Free The Girl Before by Rena Olsen Page A

until I started to show. The last time we announced the baby, we lost it within a week. I do not want to jinx it. Glen gives me an almost imperceptible shrug. Some things he has no problem keeping from Papa. My secrets, however, are fair game.
    â€œYes, sir, we are expecting around June or July of next year. I have not been to the doctor yet, so it’s just an estimate.”
    Mama beams. “How exciting. Although I don’t think we’re old enough to be grandparents.” She nudges Papa, who gives her a grudging smile before turning his laser gaze back to me.
    â€œAnd how will being pregnant affect your work?”
    My brow furrows. “It won’t, sir. I mean, of course, when the baby comes, some adjustments will need to be made, but until then—”
    â€œWhat sort of adjustments?”
    This time it’s Glen’s hand that finds my knee, giving me comfort as I fumble for an answer. I want to swat him away, as he rebuffed me earlier. I am only in this position because he could not keep our secret. But, as usual, I cannot shy away from Glen’s touch. I lean into him, and his hand moves from my knee to loop around my shoulders.
    â€œDuring the pregnancy, I will be training Passion and at least one of the other older girls to help with some of the more important tasks.”
    Papa scoffs. “Passion. That little pet of yours should have been gone long ago.”
    â€œShe’s only fourteen,” I say.
    â€œShe’s untrainable.”
    I sit up, ignoring the increased pressure of Glen’s hand on my shoulder. “She does everything I ask her.”
    â€œYes,” Papa says. “Everything
you
ask her. But she is downright belligerent to anyone else who tries to give her an order. How do you expect a client to take that on?”
    â€œIf a client could not handle her, how could we have possibly gotten rid of her?”
    Papa raises his eyebrows, taking a bite as he waits for the answer to come to me.
    My heart stutters. “You can’t put her there.”
    â€œThey could tame her.”
    â€œNo.”
    He shrugs. Glen clears his throat and I jump. I had forgotten anyone else was there. I am surprised that both Glen and Papa let me speak so forcefully for so long. I will pay for it later, I am sure.
    â€œClara has a tight hold on the girl,” Glen says. “She is quite helpful, and I see no reason to get rid of her, especially with the baby coming. I have every confidence that she will be helpful both with the other girls and in helping with the baby when Clara is . . . indisposed.”
    I swallow hard, understanding his meaning. My thoughts race as I try to figure out how Glen will deal with me while I carry his child. We will have to come to an agreement. I must protect this baby.
    â€œGlen,” Papa begins. “I really think—”
    â€œIt’s not your call, Father,” Glen says, picking up his wineglass and taking a large drink. Topic closed.
    â€œVery well,” Papa says, leaning back in his chair. I can tell from the look in his eyes that this conversation is far from over, but I know I will not be witness to the rest of it. I have already overstepped.
    The rest of the meal is finished in silence. I help Mama clean while the men have an after-dinner drink, and then we join them. Mama fixes me a special tea that she tells me keeps nausea away. She made it last time as well, and I resist wrinkling my nose before taking the first sip. I remember the bitter taste, but I hide my disgust and drink the entire cup. She hands me a tin before we leave, reminding me to drink one cup a day. I know she will check next time they are over, and it does seem to help, so I accept the gift with a smile.
    Our drive home is silent, and I am surprised when Glen only kisses me good night and turns off the light. No lecture. No punishment. Maybe this baby will be good for us in more ways than