I checked my e-mails one last time before I turned off the bedside lamp. There was something new, a reply to my press release on Abby’s new collection. I clenched my stomach muscles as I opened it; this was what I wanted, this was why I did it, but that didn’t mean my gut wasn’t a wreck.

Hello Shifra,

I’m an editor at Haute’s digital magazine and received your press release about Abby Schon’s new jewelry collection. I’m totally smitten. I’m expecting myself, and I think Abby and I share a kindred spirit. Her work speaks to me in such a maternal, ethereal way. I’d love to feature Abby and her work on our homepage. Please be in touch. Thank you.

Analeigh Swanson

Fashion Editor

Haute Magazine

I breathed a moment. Haute is just an online fashion magazine that I think I’ve heard of maybe once. It’s not anything major. Maybe this’ll work, a little blip that would that be enough for other potential clients to want to hire me. I googled Haute to get a better idea of their product and clientele. The first thing that came up was a news article — Conde Nast had just acquired the magazine, they were in the big leagues now, or were expected to be.

My stomach clenched again. Maybe if I ignored the e-mail, they’d skip featuring Abby. But this was why I put the press release out, so people would notice Abby, then notice me, the person who orchestrated it. But Abby would kill me on the pregnancy angle. Maybe I could ignore it, redo the press release, do it with Abby’s edge, skip the pregnancy, even though that’s what sells. Yes, that’s what I’d do, ignore it. Went against everything I believed in, but for once I saw the light. Ignorance can sometimes be bliss.

I closed my laptop and the lamp. I lay there, gut a mess, and it was all my fault.

I was able to breathe for most of the day, until I refreshed my e-mail at around two. Another e-mail from Analeigh, this one was addressed to Abby, I was cc’ed on it.

Hello Abby,

My name is Analeigh Swanson, senior fashion editor at Haute magazine. I came across your work via your publicist’s press release. You are exactly what we are looking for in an artist: young, fresh, creative, innovative, and literally full of life. We were thrilled to feature your newest collection in our weekly online roundup of artists to watch. Your new collection inspired by your pregnancy is inspirational, and we’d love to do an in-depth feature on you. Please be in touch so we can work out the details.

Looking forward,

Analeigh Swanson

Fashion Editor

Haute Magazine

How did she get her e-mail address?! There was no hiding this from Abby now; it was only a matter of time. At least Abby barely ever remembers to check her e-mail. Can Ari hack into her e-mail and delete it before she sees it? Forget it, Shifra, you made this bed, now lie in it.

(Excerpted from Family First, Issue 628)