“That sounds perfect. Would you like to take some time off before we start?”
“I’d like to take next week if that’s okay with you. Then we can meet at your house a week from Monday and tackle everything.”
Scarlett gave Erica her keys. After the assistant left, she pulled out her phone and scrolled through her contacts. She had an appointment to make.
Fortunately, the familiar voice she wanted to hear answered the phone.
“Lydia, it’s Scarlett. I need to see Dr. Lennon ASAP.”
“If it’s something like a yeast infection, I can have her call in a prescription and save you the office visit.”
“I took a home pregnancy test last night. It was positive.”
“I see.”
Scarlett appreciated the lack of excitement and discretion, knowing Lydia had others sitting around her and more coming and going.
“Then you’ll need to get in right away. Can you do this afternoon?”
“Whenever you can work me in, I’ll be there.”
She heard keys tapping and then Lydia said, “Come at one-fifteen. I’ll explain to Dr. Lennon.”
Scarlett knew the OB-GYN closed her offices from twelve to two every day. “I appreciate it, Lydia.”
“Not a problem. See you soon.”
She’d gone to high school with the receptionist and they’d been lab partners in biology. Her friend also had the biggest crush on Rhett when they were teenagers. Over the years, Scarlett had given Lydia signed pictures and a few items from sets when she’d come in for appointments.
Tossing her cell into her purse, she left the office. She passed several delivery people distributing salads and sandwiches, grateful that most of her co-workers were more interested in receiving their lunches than noticing her slipping out.
Erica waited next to Scarlett’s SUV and gave her the keys.
“The email is going out to the firm now,” Scarlett said.
“I know nothing,” Erica said with a straight face. “That’s my standard line. I’ll keep you posted.”
“Thanks for everything.”
Scarlett got into her SUV and drove to her favorite sidewalk café near the office. She ordered a chicken Caesar salad and a cup of soup and took her time eating since she didn’t have to race back to the office. As she waited for the bill, she fired off a text to Rhett, telling him she had a lot to share with him.
After she paid, she drove straight to Dr. Lennon’s office. On the way, she called Keely, knowing her best friend had wrapped her role in her latest film earlier in the week.
“So, what’s it like sitting at home, eating for two?” Scarlett teased.
Keely laughed. “I’m enjoying the quiet. Yesterday, I shopped for groceries. Today’s big activity was a Costco run.”
“I guess filling your gas tank is tomorrow’s outing?”
“No. Mac thinks the fumes are bad for the baby. He’s taken over that errand for me.”
“Nice. When does he finish filming today?”
“He doesn’t go in until six. It’s a night shoot. They need to close several streets in downtown LA so he’ll be filming all night for the next two nights.”
“Would you like to do an early dinner?”
“I’d love that. Something tells me we have a lot to catch up on.”
“You have no idea,” Scarlett said. “Listen, I’m pulling in for an appointment now. When do you want me?”
“Come over at five. We can talk and decide where to eat.”
“I’ll see you then.”
Scarlett got out of the car and headed for the elevators. She only prayed that everything with the baby was fine.
CHAPTER 22
Scarlett allowed the nurse to take a blood sample and then disrobed, putting on the thin paper gown. The room was freezing and goosebumps sprang up along her arms and legs. Fifteen minutes later, she heard voices outside and then Dr. Lennon entered the room.
“Hello, Scarlett. It’s good to see you.”
She loved Dr. Lennon’s open, Midwestern face. Her brown eyes radiated warmth and friendliness. Taking a seat on a stool, she placed her iPad on the counter and tapped until she brought up Scarlett’s file.
“Your weight is good. BP is down slightly, but that’s normal in the first trimester or two.” Dr. Lennon turned from the screen. “Your blood test confirmed it. You’re pregnant!” When Scarlett didn’t speak, Dr. Lennon frowned. “You look apprehensive. Is this an unwanted pregnancy?”
Scarlett’s hands tightened in her lap. “No. I very much want a baby. This baby.” She hesitated. “I’m worried, though. I wasn’t trying to get pregnant. I missed a few birth control pills, thanks to a nasty case of food poisoning. I’ve continued taking them until last night when I did the home test. Now, all I can think about is if those pills might cause a miscarriage. Or some horrible deformity.”
“Let me put your mind at ease. The FDA has determined there’s no evidence that the combination pill you’re taking would increase risk of pregnancy complications or birth defects if you continue to take it while pregnant. Throw out all of those negative thoughts, as well as those pills. I’m going to prescribe some prenatal vitamins and you’ll take those every day instead. Right now, I need to do a thorough physical exam.”
The doctor did what Scarlett thought of as an annual physical exam, checking everything from nose, throat, and ears to her breasts and pelvis.
“Your uterus is almost the size of an egg, which would put you at seven weeks. Based upon the date of your last period, I’m estimating you’re due the last week of May. We’ll do a sonogram in a month to help narrow down your due date.”
Dr. Lennon rolled over to a drawer and opened it, pulling out a couple of brochures and a handbook. She gave them to Scarlett.
“These will answer some basic questions. Check my website for recommendations on a few books you might want to read to help you understand what to expect over the next nine months. I assume you’re still working? I know you have a stressful job and put in long hours.”
“Actually, I resigned this morning. I’m going to
