The Property Brokers by Sandi Lynn
Chapter 28
Bella
I hadn’t been feeling well all day and Brad and Tara sent me over the edge. I was having a little bit of cramping and some spotting, so I gave my doctor a call while I was on my way back to the office. I had talked to Ami first and she said it was probably nothing to worry about, but I should call just in case. The doctor told me to make sure I was staying hydrated and to go home and put my feet up for the rest of the day. Under any other circumstances, I wouldn’t. I was far too busy. But I was worried something was wrong with the baby.
When I stepped into the office, Grant was sitting behind his desk working on his computer.
“Hey.” He smiled. “I heard about your sale. Congratulations.”
“Thanks.” I gave him a small smile as I walked over to my desk.
“I also heard you went off on the client.”
“They had it coming. I won’t apologize for that.”
“I don’t want you to apologize. Do you have lunch plans? We need to go over our sales for the West 21 building.”
I grabbed a file from my desk and placed it in my purse.
“Actually, I’m heading home for the day.”
“What?” He got up from his seat and walked over to me. “Are you okay?”
“It’s nothing to worry about. I just need some rest.”
“Bella, why do I get the feeling you’re not being truthful with me.”
“Grant, it really isn’t a big deal. I’m just having a little bit of cramping and spotting and the doctor said I need to stay hydrated and go home and rest for the day. Just as a precaution.”
“How long has this been going on?”
“A couple days for the spotting. The cramping just started this morning.”
“You go home and lie down. Don’t worry about work or anything today. If you need anything, call me.”
“Thank you. I will.”
Grant and I weren’t anything but co-workers and friends. The look on his face when I told him I was pregnant told me a lot. Even though the baby wasn’t his, I could see the worry in his eyes that I would some way want him to help. When he found out, he stopped asking me out. In fact, the only time we saw each other was at the office. But that was even hit or miss because we were both busy out of the office with clients, showings and open houses. Whatever. I couldn’t deal or worry about him. He told me he never called me after Hawaii because he knew it would never work. I supposed he felt the same way again now that I was pregnant.
When I arrived home, I changed my clothes and laid down on the couch with my feet propped up on some pillows. Duchess snuggled next to me, and we both fell asleep. I awoke a couple hours later, made some tea, talked to Cody to make sure everything was okay and then turned on The Real Housewives of New York.
It was six o’clock when there was a knock at my door. Getting up from the couch, I looked out the peephole and saw Grant standing there.
“Hey,” I said. “What are you doing here?”
“I figured I’d bring dinner over and check up on you. How are you feeling?” he asked as he stepped inside.
“Pretty much the same. You didn’t have to bring dinner. I was just going to order something.”
“And what were you going to order?”
“Chinese.”
“Damn.” He grinned. “I must have read your mind.” He held up the bag and I couldn’t help but smile. “Go sit down and I’ll bring it to you.”
I went and sat down on the couch and heard him talking to Duchess.
“Bella, the cat is on the counter and I’m trying to get the food out of the bag.”
“Pet her and she’ll leave.”
“I did and she won’t leave me alone.”
“Then pick her up and set her on the floor.”
“Does she bite?”
“No, she doesn’t bite! She likes you and wants your attention.”
I heard him sigh and I couldn’t help but laugh.
He walked over, set the cartons of food down on the coffee table and handed me a plate.
“You’re seriously watching The Real Housewives of New York?”
“I’ve been all day. These women are absolutely crazy.”
“I know a couple of them, and they are a different breed. I sold Ramona her apartment. You thought your clients today were a pain in the ass? Try dealing with her.” He smirked.
I turned the TV off while we ate dinner. It was nice of Grant to bring it over and very unexpected.
“Have you talked to Lamar?” I asked.
“Yeah. I just spoke to him on the way over here. He and Ami are having a great time in Colorado. Do you think it’s weird they’re a couple now?”
“Not really. I think they’re cute together and perfect for each other. I’ve never seen Ami so happy.”
“My dad is leaving for Chicago in a couple days and he’s taking Cassandra with him.”
“Wow. That’s great.”
“I guess. It’s just weird to me because he’s never done that before.”
“Certain people have a way of changing other people.”
He glanced over at me for a moment, gave me a small smile and continued eating. The cramping was getting worse, and I wasn’t hungry anymore. The moment I stood up, I knew something wasn’t right.
“I need to use the bathroom.”
“Sure. Okay.”
I went into the bathroom and shut the door. My heart raced and my eyes filled with tears as I took down my sweatpants.
“Grant?” I shouted.
“What’s wrong?” He opened the door and froze when he saw me standing there with blood running down my legs.
I stared at him and shook my head as tears flowed down my face.
“Come on. I’m taking you to the hospital.”
He went in my room, and I heard several drawers opening and shutting. He walked back in with a clean pair of underwear and a new pair of sweatpants.
“We don’t have time to wait for the car. We’re going to have to take a cab,” he said.
After he helped me change, he swooped me up in his arms and carried me out of the apartment and out of the building. The doorman quickly signaled a cab for us.
“Where to?” the cab driver asked.
“Mount Sinai and make it quick,” Grant spoke.
When we pulled up to the emergency room, Grant got out, grabbed a wheelchair, helped me out of the cab, and wheeled me inside.
“Can I help you?” A security guard asked.
“We think she’s having a miscarriage,” Grant spoke.
He immediately got a nurse, and they took us right back into a room. A doctor was in within minutes.
“Hi Bella, I’m Doctor Mansfield, and I’m the OB on call. How far along are you in your pregnancy?”
“Almost nine weeks.”
“And you’re bleeding pretty heavy and cramping?”
“Yes,” I spoke with tears in my eyes.
“We’re going to do some bloodwork and I’m going to do an ultrasound. Are you the baby’s father?” he asked Grant.
“Um. No. I’m her friend.” He grabbed hold of my hand.
“Is it okay with you if he stays?”
“Yes. It’s fine.”
The nurse drew my blood while Dr. Mansfield lifted my shirt and performed an ultrasound. Several moments later he looked at me and I knew.
“I’m sorry, Bella.” He placed his hand on my shoulder and I started sobbing.
He gave me my options, and I chose to have the D&C.
“I’ll give you a few minutes alone and then we’ll get you prepped for the procedure.”
“I’m sorry,” Grant spoke as he leaned over and kissed my forehead.
Pulling the chair up next to the bed, he sat down and continued to hold my hand. I turned away from him and stared at the stark white walls. An unbelievable sadness of loss washed over me. A feeling I’d never forget the rest of my life.
