On the Line Read Online Free PDF Page A

run some errands. Later that evening, I was scheduled to fly back to Los Angeles for my weekly client meeting.
    Just as I pulled up in front of the post office, my cell phone rang.
    â€œHello,” I answered.
    â€œHi, Amaya. It’s Dr. Shipley,” the voice on the other end responded.
    â€œHow is everything?”
    â€œJust fine.”
    â€œI’m sure you have good news for me!” I said excitedly.
    â€œI sure do. You’re nine weeks’ pregnant,” she said.
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    Five months later…
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    I smoothed my hand along the duvet and stood back, taking the room all in. It was beautiful. So much had changed since I found out I was pregnant. At that time I had been blindsided, but my need to be in control overrode good judgment and I made an appointment the following week to terminate the pregnancy. I even went so far as to go to the appointment and get prepped for the procedure, but just could not go through with it. It dawned on me that the baby growing inside me was the only thing that was truly mine and that would love me no matter what, even with all my flaws.
    After traveling two to three times a week for the past five years, the time had come for me to slow down. I took a leave of absence from my job with no real intention of returning. I could not possibly keep the schedule I had kept in the past. I gave the room another once-over, admiring the neutral, pastel green-and-yellow pattern that colored the room. The nursery was perfect. I sat in the rocking chair near the window looking out over the busy hustle and bustle of the city.
    Although I was filled with joy and looked forward to what the future held and what type of mother I would become, I missed my old way of life. There was a void because my divorce with Antoine had been finalized and, soon after learning I was pregnant, I filed for a legal separation from James. I never went back home to Phoenix, because I just couldn’t bear to see his face. He had to have been devastated, and yet I didn’t file for divorce because a part of me felt the need to leave the door open…to what? I didn’t know. Perhaps it would be perceived by James as less cruel. I just couldn’t deal with either of them right now.
    Mark and I had settled into a nice rhythm. Since I wasn’t working, life was great for him, but even carrying the baby, I was still hollow inside. I believe you will always in some way be connected to a person you’ve been married to.
    â€œHoney, you ready?” Mark asked, appearing in the doorway.
    â€œYeah, just let me get my sweater,” I said, lifting myself out of the rocking chair.
    â€œWe don’t want to be late for your doctor’s appointment. Although I’m sure little Mark Jr. is as healthy as a horse,” he said excitedly.
    I smiled lovingly, wondering how long this wedded bliss would last after Mark Jr. or Antoine Jr. was born.
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    By the time Macy is finished, tears are rolling down my eyes from laughing so hard. “How do these crazy broads get themselves into these messes?”
    Macy wipes her eyes. “You got me. What’s crazier is that they actually write in.”
    â€œTrue.” I snap my fingers. “Tonight’s first topic will be Women Who Cheat and Get Screwed.”
    Macy gives me a high five as we laugh some more.
    â€œWhew. Look, I’m going to jump in the shower and get myself together. Fix yourself something to eat or whatever, then we can head over to the studio.”
    â€œCool. I’m starved.” She heads to the kitchen and me to the bathroom.
    At about eight we pile into my Jag and drive to the WHOT studio, which is located in lower Manhattan.
    â€œSo do you think there’s going to be many changes with the new management in place?” Macy asks as we pull into the employees-only parking garage.
    I shrug. “Who knows? Anytime some new suits take over, there’re changes. As long as they leave me alone