Vanessa
With everyone's eyes on me, I felt cornered and had to think quickly. "No, I'm not pregnant," I said, lying through my teeth.
Patrick wasn't letting it go so easily. "Then have a glass of wine," he insisted, his tone almost daring me. "This is one of the best wines from our vineyard. Drink it."
I was tempted—God, I was tempted. If I wasn't having second thoughts about the abortion, I would've downed more than one glass by now. But I forced a polite smile and said, "Thanks, Patrick. I'd love to, but I know myself. One glass will turn into three, and I have morning rehearsals tomorrow. I need to stay sharp."
The excuse seemed to work. I could feel the weight of their stares lift as they moved on. My mother caught my eye and smiled, as if she had more to say. I wasn't ready for what came next.
"So, about your TV show," she said casually. "I heard the main star got fired. Is that true?"
