I greet the girls I’ve known for months now. I give them precise instructions to not use strong perfumes due to my pregnancy. Then I go up to get dressed. I want to go shopping.
Hailey
We’re at the mall, browsing in the shops, and we stop in a lovely children’s shop. They have so many beautiful things.
We buy bibs and bodysuits. Danny buys some pink and white shoes with rhinestones.
“Don’t look at me like that. I know for sure it will be a girl, as beautiful as you.”
“A girl? How can you be so sure? I think he’s a boy, but I honestly don’t care. As long as he or she is healthy.”
Danny hugs me, whispering. “I’m sure it’s a girl because my mother always said that women were expecting a girl shines. They are more beautiful and radiant every day. And you are, love.”
I hug him back—God, how I’d like to kiss him.
“I know, me too,” he says, smiling at me as he takes the bags from the shop assistant.
“You too, what?” I ask, surprised. Did I say something out loud?
“Hailey, I hear your thoughts, remember? You’re an open book to me.”
“It was me who said that. I want copyrights,” I tease Danny with a smile.
“Yes, you said so, but the same goes for me. And I’m dying to kiss you, too,” he admits.
I pretend to be angry. “Awesome. Get out of my head, please, it’s called privacy!”
Danny bursts out laughing and kisses me on the forehead. “You’re even sexier when you get angry, even if you’re just pretending. Do you want anything to eat or drink? Any particular cravings?”
“I woke up craving strawberry ice cream,” I say.
“Me too, with another craving.” He smiles slyly and winks at me.
“Danny!” I pretend to be offended, but it makes me feel good. At least I’m not the only one crazy to want what I can’t have.
“I’m not going to apologize, honey. Let’s go get some ice cream. I know a fantastic shop on the seafront,” he tells me, opening his car door.
As soon as he starts up, he resumes his playlist of songs. “We have to review your musical tastes,” I say, snorting.
“What do they have? I love 90s music,” he replies, starting to sing the song’s chorus.
It’s out of tune like a bell. And he knows it. But he continues to sing, and it involves me. It’s a song that I know too, and I sing it, leaving him speechless.
“You’re better than I am at singing,” he says as he parks in front of the ice cream shop.
“Someone must know how to do it in a couple.”
The words come out without my realizing it as we get out of the car. Danny quickly walks around the car and joins me. He puts his hands on the vehicle, trapping me between him and the car.
“Repeat it,” he whispers, looking at me.
“Someone must know how to sing in a couple.” Our eyes are chained. He pulls away some strands that have escaped my ponytail and draw me to him, kissing me. His tongue touches my lips, and I half-close them, inviting him to deepen the kiss. He does it willingly.
No words are needed to explain what he feels. I already know. His heart is beating like mine. He detaches himself to catch his breath.
“You’re my drug, babe,” he says, smiling. He kissed my forehead, and we go toward the ice cream parlor.
The place is really lovely.
