《The baby swap》Chapter 12: New owner
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It's been a week since I was discharged from the hospital. I haven't seen or heard from Alex ever since, I'm thankful for that.
Maybe he decided this wasn't worth his time. I must confess, I was surprised he gave up so easily. He seemed pretty determined. Not that I'm complaining.
I've been trying to rest and taking things easy. I've also been avoiding things that makes me stressed or lifting anything heavy.
I've only been at work when I was needed or had something to sign. I don't want to do anything that puts my baby's life at stake.
Today I was treating myself to binge-watching and snacks. I was taking another day off. At this rate I was starting to worry I'd get fat from food and not the baby.
I told Reina and Abby I'd be going to work so they wouldn't come to disturb me.
I had dedicated today for catching up on telenovelas.
I was laying on my couch in front of the TV, scrolling through the list of novellas. I especially loved Mexican and Korean dramas even though I didn't understand the languages.
I finally settled on a Mexican novella about drug lords and a girl who was trying to get through life. I found myself thinking of Alexandra, I guess I could relate to the girl, he both had a man trying to get the upper hand on us.
Usually, I'd gorge myself with popcorn but I've completely changed my diet.
I took a piece of carrot that I had cut into long strips.
I hated carrots, but I had to do this for my baby.
My phone rang on the coffee table next to me.
I hesitated not wanting to be disturbed.
The sound of my phone got louder and more annoying.
I sighed taking it from the coffee table.
Mr Lance's name popped up. He was my land lord. He owned the building of my Cafe.
What did he want?
We barely spoke unless it was about paying rent which I always paid on time.
I answered the phone.
"Mr Lance," I answered.
"Zoe," he said with relief.
"Is there a problem?" I asked.
"There is something important I need to discuss with you," he said instead.
He avoided the question. I hated it when people did that, it usually meant they had bad news.
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"Should we meet at the Cafe," he suggested.
"Yes," I answered.
"I'll see you in an hour," he said.
He then hung up the phone. He didn't even ask if I'd be available at that time.
I removed my phone from my ear checking the time. It was 11:18. I put my phone back on the coffee table.
I had already showered and was dressed in my pikachu onesie. I just needed to dress into something more appropriate.
I waited until the remaining ten minutes of the episode had finished. Traffic wouldn't be as bad at this time, I'd make it on time.
I wore a floral dress with sandles. It was warm and sunny outside so there wasn't any use for a cardigan or anything to put over it
I sighed locking the door to my apartment, my plans to do absolutely nothing flushing down the drain.
I decided to take the stairs today, I needed to get some exercise in.
I walked through the parking lot to my car.
It took me nearly half an hour to drive to the Cafe.
Today the cafe wasn't cooped up like on weekends. I managed to get a parking space in front of the Cafe.
As I got out of my car, I noticed Mr Lance sitting in a corner table. He was sipping his coffee with a plate of biscuits on the side.
I walked into the cafe.
"I thought you weren't coming in today," Kayla said as I walked in.
I still haven't told my stuff the reason for my absence lately. How would I be able to explain to them I had an insemination without making anything awkward. I wouldn't be able to face them again. I figured it was best to wait until I could no longer hide my pregnancy.
"I'm meeting someone," I answered.
I walked into the corner Mr Lance's table was situated.
He had his head bowed down, staring at the menu.
He hasn't noticed I had arrived.
I cleared my throat grabbing his attention.
"I hope I haven't kept you waiting for too long," I said pulling out a chair to sit.
"I just arrived," he answered. He let out a forced smile.
I sat down, facing him.
Mr Lance was in his late fifties, we owned a few buildings that he rented out. He inherited most of them from his father. He didn't charge a lot like most owners did, which was why I had managed to rent this building without a problem in the last five years.
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"You wanted to see me," I stated getting straight to the point.
"Would you like some cookies?" He offered motioning to his plate.
"No thank you," I answered letting out a small smile.
He took a sip of his coffee. He was clearly trying to prolong this meeting. It made me more anxious.
"There is something I need to tell you," he said again.
I held my hands on the table paying close attention.
"I sold this building," he said.
My eyes widened in shock as I processed his words.
"There is a new owner," he continued.
"What?" I muttered confused.
I know it was impolite to say 'what' but I just couldn't help it.
"Someone else brought the building," he repeated.
"I didn't know you were selling the building Mr Lance, I'd have saved up to buy it," I said. Or gotten a loan.
This place was great for business. I'd have done anything to get it.
"I wasn't selling, someone simply made an offer I couldn't refuse. I'm sorry," he said.
There was a long pause for a while.
I'd have to start looking for another place to relocate, which could take months. I'd probably lose a lot of my customers. That is unless the new owner didn't have any plans for this building, maybe he'd allow me to stay.
"The new owner has agreed to give you a three months notice with no rent. If you want to continue here, maybe the two of you could come to an agreement." He continued.
Why is everything in my life suddenly going wrong? First it was Alex and now this.
"Can I get his contact details?" I asked.
"There is no need, he said he'd contact you soon." He answered.
I suddenly had a bad feeling about this. First it was Alex threatening to take away my child and now I might lose my cafe. I couldn't help but wonder if he was responsible, could that be what he was doing in the last week.
"I'm sorry," he said apologetically getting up from his seat.
He took the last cookie from his plate and left a ten dollars bill on the table.
He patted my shoulder walking out of the cafe.
I can't believe be had just sold the building, and without any warning.
There was no way I'd be able to find a new building and still maintain the profit in three months. Moving would cost me a lot, not just because of the customers. The business was steady but any wrong move could lead to bankruptcy.
I took a few breaths calming myself down.
I didn't want to stress myself.
I needed think this through. I'd handle this a step at a time, without stressing myself.
I need to go home and relax before I fell ill again.
I waved Samuel goodbye along with Kayla who were across the room at the counter.
Katherine, came cleaning up the table, collecting the bill.
I walked out of the cafe.
I got into my car and drove straight home.
By the time I had arrived home, I was starting to feel a bit light headed. I just hope I don't faint again, no one would take me to the hospital.
Lately, I haven't faced much of the pregnancy symptoms. I seldom vomit in the mornings and sometimes in the evenings. I feel pretty much the same as always apart from the vomiting and now the dizziness.
I bumped into Mrs Thompson in the elevator. She was as chatty as usual. She could probably tell I wasn't feeling too well, I just hope I don't look as bad as I felt.
I unlocked my door then closed it behind me. I placed my keys on the hook.
I walked into my sitting room throwing my bag on the floor. I was going to lay down for a moment, I needed to rest.
"Surprise," A deep masculine voice said.
My heart leaped out of my chest in shock. The only one who had my house keys was Reina, she most definitely didn't have a masculine voice.
I looked up to see Alexandra comfortably sitting on my couch, holding a glass full of what looked like whiskey.
"What are you doing here?" I asked.
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