“Geez, guys.Couldn’t you sort out the seating before you clicked the link?”
“Nick,” they all shouted, and waved.
Bernie planted herself on Eli’s lap and Michael crouched in front of Emily, who was just starting to show.
Michael rubbed her belly.“Say hello to Uncle Nick, Peanut.”
“Is that the official name, bro?”he replied, laughing.
“No, it is not,” clarified Emily.“That’s just what your brother calls him.”
“Wait…him?”
Emily beamed.“Cat’s out of the bag, I guess.Michael and I were planning on telling you all tonight anyway.We’re expecting a boy!”
“Yeah!”The group in Toronto all hugged and cheered.
Nick got a little choked up too, wishing he could be there to join in the fun.“That’s awesome, guys.I can’t wait to meet him.”
They talked some more about Emily’s pregnancy and Michael’s strained nerves.Nick was glad to hear that Emily and the baby were both healthy.
Michael would manage, too.
“How’s the new show going, Nick?”asked Eli.
“It’s good.So much work, but I expected that.It’s, uh, good.”
Bernie leaned into the screen.“Em and I went out with Claire last week.”
“Yeah, she mentioned that.I appreciate you looking out for her.”
Bernie turned to Eli, a sly look on her face.
“Excuse me, Hurricane Bernie,” said Nick, using the nickname they’d first christened her with upon meeting her.“What is that look for?”
Bernie shrugged.“I’m sure I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“She’s trouble, Eli,” teased Nick.“I did try to warn you.”
“Yeah, you did, but I didn’t listen.”Eli planted a kiss on Bernie’s mouth.
“Careful,” warned Michael, pointing at Emily’s belly.“That’s how we got in this mess.”
Emily swatted him.
For a few moments, Nick missed being their fifth wheel.
They talked for a few more minutes, getting caught up on each other’s lives again.Michael and Eli had settled into a new routine at Zorn Contracting, and were happy not having cameras in front of their faces every five minutes.Nick understood their relief, but it didn’t mean he enjoyed his own career developments any less.
All at once, a knock sounded on his hotel room door.
“Oh, hey, guys,” he said.“I’ve got to run.Someone’s at the door.Housekeeping must be early.”
“Right,” said Bernie.“Housekeeping.You’d better open the door, Nick.”
Eli gave her a look and mumbled something about her being “an instigator.”
As the knocking continued, a very strange feeling settled in Nick’s stomach.A sort of weird anticipation.
