Stacie made a choking noise that made us all jump up from the table. Thomas hurried to stand her up and help her onto the grass so she could throw up. Gabby went over and held her hair, while I went inside to get her some water.
I returned with the water to see Gabby having taken over the care of our director, and Thomas standing off to the side away from the vomit.
“I guess this is goodbye, for now.” I said, giving him a half-hearted smile. He forced one as well and nodded.
“I guess it is.” He shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked on his feet for a moment. “It was nice catching up. You know, when we broke up, I always thought that someday we’d make our way back to each other.”
I didn’t know how to respond. How did he want me to respond?
“I kind of thought that maybe taking this role that we’d reconnect. That maybe kissing each other for a month would spark some old memories or something. It was stupid. I’m sorry Renee, for everything. I was a jerk back then. I lost out on something great.”
I reached out and hugged him. Pulling away I gave him a genuine smile, but it was out of pity.
“We were young and dumb. I’m glad we got to see each other again, but I’m not sad for breaking up. Mark is my everything. We were meant for each other. Me and you- we weren’t.”
“How can you be so sure? You guys are total opposites. You have no common interests. Why do you stay with him?”
I crossed my arms and took a step away.
“Because he makes me happy, and -”
“Were about to have a baby.” Mark’s voice behind me interrupted my thoughts.
“What?” Thomas looked down at my flat stomach and then up at my face and then to Mark. “You’re pregnant?”
I shook my head and could feel the heat rushing to my face. God, I just wanted to leave. I wrapped my arms around Mark, and he pulled me close.
“Our surrogate is 14 weeks pregnant. I think it’s best that you don’t see my wife anymore Tom,” Mark said firmly.
We all turned when Gabby and Stacie stood up and stumbled over to us.
“You’re having a baby?” Gabby asked me, wide eyed. I nodded.
“We didn’t want to say anything until after the first trimester,” I explained. I turned back to look at the two men staring each other down. We had to leave soon. Mark was a ticking time bomb. He could only be courteous for so long. I squeezed on his hand and gently pulled him towards the house. He stood firmly, not looking away from Thomas.
Suddenly Thomas’ cool demeanor changed into anger.
“Wow, so you get married to a rockstar and decide to pay someone to have your kid. Why? So you don’t lose your figure? Are you that vain Renee? We’ve all seen it. Your clothes, your nails and hair. Is that why you chose him over me? You’re a little rich bitch now?”
I stared at him and could feel my eyes watering up. My chin began to tremble, but before I could open my mouth to speak Mark reacted. He swung his arm over, and his fist connected with Thomas’ jaw. He fell to the ground and Mark moved to stand over him, arm pulled back ready to punch him again.
Gabby and Stacie screamed. I ran to Mark and put my hands on his back.
“Baby, it’s not worth hurting your shoulder. Let’s go.”
Mark didn’t move, so I began rubbing his back, trying to calm him down.
“That’s not why you did it, is it?” Gabby asked from behind us.
“We have never said any of that stuff Renee. I don’t know where he’s getting that from, I swear. We love you,” Stacie added.
I turned away from the two men to look at my friends.
“I know that. And no, I didn’t hire anyone, and it certainly wasn’t to keep my figure.” I looked back at Thomas who was trying to get up. He glared up at me.
“Since you think you know more about me than my husband, you should know that I can’t get pregnant. So, go ahead and share it with all of your friends who apparently talk about me. I’m sure you’ll meet someone who’s perfect for you in that mix. We’re done. Thank you for reminding me why we broke up,” I finished and pulled on Mark.
“Let’s go.”
