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perhaps you would consider moving somewhere a little more private to finish your conversation,” the manager discretely suggested.
    Rashid finally turned away from Gail to address the manager directly. “We shall be but a minute more. If I see that the discussion will extend longer, I will, of course, seek your assistance in locating a place more suitable.”
    “Very good, sir.” He nodded to the both of them before walking away.
    Gail stood very still, pressed against Rashid as she was, and prayed for strength. Rashid’s arm was an iron bar against her back and every inch of her body, from chest to thigh, was molded against his.  The interruption by the manager had allowed her space to become aware of the riot going on inside. She was grateful for the padded bra she wore that disguised her traitorous nipples, which were responding to Rashid’s nearness.
    Of all the rotten times for her body to come alive. This couldn’t be happening to her. Not now and not with Rashid, her best friend’s husband. She turned her face away from him, hoping he wouldn’t see the confusion and reluctant desire she was feeling. It must surely be reflected on her face. God must have heard her prayer for Rashid loosened his hold, allowing her to take a small step back and put some space between them.
    “Gail, I’m sorry.”
    She almost turned to look at him to see how sincere he was. At the last moment, she realized what she was hiding and gazed at his nose instead of meeting his eyes.
    “I should not have threatened you, but please, put yourself in my position. I’ve already lost five children to miscarriage. This child is my final hope. I want to be a part of every minute of it, and I fear the same thing happening to this one as has happened to the others. I know it is an imposition, but please consider it. This may be the only child I’ll ever have.”
    Well, spit. Now that he put it in those terms, not to do as he asked would make her seem churlish. Gail took a deep breath and looked Rashid in the eye. “Maybe we can come to some compromise that will give you the contact you need and me the space that I require. I know you’re worried and want to be involved, but please, put yourself in my position. I need to maintain a bit of distance, a bit of separateness, or I’m never going to be able to turn over this child to you when it is time.  I can’t get so involved in your lives that I forget that I have a life of my own.”
    Rashid gazed deeply into her eyes, as though trying to gage the depth of her sincerity. He released her and took a couple of steps back, turned away, and gazed at the ceiling. Gail watched his shoulders rise and fall as he took a couple of deep breaths.
    She allowed him time to compose himself. She needed time herself. Her mind was still reeling with shock at her body’s reaction to him.  By the time he turned back to her, she was outwardly composed.
    “What are you willing to do? I do not want to be responsible for creating a stressful situation. It is not good for the child.”
    Of course, everything is about the child, she thought snidely before she could catch herself. Then she was horrified by her reaction. Of course, his concern was for his child. It would be terrible if it weren’t.  “Let’s just wait and see what Dr. Hagan says when I return to him in four weeks. I’ll stay with you until then, and in the meantime, we’ll both see if we can come up with a compromise that meets both of our needs. I’m willing to allow you to come with me to all of my checkups, along with Crystal.”
    Rashid nodded his head in acknowledgement and acceptance of her terms. Holding his arm out, he asked, “Shall we go.”
    “If I’m going to be in your home for the next four weeks, I need to stop by my place to pick up more things,” Gail said as she preceded him out the door.
    “Bring whatever you need to make yourself feel at home.”
     
    * * * *
     
    Later that night, Crystal came to Gail’s room.