Robin:Will you call me when you wake up and tell me what happened? That jackass wouldn’t tell me anything. Although, he did seem a bit concerned that you weren’t back at the shop yet.
Concerned about me? Why would he worry where I was? My takeaway from our little meeting today was he wanted to be free of me and of this child. I gave him that.
* * *
What isit about naps that make the world a better place? Because mine worked wonders. I woke up feeling recharged, rejuvenated after having slept three solid hours. Normally I’d worry that such a long nap would interfere with my sleep tonight, but thanks to this pregnancy, I’ll sleep like a baby tonight too. It’s that exhausting carrying this little person around in my belly. Sliding out of bed, I realize how hungry I am. It makes sense. I missed lunch.
Padding barefoot out to my little kitchen, I know all I’ve got on hand is a few cans of soup, a frozen dinner or two, and some deli meat. “Oh, I’ve got eggs.” The thought of eggs makes my stomach twist suddenly which is sad because I used to love eggs.
Opening my fridge, I peer inside at the sparse collection of condiments and— “Is that cheese?”
My phone chimes. I promised Robin I’d get in touch with her after I woke up, but I need to eat first. Choosing chicken noodle soup and crackers, I place the pan on my two-burner stove and start cooking. Reaching for my phone, I glance down, expecting to see Robin’s name. It’s not her. It’s him. Cranky pants, himself. At least that’s the name I gave him on my phone contacts list.
Cranky Pants:My lawyer’s name is Mark Goodrich. He’ll be in touch about the trust. May I please have your home address so he can send you the necessary papers?
I don’t even hesitate.I type out a response. The sooner this is done, the sooner I can focus all my attention on my baby. Because Nate is a distraction. One I don’t need.
Me:3940 W 48th St #3B,60632
Cranky Pants:Thank you.
Thank you.
That’s all he wrote?
What did I expect? I wasn’t particularly chatty in my response.
“Jerkface.” I mumble to myself because it’s the only thing I can think of to say to make myself feel better about all of it. That and eating.
I pour my hot soup into a bowl. It smells delicious. Before sitting at my little round table, I grab the sleeve of saltines and a glass of water. With crackers in hand, I break several of them up and watch them fall and float on the top of my dinner.
What is it about chicken noodle soup that makes everything better?
Sure, I know there’s an entire series dedicated to chicken soup and our soul, but it’s true. What can’t be solved when you’ve got this bowl and a few crackers in front of you? Nothing. Feeling better than I have in days, I pick up my phone and call my best friend.
“It’s about damn time, woman.”
My laugh comes out as more of a cough, because I’ve still got some cracker in my mouth and she surprised me.
“Well, hello to you too.”
“I’ve been waiting for hours for this story. I need to know if Gus needs to track down that grumphole and murder him or not. Gus is on standby, by the way.”
“Well, tell Gus to stand down. No murdering is necessary.” And if it was, I’d do it myself.
“What happened, honey?” Robin’s voice has suddenly taken on that nurturing-mom voice I love so much.
With a sigh, I set my spoon down. I can’t eat when I’m recounting his words. “He doesn’t want to have anything to do with the baby.”
Robin scoffs. Before she can speak, though, I keep going. “He’s setting up a trust for her that she can use for college.”
“She?” Robin sounds shocked. “Did you find out the sex and not tell me? I thought you wanted to be surprised.”
“I do. It’s just a feeling…” I rest my hand on my stomach. “I had a dream the other night that I’m having a girl.”
“Oh. My. God.” Robin screams. “A baby girl!”
Her excitement makes me smile from ear to ear. See? I told you we’d be enough. Robin’s going to be the best nana on the planet. One my mom would be proud of. One I know…
