“How many centimeters is she dilated? It could be hours before the baby comes,” he said, slowly rocking with me.
“Yeah, but the baby daddy isn’t coming, and I guess I’m the medical expert in the family.” I scrunched my nose.
Angel tightened his grip on me. “It’s probably better he doesn’t show up now. Sets expectations low.”
“Aw, Angel.”
He shrugged. “That way he won’t disappoint them.”
“Jen’s definitely disappointed. We all are, to some extent.” How could she bear to be with someone so irresponsible and rude?
I clenched my teeth and sent the guy a text with the basic information: Jen’s in labor at Westbrook General Hospital. Get in touch ASAP. Hopefully, I’d never hear from him again.
Angel strolled to the café with his arm around my waist. “Maybe you could give her my mom’s social media. She talks a lot about single mom empowerment.”
I raised my eyebrows. “Does she share cute stories from when you were a kid? Maybe I’ll want to tune in.”
He casually flexed. “I know you’re obsessed with me, pidge. Maybe it’s best we do take that step back.”
I nudged my elbow into his side. “Don’t make fun of me.”
“I’m just teasing.” He smirked.
“Oh, you mean flirting?”
“You remembered.” He beamed.
“I’ll probably remember that night for the rest of my life,” I said.
The night I finally took a chance to go after what I wanted. No regrets.
He massaged the nape of my neck, his eyes crinkling at the edges. “I'll remember it as one of the best nights of my life. And we’ve got a lot more ahead.”
I enjoyed walking side-by-side with him like this, the wall of windows and pretty planters at the hospital creating a romantic garden between hand sanitizer stations.
By the time we got food and returned to Jen’s room, I was feeling a lot better.
“Want me to come in with you?” Angel offered.
“No. My sister’s probably feeling too vulnerable to meet a stranger at this exact moment. But thank you. For everything.” I kissed him so he knew I meant it.
“I’ll see you…at home? Eventually?”
“Yeah. I’ll see you then.” I grinned.
He held the door open for me, and I braced myself for my sister’s screams as I passed through.
“Hey, how’s it going in here?” I asked, overly chipper. “I brought some broth.” One of the few things she could have.
Jen stopped pacing to lean against her bed, sweaty and flushed. “Well? Is he coming?”
“Who?”
“My boyfriend,” she demanded.
“Ah, I don’t know. I sent him a text with all the information, but he hasn’t gotten back to me yet.”
“You didn’t talk to him?” Her face contorted in pain and she gripped her belly through another contraction. “I can’t do this without him.”
