Four Seasons at Angelino's by Caroline McBride

Author:Caroline McBride
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: N/A
Publisher: Post Hill Press
Published: 2020-05-23T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

NEW YORK CITY

Intense August heat and humidity transformed the city into a frying pan as tempers flared among those stuck in the inferno. The chosen ones fled for the Hamptons or other vacation destinations. Charlotte detested scorching weather, but trudged forward, knowing she’d soon be back in the arms of her man.

The slow month at Angelino’s enabled Charlotte to cope with jet lag without it affecting her work performance. Lorenzo, Marco, and Jack rarely stepped foot inside the unwelcoming corporate office crowded with cubicles and filing cabinets, allowing the staff to work independently. Charlotte spent most of her time in the air-conditioned space, chatting and lunching with her coworkers, Melvin being the only exception. He kept to himself in his corner cubicle wearing earphones, watching movies, and occasionally cackling.

Friday finally arrived. Pascal had booked a room at The Dream Hotel, not too far from Charlotte’s studio. Relieved that they weren’t staying in her little place, she packed a bag for the weekend.

There was just one pressing issue: Charlotte’s period was a week late. And she was ecstatic! She’d never admit it to anyone, but an accidental pregnancy with Pascal’s baby was a dream come true. She imagined the family they’d create and prayed she wouldn’t get her period as she envisioned the precious little child growing inside of her. She gleefully counted the days as she felt the early signs of pregnancy—sore breasts, sleepiness, and increased hunger. She scheduled an appointment with Dr. Radcliff and grinned with satisfaction, imagining her gynecologist’s shock when the pregnancy test came back positive.

Pascal was in a jovial mood when he arrived, and they spent two hours in bed before it was time to meet Sofia and Tracy for dinner. Charlotte was excited to introduce him to her friends and hoped that her mature relationship would rub off on Tracy. Her animosity toward the maneater simmered because, with Pascal in her life, she viewed everyone through rose-tinted glasses. The foursome dined at Angelino’s SoHo and Charlotte ordered the best dishes for Pascal to try. Much to her disappointment, he wasn’t impressed. He took a bite of his truffle ravioli and said, “I’m surprised this chain is so popular. The food is mediocre. Angelino’s would never make it in France.”

Charlotte reassured him, “Mon chéri, I think jet lag has affected your taste buds. Nothing tastes great after a long flight. But try our tiramisu, it’s to die for!”

“No, thank you, I already feel like dying,” Pascal laughed. Sofia appeared offended while Tracy quickly changed the subject.

“Do you have time to check out the Hamptons?” she asked.

Pascal took a sip of wine. “Tracy, did Charlotte tell you about Cap Estel? When you can go to the south of France, the Hamptons are a major letdown. You can’t even swim in that cold, dark water.”

Charlotte jumped in and tried to smooth things over. “If he experienced the Hamptons our way, he’d appreciate it. A lot of Europeans don’t get it. You have to know the right places.”

Pascal laughed and kissed her cheek.

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