Chapter 674
Natalie shook her head and came to her senses. “1 can’t go back yet. I must teach Brandon a lesson, or he will lie to me again and again.”
“Yes, you should teach him a lesson. But why aren’t you working today. Where have you been?” Elizabeth didn’t expect a workaholic like Natalie to request a leave of absence.
“I’m meeting an old friend who I haven’t seen for a long time,” Natalie said mysteriously.
The central business district of Barnes was full of tall buildings and bright lights.
Elegant and melodious music escaped the classroom.
“Yes, that’s it. Focus on your breathing.” The teacher wore a yoga suit. Her face was ruddy, and her arms rolled the oversized ball back and forth.
Although she was sweating, she had a wide smile on her face. She wore a headset with a microphone. She was running a yoga class for rich, pregnant ladies. “If you are worried about weight gain during pregnancy, come to me after class. 1 have plenty of nutritious recipes. It’s a common concern, and many ladies have already asked for my advice.”
Leaning across a yoga ball, Laney closed her eyes and nodded.
“Mrs Harding, wake up. You’re snoring,” Lola said softly Laney was easily exhausted. The doctor said it was a normal part of pregnancy, but Garrett’s mother had signed her up for numerous prenatal courses, and her schedule was jam packed.
She was even busier now than when she was working as a bodyguard.
Laney’s phone rang. She opened her eyes, wiped the saliva from the corner of her mouth, and looked around the room. “Lola, is the class over?”
The other ladies stared at her. They were silent for a moment before bursting into laughter.
The elegant and charming yoga teacher frowned. Knowing who Laney was, she treated her with cautious respect. She pursed her lips and replied with a gentle smile, “Mrs. Harding, if you want to rest, please go to the lounge. Other ladies are still having classes here. 1 would appreciate it if you didn’t disturb them.”
Like a student who had made a mistake, Laney lowered her head in shame and apologized, “I’m sorry, I’ll leave.”
With Lola’s support, Laney waddled out of the classroom. She felt embarrassed. The teacher had a good relationship with Vera and might tell Vera what had happened. Vera could make a fuss.
Laney felt melancholy, but when she saw the caller ID, her eyes lit up
“Lola, request leave for me. I have something I need to do tonight; I will catch up with the course another day.” Laney then answered the phone with a big smile.
“Mrs. Harding, but you have already asked for a lot of leave “Lola was anxious. She was afraid to tell Vera. But Laney seemed determined, so Lola had to obey the instruction.
Laney strode to the window and answered the phone. “My favorite designer. I’m surprised you have time to call me. It is a weekday.”
“I requested leave. Where are you? Let’s have some girl time.” Natalie suggested.
After thinking for a moment, Laney said, “I’m in the city square. There are many coffee houses nearby We can meet here.”
Half an hour later, Laney arrived at a coffee house in the city square. Bag in hand, Natalie raced toward Laney, delighted to see her old friend.
Laney was overjoyed, but too heavily pregnant to run. She took a few steps forward. Afraid to squeeze too hard. Natalie only gave her a gentle hug and stroked her belly.
“It’s only been a couple of weeks. How did your belly get so big?” Natalie chuckled. “The little guy’s growing fast. Let me be the godmother. I want to be the first person to hug him!”
“Of course, you will be the first.” Laney laughed heartily. She then covered her mouth and apologized. “I’m sorry. I laughed too loudly. Pregnancy seems to have stolen my manners.”
“Don’t worry. Laugh as loud as you want. I’m not Garrett’s mother.” Natalie pouted. “When did you become like this? 1 can’t even imagine what you’re like when you’re with the Harding family.”
“It’s not a big deal. It’s worth it. Come on. Let’s go inside. I’ve asked Lola to order some desserts for us.” They sauntered into the coffee house arm in arm.
“Mrs. Larson, long time no see. I ordered tiramisu for you,” Lola said enthusiastically, placing the desserts in front of them. She was wearing the brooch Natalie had given her on her coat It shone under the warm lights.
“How do you like the brooch?” Natalie wiped the dessert fork carefully before handing it to Laney.
Lola brought them juice. Smiling widely, she said, “I love it, Mrs. Larson. It matches all my clothes. 1 often get compliments when I wear it.”
“It’s just a small gift to thank you for taking care of my friend.” Smiling politely, Natalie grasped Laney’s hand. Lola worked for Leo after all, and Natalie needed to be on guard around her.
There were too few desserts on the table. Laney looked up and told Lola to order some chocolate mousse and cheesecakes.
“There are too many. We won’t be able to finish,” Natalie protested.
“You’ve lost weight. You should eat more.” Laney pinched Natalie’s cheek. The skin felt loose.
A sweet smile appeared on Natalie’s face. Laney had ordered her favorite desserts. Natalie was flattered that she remembered.
Holding her arm. Natalie leaned her head on Laney’s shoulder and said, “We haven’t seen each other for ages. We should chat more and eat less, don’t you think? How are you doing? Has Vera been bullying you?”
Stroking her round belly, Laney smiled. “I’m doing well.”
She checked Lola was far enough away and then whispered, “But Lola has been watching me for Leo. It could be because the baby is due soon, but it feels like the whole Harding family has been paying close attention to me.”
“I asked about you, not the Harding family.” Natalie noticed the sadness in Laney’s eyes.
“I’m fine, and I believe that everything will return to normal after the baby is born.” Laney’s eyes were gentle and calm. She placed her hand on her belly and stroked it gently. “I’ll ask Lola to get you some desserts for Brandon. You can give them to him later.”
