Devon was on rinse duty while I Tetris’ed the heck out of the dish placement in the dishwasher.
“So how’s it going?” I slid a look at my brother. “Did you do okay on your algebra test?”
“I texted you about it. I got an A-minus.”
“Right! You did.” I had helped my brother with some tutoring a few weeks ago, and of course he had already texted me to say he did well. Yet, I’d forgotten because my brain was mush. We chatted some more about school, his favorite video game, some weird prank one of his friends played on him. A few minutes later, Rosie walked in and touched Devon on the shoulder.
“What?” he asked.
“I’m tagging you out. It’s an improv thing.”
Devon screwed up his eyes. “Am I supposed to say something funny?”
“No, you’re supposed to take this wonderful opportunity to leave the kitchen because I’m taking over in this ‘dishwashing scene.’”
Devon grinned. “Awesome. Later, Franks.”
“Later, Dev.” I turned to Rosie. “Are you actually going to help, or are you trying to avoid your dads asking about your sex life?”
She shuddered. “They’re so progressive it’s scary. Cade actually dropped off a family-sized box of condoms the last time he came to visit my place. And Dante allows this nonsense—he’s supposed to be the hard ass prude.”
Dante was a lot of things, but prude wasn’t one of them.
“Vi’s not much better,” Rosie went on. “I think she and Cade spend their time thinking up ways to embarrass me.”
“You’re unshockable. Just be glad you can tell them anything.”
My sister leaned against the sink, not rinsing any dishes. Improvising idleness.
“Is there something you can’t tell Bren and Vi?”
I hadn’t meant it like that, or maybe I had. “I’m just reminding you of how lucky you are to have such cool dads.”
Rosie hummed. “So, what’s going on?”
“Going on?”
“You didn’t eat much and usually you are all over those mashed potatoes like Bunsen with his cat treats. You’re not drinking either. I know you want to prepare your body for when you get around to conceiving, but is there something you’re not telling me?”
I was dying to share my news. I couldn’t rely on Jason as my comfort through this. If it was just the two of us keeping this secret, then we would be constantly drawn to each other like magnets to metal. Or my favorite parts to his favorite parts. (Genitals, in case that wasn’t clear.)
I guided her into the downstairs bathroom, just off the kitchen.
“I’m pregnant.”
Cue Rosie’s squeal. “I knew something was going on. You’ve been avoiding me whenever I ask you out.”
“I am busy, trying to prep for the next semester in Boston.” Information I had not shared with Jason. “Do you still want to sublet while I’m away?”
She grasped my arms. “Yes, I do but stop changing the subject. This is amazing! How far along?”
“About six weeks? I have an OB appointment at the beginning of January, but I’ve had the pregnancy test with my GP and a general checkup. It’s definitely a go.”
“And?”
“What?”
Those green eyes she shared with her mom and my aunts glittered. You know who else has gorgeous green eyes …
