Chapter Six
The Curse of Curves
Saturdayafter the auditions we went to the Andrews’ for Lunch. Cleo was excited about the new backyard furniture they had bought and wanted to use it.
“Ethan surprised me with it Thursday. I think he’s been feeling bad about how he reacted at first to the surrogate thing,” she told me cheerfully as we started setting the large glass table.
“It is a really nice set. He must have been feeling pretty awful.”
She rolled her eyes and chuckled.
“Yeah, it’s just weird how his apology came the same week the doctor cleared me for sex again.”
We both paused for a moment and then burst into laughter. Just then the men came out and gave us questioning looks.
“What’s so funny?” Ethan asked. He was holding Blue, so after setting him down in his highchair he walked over to Cleo and planted a kiss on her cheek. Her and I exchanged a look and started giggling again. Ethan frowned.
“Just you,” she told him and set the rest of the plates down. “How’s lunch coming?”
“It’s all ready to go. You want me to bring it out?” She nodded and reached up on her tiptoes to kiss him.
“Yes please. Renee, want to help with the drinks?” I smiled and followed them inside to get the food. While I grabbed the pitcher of lemonade, Cleo and Ethan grabbed the chicken and salads they had made earlier. As soon as all the food was placed on the table and we took our seats all the men started diving in.
I glanced over at Cleo before grabbing my own skewer of chicken, peppers, and onions. She smiled tightly at me but refrained from grabbing anything. She took a sip of her ice water and focused on feeding Blue some fruit. I frowned.
“Cleo, is your stomach not doing okay? Have you started morning sickness yet?” I asked innocently. The eating and conversation dropped, and all eyes swung to her. She turned red and then rolled her eyes.
“I’m fine. I’m not throwing up, but I have been nauseous a lot this week. I’m just not hungry right now. It’ll pass,” she assured us. I glanced at Mark. His brow was furrowed.
“You want me to bring some crackers or something over?” I reached for his hand and squeezed it under the table. He squeezed it back gently. Cleo shook her head.
“I’m fine guys, really. If I need something, I’ll say something,” she shut the conversation down sharply. Hesitantly, everyone returned to their lunch.
“How’s the album going?” Ethan asked. That ignited a reaction at the table and the men began discussing equipment and other things that were beyond me. I was almost sure Cleo and I sighed at the exact same time. She turned to me, adjusting her body in her seat, bringing her short legs up under her.
“We should have lunch like once a week or something. That way I can get away from all of this,” she motioned with her arms at the excited men. “And we can get to know each other better. It always feels like we’re too busy to socialize.”
“I’d love that. Some girl talk will do you some good I'm sure. Plus, you can keep me updated on everything,” I looked down at her flat stomach. “And I won’t have to ask Mark every day.” I said cheerfully.
“Perfect!”
“Speaking of plays and musicals, Renee, how did your thing go?” Chase shouted across the table. A smile quickly spread on my face.
“I got the part. We start rehearsals Monday.” The table let out small cheers and woo’s.
“Well that calls for a toast. Cleo, Ethan, you got any-” Derek stopped short, realizing what he was asking. He shut his mouth quick and reached for his glass of lemonade. “A toast, to Renee. May the play go well enough that they are throwing roses, but not well enough to where we have to go see new shows every other month.” Everyone chuckled and we toasted to it with our lemonades. When Mark put his glass down, he snickered.
“If you’re still crashing on my couch, you’ll go to every single show she’s in.”
Derek glared at him but said nothing. He opted to give him the finger instead.
“Derek, what are you going to do when the baby comes? You don’t think they’ll want their private time?” Cleo scolded.
“You’re not living here,” Ethan added.
“Jesus, why is everyone on my back about this? I’ll worry about it when it happens. When is the little tater tot due anyways?”
“August. Consider it your eviction notice,” Mark quipped. Derek scowled and turned back to Ethan to discuss music. That conversation led to them excusing themselves to go into the studio. I asked about it and Mark explained why they were the only ones to leave.
