“That why you were asking me about Kate the otherday?”
“I suppose so.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“She’s only seven weeks, man. She didn’t want anyone to know.And besides, she only made her mind up to keep it a couple nightsago.”
“Seriously?”
“Yeah, seriously. This wasn’t a wanted pregnancy, Zack. Infact, I don’t think she had children in her plans anytime.”
“And now?”
“I think it was a collective effort, swaying her. She startedtalking to the baby and all, and then when she realized that shewasn’t alone, that I’m here to help, she came around.”
“You gonna marry her?”
I wince.“Zack, this ain’t the forties, man. We don’t know each other well,and she just got divorced.”
He’squiet for a moment, mulling it over.
“You love her, man?”
“Yeah. But I don’t think she’s there yet. She likes me enough,but, I don’t think she loves me.”
“You keep sticking your big fat baby-loving face in hers andshe’s gonna hate your sorry ass.” He jokes, scoffing.
“Shut up.” I chuckle. “Hey, you know how it is, man. You loveyour unborn kid, right?”
“Of course.” He scoffs, smiling. “I get it, man. I’m justbusting your balls. I’m not much different from you, man. Onlydifference is Kate already had Myra around, and she saw how much Iloved her.”
“Think I can borrow Myra?” I tease.
“Any time, man.” He snuffles a laugh.
***
Ellie
It’salmost supper time, and I find myself standing at the door, waitingfor Maverick. I’m still pissed off at Sloane, and my phone hasn’trang all day from her, so I wash my hands of it for now. Just asI’m about to go make myself something, thinking that Maverick isheld up with something, my sister-in-law, or, rather, my formersister-in-law, Denice, calls me.
“Hey, stranger.” I say, and that’s something I’ve always saidwhenever she calls me, even if I only spoke to her five minutesago.
“Hey, how’s it going?”
“Good. Busy. You?”
“Great. Thought I’d stop by and see your new digs. You up forthat?”
“Absolutely.”
“You want me to bring anything?”
“Have you had dinner yet?”
“No. What can I pick up?”
“Anything. I’m starved.”
