Chapter 55
Mimi’s reply came in a few minutes later.
**Mimi:** I’m driving out now, I’ll meet you there.
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Mimi was the one who knew how to drive between the two of them. She actually owned a car. Had her license at eighteen. Drove like she was in a Fast and Furious movie and would literally drive you crazy if you sat in the passenger seat while she was behind the wheel.
Her family was doing well. More than well, they were comfortable, living in a nice neighborhood and all of that. Never had to worry about money or bills or any of the things that kept Elara up at night.
Elara still didn’t fully understand how they’d become friends in the first place.
Growing up, the rich played with the rich. As it’s expected that the poor play with the poor and the wretched play with the wretched. It had always been like that. Invisible lines drawn by zip codes and bank accounts that nobody talked about but everyone understood.
She remembered the day Mimi had approached her; it was lunch period during their sophomore year of high school.
Elara was sitting alone at a table in the corner of the cafeteria. Reading a book and eating the sandwich she’d packed from home because the cafeteria food cost money that her parents didn’t have.
Mimi had walked up with her tray. Designer bag hanging off her shoulder. Brand new sneakers take a white sparkling socks.
“Can I join you?”
Elara had looked up. Surprised and suspicious even.
Her shoes, her bag, her clothes. Everything about Mimi screamed money and a different world.
Elara had thought it was one of those things. One of those rich girls who befriended poor kids just to feel good about themselves. To have a charity case they could talk about at dinner parties. Look how kind I am. Look how I help the less fortunate.
But it was never like that with Mimi. Not once in nine years had she made Elara feel small. Never made her feel like a project. Just treated her like a real friend.
Nine years of friendship and still counting.
Elara replied to the text.
**Elara:** Okay. Have you eaten? I want to grab breakfast.
Mimi’s response came immediately.
**Mimi:** No thank you I’m starving.
The cab pulled up to a small cafe. Elara told the driver she’d be quick as she ran inside. Thankfully the queue wasn’t bad. Maybe five people ahead of her. In three minutes she was at the counter ordering.
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Chapter 55
“Three bagels with cream cheese. Three coffees all black.”
She paid, grabbed the bag and the drink carrier as she walked back out to the cab.
“Here.” She handed one bagel and coffee through the driver’s window.
He looked surprised. “Oh no, ma’am. That’s okay. You don’t have to-”
“Please. Take it. I got it for you.”
He hesitated. Then saw that Elara wasn’t backing down. Wasn’t going to let him refuse.
“Thank you, ma’am. That’s very kind.”
“You’re welcome.”
Elara climbed back into the back seat. The cab pulled away. Headed toward the hospital.
65 voucher’s
It wasn’t even ten minutes before they arrived. The driver parked near the main entrance. Elara paid him and added an extra twenty as a tip.
“Thank you so much. Have a good day.”
“You too, ma’am.”
She got out. Looked around for Mimi.
She nearly dropped the bagels when she saw her.
Mimi was standing by a car wearing the most ridiculous outfit Elara had ever seen.
A long black jalabiya. Those kind Muslim women wore, full length, it was almost like she got a contract to keep New York clean. They were sweeping the floor, completely covering her from neck to ankles.
A black scarf, not tied properly. Just draped over her head and wrapped loosely around her neck.
Dark sunglasses. The kind celebrities wore when they were trying to hide from paparazzi.
A black purse.
All black. Head to toe.
Elara walked over slowly, held out her hand to give Mimi her breakfast.
“Mimi. Are you okay? Is everything fine?” She looked her up and down. Genuinely concerned. “Who died?”
Mimi looked at her. Raised one eyebrow. “What do you mean who died? Are we not on an undercover assignment? Are you not trying to hide the pregnancy from Marcus?”
“Yes, but-”
“Well, yes. We need to act like it.”
Chapter 55
“Is that why you’re wearing all black?” Elara asked. “Like you’re going to a funeral?”
Mimi looked offended. “Isn’t it obvious? We’re being discreet.”
“Discreet?” Elara stared at her. “Damn, Mimi. Did you hit your head somewhere between yesterday and this morning?
This outfit alone is enough reason to draw attention to us. People are going to think you’re mourning someone. You look like you’re—”
She didn’t finish the sentence.
An elderly woman walking past them stopped, she turned to face Mimi. Put her hand on her heart.
“Sorry for your loss, dear.”
Mimi immediately ripped off her sunglasses. “What? No, I’m not—”
The woman walked away before Mimi could finish.
Elara burst out laughing. “You see? You’re literally drawing attention to us. This is the opposite of
undercover.”
Mimi frowned. Started pulling the scarf off her head. “Mumu. I’m sorry. I thought it would work.”
“Mumu?” Elara was still laughing. Actually laughing so hard her stomach hurt. “You’re calling me stupid when you’re the one dressed like you’re attending a state funeral?”
“I said I’m sorry!” But Mimi was laughing too now. Couldn’t help it. Started removing the jalabiya. Underneath she was wearing normal clothes. Jeans and a basic top. “I was trying to help.”
“By looking like the Grim Reaper?”
“Shut up.”
They both stood there laughing. Drawing actual attention now from people walking past. But the good’ kind anyway.
When they finally caught their breath, Elara handed Mimi the coffee and bagel.
“Come on. Let’s go inside before you decide to put on a disguise again.”
“That was a good disguise.”
“That was a terrible disguise.”
They walked into the hospital together. Still giggling. The receptionist looked up when they entered and smiled politely.
“Good morning. How can I help you?”
“We have an appointment. Under Elara Vance.”
The receptionist checked her computer as she typed ‘something and nodded. “Yes. Dr. Matthews will see
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Chapter 55
you shortly. Please have a seat in the waiting area.”
“Thank you.”
Elara and Mimi sat down in the chairs by the window. The waiting area was mostly empty. Just an older couple in the corner and a pregnant woman flipping through a magazine.
Mimi unwrapped her bagel. Took a bite. “So. Are you ready for this?”
“Ready for what?”
“Finding out how far along you are, seeing the baby move and the heartbeat and all of that.” Is that not what they do?
Elara’s stomach did a flip. Not from morning sickness. From nerves.
“I don’t know. Maybe? I think so?”
“That’s not very convincing.”
“I’m nervous, okay? This makes it real, like actually real. Not just a positive test, I’ll be seeing an actual baby.”
Mimi squeezed her hand. “It’s going to be okay. I’m here. We’ll figure it out.”
“What if Marcus finds out?”
“He will but not today. Not like this.”
“But eventually he will.”
“Eventually is not today.” Mimi took another bite. “One problem at a time.”
They sat there in silence. Eating their breakfast. Waiting for it to get to their turn.
14:46
Mon, May
