It’s the right thing to do.

Besides, I know where his club is.

Asher has his brother's number and did say she would get his. I wonder if she did.

Dr. Green closes the screen so I can change back into my clothes. I get up to start to dress and take a moment to text Asher to send me Kervyn’s number. It’s definitely a positive.

I put my phone back in my bag on the chair next to me and finish dressing before I go. I feel like I’m in a dream as the doctor goes through what I’ll need and how I’ll have to start taking care of myself.

It’s surreal.

I have a whole other person to take care of now.

Dr. Green asks if I have any questions, and I shake my head. I’m sure I’ll have millions later on when I’m home and freaking out, but for now, I don’t.

I leave the doctor's office and check my phone. Asher sent the number, and without thinking, I dial it. I let it ring and inwardly start panicking because I don’t know what to say.

“Hello, Penny.”

I hesitate. “How did you know it was me?” I ask, worried.

“I have an app on my phone that identifies callers.” He chuckles. “Although I will say it’s a pleasant surprise to hear from you. I wasn’t expecting to hear from you again. I thought I was just a one-night stand in your gorgeous journey.”

I blush, flustered now. “You’re… You’re quite the charmer.”

“Is something wrong?” he asks. His tone has changed to a cooler one. “Did someone do something?”

“Actually. Well. I don’t know how to tell you this.” I take a deep breath, willing the tears away. “I’m pregnant.”

“Oh…” He pauses, and I am certain he’s going to blow me off when I hear another change in his tone. One of certainty. “Are you okay? Listen, we can iron out all the details, but please don’t think I’d leave you in a situation like this with no support. Of course, meeting in person would be the best thing to do. Are you free now?”

My head is spinning from the rush of sudden plans, but I find myself agreeing. “Yes. I can catch a cab.”

“No need. I’ll send a driver. Just text me the address.”

I feel flustered again. “Okay. I will text the address. Thank you.”

“No, Penny. Thank you.” He hangs up, leaving me wondering why he’s thanking me. This isn’t like a gift basket or a sweater. There are no returns on this.

I take a cab back to Asher’s house and walk in. My friend is at work today, so I’m left to stew on this information alone. I can’t help but text her.

I told him. He’s sending a driver to collect me so we can discuss things. Hopefully, this is a good sign.

I wait as the text bubble appears that shows she’s busy typing.

Just be clear. You just want to co-parent. You’re not looking for anything for yourself. He’s just as culpable. He could have put a condom on.

I bite my lip. I don’t think we were in any state to think about birth control that night. There was more of a focus on pleasure, specifically mine.

I never knew being with an older man could be so rewarding, but it really was. Except a baby isn’t really the post-reward I wanted.

I don’t know if I should go. I’m feeling a bit frazzled.

And undecided. The only thing I know for sure is that he can’t make me get rid of or give up the baby.

Then don’t, but it might be better to rip that bandaid off and hear him out. Message me when you’re back.

I text her a kissing smiley face before I hear a knock at the door. I open it and recognize the guy standing there. “You’re the bouncer from the club. From the VIP section.”

“I’m Mr. Milov’s private security,” he says coldly. “I was sent to collect you.”

I frown and go back inside to grab my purse before I follow him to the car. He opens the back seat, and I climb in. He climbs into the passenger seat beside the driver, and we begin our journey. They’re driving toward downtown Vegas.

“Where are we going?” I ask, leaning forward slightly.

“Mr. Milov thought you would be hungry and booked a reservation downtown for lunch,” the guard says.

“So, what’s your name?” I ask curiously. “What should I call you.”

“The boss will tell you if you should address me or not.” I’m trying to place his accent. Definitely Eastern European.

They’re clearly very confidential about their boss. Kervyn seems even more mysterious now than before.

We pull up outside a popular restaurant, and I glance around. “Where do I go?”

“Here. To Rouge Room,” the guard says. “He’ll be waiting. Just ask the hostess for Mr. Milov’s private table.”

I nod. Weird.

I get out and walk toward the front. The hostess looks at me, stares at my hair for a moment, and then purses her lips. “I’m sorry, ma’am, you must be lost.”

“Not at all,” Kervyn says from next to her. “This is my guest. Penny, this is Gwen. She’s a hostess at this fine establishment.”

I look at her, trying not to feel a little smug. “Nice to meet you, Gwen.”

“Apologies, Mr. Milov. I wasn’t expecting your guest…”

“It’s okay, Gwen. I won’t fire you this time.” He motions to me. “But I won’t need you to escort me back to my private table. Do keep the tables around me clear, please.”

She nods, and I walk with his guidance to an area near the back. I know this place usually is pumping, which makes me wonder what he does so that he can keep a whole section clear just for us to have lunch.

“Penny. Don’t take to heart the small-mindedness of people. I see your beauty. It shines.” I blush slightly as he pulls out a seat for me and helps me into it.

He sits opposite me and smiles broadly. “The news you’ve given me is the best news I’ve had in a long time.”

I raise an eyebrow. “The best?”

“It’s surprising, I know, for both of us.” He waves away the waitress, who offers him a bottle of wine. “Sparkling water for both of us, please. Penny, you must understand that while this is not expected, it should be rejoiced. You are carrying my child. What could be more wonderful.”