“I wanted this. And I love him.”
“Ugh. Mistake. You shouldn’t fall for your husband,” Evie snaps, but then she re-thinks something. “Unless youforcehim to be true and do what you say. Then, I think it’s just fine. Who can resist when they finally submit to licking your feet?”
I grimace with disgust just as Amelia recoils. “Ew. Gross.”
“Second that,” I agree.
Evie shrugs. “When are you due?”
“In nine months. It’s still early. Just found out the other night.”
Amelia and Evie both draw back as if I’ve just sprouted a second head.
“Th-that’s soon. Did you two, you know… Had youbeen togetherbefore your wedding?” Amelia asks.
“Oooh, little devilish Scout being naughty!” Evie nods slowly, as if encouraging the activity, but there’s something behind her eyes. Like she doesn’t believe me.
“It’s soon, yeah, I know. But I’m worried about Apollo.”
“Why?” they both ask, on the edge of their seats.
“Because when I told him, he said that he’s worried about my mental state. And what the pregnancy may do to me.”
Both blink as confusion sets in on their faces. “But…you’re the least mental person I know,” Amelia says, her hand squeezing my thigh. “And I’ve known you forever.”
Evie shakes her head rapidly. “I’m not a good judge of who has a poor mental state, I don’t think. But I also would put you into the category ofsound mind. Which is one reason we’re friends.”
I want to protest. Say I’m not exactly sure Evie and I are in the samesound mindcategory she’s placed us in, but she continues.
“So if he’s saying that, there’s something wrongwith him.”
Taking a deep inhale, I keep my voice steady. “Do you think so? When he said it, it felt like he stepped back from me. Like I was something fragile. Or worse… Wrong. Just when I thought we were growing closer.”
The memory of Ellis comes to my mind. How I wish she were here to tell all these things to. Maybe I wouldn’t feel so alone, even when surrounded by my friends. Old and new.
Amelia pulls me in for a hug. She’s a hugger. Always has been. And it irritates the fuck out of me, but I don’t pull away.
“I’m so sorry. Maybe just communicate better.”
I sniff and shake my head. “I’m not sure he’ll listen. And the worst part?” I sit up and announce to both of them, “I think he may be right.”
“No, no! Don’t say that!” Amelia begs.
“What did your parents say?” Evie asks, which is weird. Because I wouldn’t expect that question from her. Though I never know what I’ll get.
“Mom’s not happy. Dad’s quiet, just waiting, like usual.”
“What about your brothers?”
“I haven’t told them yet.”
Evie nods solemnly in reply.
“Anyway, I?—”
I halt my words as my husband opens the front door, wiping off his boots on the mat. He smiles when he sees me—wide, real—then it vanishes. Replaced with that carved, perfect calm. Once he hangs his wool pea coat, he lumbers to the sofa and presses a kiss to the top of my head. “Hey, tulip.”
“Hi.” I’m breathless. Butterflies flutter in my belly.
