After ordering the pizzas, he goes to take a shower.
When the pizza arrives, Jeremy is coming down the stairs. He helps me set the table.
“I saw you’ve already cleared out the room. We should call a house painter and go look for the furniture,” he says—poordreamer.
“No need. The painter starts tomorrow morning, and the furniture will arrive in just under two months.”
“Have you bought them already? You said you wanted us to go together and that you didn’t want to go alone.”
“I wasn’t alone.” I shrug.
“Danny?” he asks, almost angry.
“Yes, at least he was there,” I say.
“I’m sorry it was an important trip. I couldn’t postpone it.”
“Yes, I know, Tokyo had priority, and I understand, its work.” I’m curious if he understands it.
“Singapore, but it won’t happen again.”
I give a nervous laugh. I get up and go to get the ultrasound, then give it to him.
“This is Danielle.”
He’s speechless, surprised, even excited.
“Since you were so busy with your job, and you didn’t call to find out about the baby, I didn’t want to bother you. The urge to watch a movie has passed. Can I go to sleep, or will you be angry with me?”
“What are you saying? Of course, you can go to sleep.”
I go upstairs and am so tired that I fall asleep right away.
Hailey
The room is ready, and the furniture is spectacular. It’s much more beautiful than I remembered.
Jeremy has changed since his return from who knows where. He gives me gifts, pays attention to me, and is very calm. I dare say he’s almost sweet, almost the man I married except that I have changed and that every time he touches me, or we have sex, I can’t wait for it to end.
Saturday night dinner with Andrew and Danny is a well-established routine. They have become very close friends with Jeremy, especially Danny.
Tonight I make vegetable fried rice and chicken breast with teriyaki sauce. For dessert, I make Japanese cheesecake, a cloud of sweetness.
I’m slower than usual. The princess is growing well, and today she has moved a lot. Two more months and I can hug her. I can’t wait.
Jeremy goes to open the door for the boys. Zoë doesn’t even go to say hello to Danny. Instead, she sits next to me, waiting for a treat.
“Hi, Preciosa, you look amazing,” Drew greets me.
“Hi baby. Drew is right, you look stunning.”
“I feel flattered, thank you. I feel bulky. A lot.”
We laugh as we move into the living room. Though the temperature is mild for late February, I prefer to stay indoors.
The evening goes very well until Jeremy receives a message that makes him nervous.
I walk over as he replies to the message.
