I turn to Poppy and Matt. “I… I feel like I should wait… to share that part.” They understand what I’m referring to, but I can’t be specific since Matt is supposed to be the father. How they’re seated certainly doesn’t back that up, though, so I imagine the doctor has an inkling.
“What do you guys think?” I ask them.
Matt nods in agreement while Poppy answers, “Maybe I should be told, and we can do a fun reveal when you’re ready. They’re super popular these days, and Lily could do it with me. Please?”
I look at Dr. Bell for thoughts.
“How about I put it in an envelope so you have it if you change your mind or want someone else to take a peek?” She winks. “I’ll also print some pictures of the baby. How does that sound?”
“That’s a great idea. Let’s do it. So if everything looks good, what did happen today?”
Finishing the exam, we learned that I experienced something called round ligament pain, which is common in pregnancy and can be more painful in some cases. She shared some tips to minimize occurrences and things I can do to help when it happens. The relief I feel walking out of the hospital is indescribable. I’m still sore when we leave, but nothing compared to on the way in. The only thing bringing me pain currently is the absence of Eli and the fact that I’m doing this without him. Matt helped me realize today how unfair I’m being, and with my decision made, I’m eager to call and share the news.
After assuring Matt I could drive, he brought us back to the office to get our cars. It’s a relief not to keep this a secret anymore. Part of me was worried about what people would think, but Matt’ssupport has me hopeful that others might be more accepting as well. What other people think shouldn’t matter, but I’m only human, so it does.
When I got home, I made myself something to eat while working up the nerve to call Eli. I’m finishing up in the kitchen when my cell rings. Glancing at the screen to Eli’s name has my heart pounding immediately. Did someone tell him about the baby? Who would have done that? Matt couldn’t have, but would he have convinced Poppy to do it? I told them I planned to do it tonight, but maybe they didn’t believe me. I’m in full panic mode and barely answer in time.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Cici. How are you?”
Does he mean how am I after today, or how am I in general?
“I’m good. Why?” I ask suspiciously.
“Because I haven’t talked to you in a while, and that’s usually how you start a conversation?”
I laugh nervously. “Yeah, right. Sorry. How have you been?”Should I tell him about the baby now?
“Good, I guess. That’s sort of why I’m calling. I need to tell you something before you find out elsewhere.”
“Okay… what’s that?”
“Well, your brother or Lily might have told you, but I’ve been seeing Rebecca—the girl who used to work in your office. I met her that day I came in and again at the bar the night you were there. Well… she started frequenting the club, and one thing led to another.”
“Yeah, I know. And you don’t have to explain,” I sigh. “Your private life is none of my business.” Not sure why he feels compelled to share, but I really don’t want to hear more.
“Maybe not, but I still need this off my chest if you’ll listen.”
“Well, hurry up because I have something to get off mine too.”And it’s more important than whatever this crap is.
“I’m doing something tomorrow, and I want you to hear it from me before anyone else. More importantly, please believe me when I say that it doesn’t diminish anything we had together.”
“Eli, you’re talking in riddles. What’s going on?”
He groans in response before pulling the rug out from under my feet.
“I’m getting engaged… to Rebecca.”
What. The. Fuck?My knees buckle, and I sink to the floor.
Seconds pass. “Cici? Are you still there?”
He’s getting engaged. He loves Rebecca. He’s starting a life with another woman. He’s starting a family—oh God, he certainly doesn’t need another one. I’d only be creating problems if I told him now.Fuck!
“Please say something,” he pleads.
Taking a deep breath and pasting a smile on my face to hide my true emotions, I finally speak. “That’s great, Eli. I’m happy for you. The call wasn’t necessary, but since you did, tell Rebecca I said congratulations.”
