It’s there, with coffee on my pants and a genuine smile on my face, that I’m at ease for the first time since the bombshell of Harriet’s pregnancy dropped.
“I can’t remember the last time I made a new friend, so I might be a little rusty. But I also want you to know custody arrangements and lawyers are the last thing I’ll be pursuing. I’ll take your lead.” Because I haven’t the faintest fucking idea of what being friends with her involves. “Whatever you need from me, I’m here.”
“I’m still going to work at the bar.” She abruptly changes the subject and her posture turns defensive. Toward me? “Getting my music out there and building a strong presence online was my goal before, and I want to stick to it even after the baby is here.”
“And I’ll support that.”
She blinks at me. “You will?”
Jesus, what kind of menhas she dated?
“Harriet, I’m not your keeper or in any position to tell you what to do.” I lean forward, expression earnest. “I don’t expect you to move in with me, walking around barefoot while carrying my child, or to have dinner ready on the table every night.”
The corner of her mouth twitches. “Good, because I can’t cook for shit.”
“Noted.”
The tenseness around us ebbs.
“What are your plans for New Year’s Day?” If I don’t ask now, my mother will only make me call Harriet for an answer. When I told my parents about the baby, they were obviously surprised, hiding their concern well, but they’re also ecstatic for me and itching to meet Harriet.
“Nothing special. Why?”
“My parents host a small get together every year, and they’d love for you to come. It’s nothing extravagant, just some finger food and board games.” I lower my cup before it slips through my clammy fingers. “I hope it’s okay I told them about you.”
“And the baby?”
I nod. “Yeah. It’s difficult keeping any secrets from them or my siblings.”
“Mine are the same. I wouldn’t be surprised if everyone from my hometown knew already.” She grins fondly. “I’d love to meet them.”
“Great.” It’s a shitty thought, but perhaps with Harriet at my side, even as platonic co-parents, my folks will get off my back about entering the dating pool again.
She releases a breath. “Guess I’m meeting the parents.”
TWENTY-ONE
Harriet: How’s Christmas shopping going?
Warren: Stressful. Send help.
Harriet: Online is the way forward. When will the male population learn that shopping on Christmas Eve is a migraine waiting to happen?
Warren: On behalf of all men, I can confidently say never.
Warren: I take it you’re done?
Harriet: Yup! Wrapped and ready to go.
Warren: Teach me your ways.
Warren: *picture of a peach in hand*
Warren: Happy 13 weeks.
Harriet: Wow, you beat me to it! It’s wild how big Button is getting.
Harriet: Grocery or gift shopping?
