“You’re moving?” he asks, following me into the office. We wave at Betsy and Grace but don’t stop to chat. Not when pie is on the line.
“Yeah. My lease was up. And I needed a new place for when Zach and I get married.” The words feel bitter on their way out. Everything I say about the wedding and getting married lately is making my stomach turn. After dress shopping, I’ve refused to think about the wedding.
When I look at Ryan, I see a glimpse of the same feeling. But he pulls his mouth back into a smile.
“Hey, that’s cool. And you have it all to yourself for…how long?”
He’s asking when the wedding will be. The problem is, Zach hasn’t agreed to a date yet. Which seems strange, right? I thought his parents were kicking him out, but it seems like having us engaged is enough to placate them, and Zach isn’t in any rush to make it official.
“Not sure yet,” I say.
Ryan sets the balloons down in my cubicle. The air conditioning blows them back and forth, and we head back to the entrance.
“Claire! Ryan! Wait!” Grace exclaims as we pass her desk. “Shawna had her baby!”
“No way!” I rush over to her computer, where an email from Shawna is attached to a picture of a tiny, squishy newborn. “Was she born on leap year day?”
Grace shakes her head. “She was eight days late. Can you believe that?” She grimaces. “But they’re home and healthy now.”
“Oh, that’s good,” I reply. “I’ll have to text her.”
“Yes! Go visit! You’ll probably be the next one, right?” Grace looks up at me with a gleam in her eyes.
I furrow my brow. “Next for what?”
“A baby, of course!” Grace shakes her head at me like I’m being ridiculous.
My mind goes to the rhyme we’d all say as kids.Claire and Zach sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G. First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in a baby carriage.
Is that what’s expected of me next?
I don’t have a problem with kids, and I actually do want to be a mom one day. But what is it about this expectation that’s turning my stomach into knots?
I imagine Zach as a father and nearly shudder. He’d probably be an excellent playmate—a fantastic uncle, even. But a father? He can’t even take care of himself.
Grace’s face drops when she reads my expression. “I’m so sorry. I assumed, and I know that’s something not all women want these days, and?—”
“No, no, it’s fine,” I say, cutting her off and pasting on a smile. “Maybe I will be the next one, who knows?”
Grace lets out an exhale and grins. “I hope Shawna brings the baby here so I can squeeze her! She’s adorable.” I’m not sure I totally agree, but maybe newborn babies just aren’t my thing. She glances between me and Ryan. “Are you heading out for your Pi Day lunch?”
“Yep!” Ryan says, finally getting a chance to speak. “Want a slice?”
“Would you?” Grace reaches for her wallet in her purse. “I’d love some.”
“I got it,” Ryan says, waving a hand at her. “We’ll be sure to bring you back…what, banana cream?”
Grace smiles up at him. “You remembered! Yes, thank you.” Her eyes are light, and as she flutters her lashes at him, I have a realization.
Grace…and Ryan… Is he interested in her? She’s clearly flirting with him.
And something about that twists my stomach into knots.
Not jealousy. Of course not jealousy. Just…protectiveness.
“Gotta go!” I say loudly. “Pie waits for no man! Or…woman! See ya, Grace.” I grab Ryan’s arm and pull him out of the office quickly.
“Bye, Grace!” Ryan calls over his shoulder. Once we’re out of the office, he gives me his signature grin. “You’re in a hurry. You’re really serious about your pie today, huh?”
