“Is there a reason you feel so strongly this baby is going to be a boy?”
I hear the hesitation in her voice.She’s probably thinking it has something to do with Kate and the baby.
“I just have a feeling.It has nothing to do with transferring my feelings from one situation to another.This is our baby.This is a new start for the both of us.I want you to enjoy being pregnant as much as you can with as little stress as possible.”
“I’m trying.”
She runs her fingers through my hair and goes to the kitchen for a glass of water.She wanted to say something else, but she didn’t.I scroll through my phone, checking messages till I hear the doorbell ring.
I walk into the kitchen, and she’s standing by the door, fidgeting with her hands.
“Maybe I should change my shirt?Wear one that doesn’t show so much?”
I hold her hands steady, pulling her to me.“You look great.I’m right here with you.”
She pulls one hand away, and I hold on to the other one, giving it a reassuring squeeze.She takes a deep breath and opens the door.
“Hi, Chris.”
I watch her bite the corner of her lip nervously, waiting for Chris to say something.He doesn’t say anything for a long time.In those minutes, several different emotions cross his face.The most recognizable one for me isI’m going to beat your ass.I’m putting out my “damn- sure-not-without-a-fight” look, even if I might deserve it for being stupid and getting her pregnant.
“What the fuck is this?Is this what you called me over here for?”He clenches his fist at his side and holds up a hand when I start to say something.His whole body tenses, and he looks like he’s going to charge at me at any second.Cat moves forward, but I don’t let her hand go, I hold it firmly to keep her from moving closer to him.I haven’t seen him this angry in a long time.This is going to be a disaster.
“I know what this is; I just can’t believe you did this fucked-up shit again.”He’s looking at both of us when he talks.He steps back and shakes his head.“Un-fucking-believable!”
Cat puts her other hand on her stomach and tries to take another step toward him.I’m not sure that’s a good idea.I remember how Jay reacted in the hospital when he grabbed her.Brother or not, if that happens again, I’m going to lose it and kick Chris’s ass down these steps.I hold her hand and take my eyes off him.She looks at me with a sad half smile.The look in her eyes makes me want to slam the door, shut her family out, and tell her she doesn’t need to do this shit.I’m getting angry, and that’s not a good thing for me and Chris to be with each other when she’s around.
In a soft voice she tells me, “Nick, it’s okay.”
I look at Chris, who’s staring at me with his fists clenched, ready to knock me out.
“Chris?”Cat says his name, her voice wavering.His eyes drop to her stomach, and he shakes his head, coming to a decision.He unclenches his hands and looks in her eyes before he shakes his head and looks away.
She pulls her hand out of mine, and I reluctantly let her.Putting her hands around his waist she hugs him, her face pressed against his chest.“Please don’t be mad.You’re the only family still speaking to me.I need youandhim.Give him a chance and let him explain.It wasn’t him alone.”
He puts his arm around her and hugs her back.“I’m telling you, there’s a chance no one will accept this, Cat.”
“I already know.”
She steps to the side and he follows me into my office.
Inside my office, I tell him if he wants to hit me to do so.I deserve it.I fucked up big time with Kate and Cat.I can’t take any of it back, and I wouldn’t, because if I did I wouldn’t have Cat here with me now.
“I love your sister—”
“Which one?”
“Come on, man.”
“Ugh, man!”He turns his back to me and rubs the flat of his hand over his forehead and plops down in the chair by my desk.
“You know how I’ve always felt about her.She was young.Wewere young.I didn’t want to cross a line with our friendship.You’re like my brother.We’ve gone through a lot together—”
“I didn’t think you would go through my sisters.”
“What are you more upset about, Chris?”
“What am I not upset about?I have one sister just putting herself back together because of you and another one out there… I don’t even know what’s going on with her.You didn’t just have sex with my sisters, you screwed my entire family.And you’re telling me you love her?”
