“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Tell you? When during one of our many conversationsover the last four months?” Her upper lip curled in an angry snarl.
“Is this what this is about? I haven’t been in touch. So, you were going to keep me from knowing I was becoming a father?”
Under her breath, I’m certain I made out “Motherfucker.” I hadn’t come to her place fixin’ for an argument, but if she wanted one…
Jo shook her head. “Ryan, I don’t have time for this.”
I struggled to understand how she could brush off my concerns so easily. The woman I had gotten to know was kind, reasonable, and all about fairness.
“Make time,” I ordered. My shoulders tensed under the weight of my frustration.
“Make time? Fine! I wasn’t trying to hide anything from you! Don’t you dare lecture me about not telling you I’m pregnant. Where do I start? Let’s start at the beginning.” She held up one finger. “We weren’t in a relationship. You popped in to visit like Aunt Flow, once a month for three months so we could bang, and then…you disappeared for four months. Two.” Jo held up another finger as she continued.
Jo’s outburst left so much to unpack. Aunt Flow? Was I a nuisance or an unwanted visitor she simply tolerated? Or was she just upset with me for disappearing on her?
“I only found out a week ago. Seven days. I only got confirmation from my doctor earlier today. To say this entire situation has been a lot to wrap my mind around is an understatement. I haven’t discussed it with anyone inmy life — my cousin, who is my best friend, or my parents.” She shuddered when she mentioned her parents.
“Listen. I don’t want to argue with you. I’m not trying to avoid the conversation, but I need some time to decompress before we dive into it. Let’s schedule a time when we’re both ready to talk calmly and openly. For now, I need to shower then find something to eat.”
Like a storm breaking apart, I watched her anger slowly dissipate, leaving exhaustion in its wake. Her shoulders slumped, and the hold on the pillow on her lap loosened. Her eyes, once blazing with intensity, now seemed clouded and heavy, betraying the weight of her emotions. I realised then how truly overwhelmed she was, her usual vibrant energy replaced by a quiet fatigue. It was as if the tempest within her had drained every ounce of strength, leaving only a weary calm.
Her well-being and the baby’s health were our top priorities, and rushing decisions would only add unnecessary stress. For now, it was time to focus on her comfort. Setting aside my own hurt, I turned my focus to where it should be.
I opened my mouth to tell her I would leave her to get some rest when something occurred to me. “When did you last eat?”
She looked surprised by the question, as if it hadn't occurred to her. “At lunch.”
It had been hours . “You need to eat something,” I insisted, determined to look out for her.
“I will. I just need to take a shower first. God,today seems to have gone on forever.” She looked towards the door, as if urging me to leave.
That should have been my cue to go, but I didn’t want to leave her alone. I felt responsible for adding to her stress, and I couldn’t bear the thought of not making it better.
“What? No. What?” She shook her head, looking horrified. “You go home; I’ll be alright.”
I arched an eyebrow.
“I will eat after my shower. Promise.” Jo raised her hand, palm in the air.
“I came in here all hot. Let me make it up to you. I will put together something for you to eat while you shower. Then, when you are finished, you can eat.”
“What are the chances of you taking no for an answer?”
“None,” I admitted.
“Do you even know how to cook?” she questioned.
“I know my way around the kitchen and how to keep myself fed.” I tapped my stomach.
She sighed, tossing aside her pillow. “Fine. Want me to show you around my kitchen?”
“I can figure it out.” I stood. Her apartment, like her office, was neat, and it looked like everything had a place. It shouldn’t be too hard to figure out.
“Please don’t go to any fuss. I have bread and peanut butter.”
“Is that like a craving?”
