispering in my ear.
"I refuse to let our baby go without the proper appreciation."
"What are you saying?"
"I'll tell you later. For now, you have to enjoy your party."