Page 47 of Revenge

“Fine,” I say, already crossing the street.

Our first stop is the post office to mail dad’s rent. I haven’t seen him since I left. He believes I live in another state, working and going to school. He says he’s better and hasn’t been gambling. Whether it’s true or not isn’t my problem anymore. But it doesn’t mean I won’t help him.

My second stop is a baby boutique. Viktor jumps into my mind against my will as I enter. I can’t stop myself from wishing he was here, holding my hand. Would we be playfully arguing about what our son should wear or the colors for the nursery?

“Welcome. Please let us know if you need anything.” A woman greets me as I walk inside. I asked Marco to stay outside. He was fine with it since there weren’t a lot of people.

“I will.” I walk around the store. There are so many beautiful things. It’s overwhelming. I’ve never felt more alone.

“Ava?”

I look up. “Tina,” I say, shocked to see her here. Did she find me too?

“You’re pregnant,” she exclaims as shock, incredulity and excitement cross her face. She looks at my belly, and I touch it instinctively. I look to see if anyone is with her. “I’m alone,” she says, reading my mind.

“Can we talk somewhere?” I ask desperately.

“We are definitely going to talk. You have a lot of explaining to do.” She leads us outside.

“Ms. O’Brien, Ms. Manarch,” Marco says, confused.

Tina wraps her arm around mine.

“Hi, Marco. It’s been so long since we last saw each other,” Tina says.

He looks quizzically at her.

“It’s ok, Marco. We’re going to go down the street to a café.”

“I can drive you both.”

“I’d rather walk if you don’t mind,” I say.

“Okay,” Marco says. “Lead the way.”

“Since when has Marco been with you?” Tina whispers.

“Long story,” I whisper back, not wanting to give her any details of the reasoning behind it.

“You’re not getting off that easy.”

“I know. I’ll tell you when we get to the café.”

We walk in silence. I have no idea what I’m going to say to her. Normally, none of the Manarchs are on this side of town, yet suddenly they all seem to be here. What the hell is going on? Finally, we enter the café and are seated. Again, I got Marco to agree to stay outside to give Tina and me some privacy. He was more than happy. He always seems uncomfortable around Tina.

“Talk,” she almost shouts.

“Please don’t be angry at me.”

“Of course I’m angry. You stopped taking my calls and answering texts. Then you changed your number. Must I also add that you’re very pregnant?”

Our server takes our drink order, giving me a chance to think about how much to tell her.

“I’m not the first or the last woman to be pregnant.”

“Don’t bullshit me. You know what I meant. You didn’t tell me you were pregnant.”

“There’s nothing to tell. I’m pregnant, and that is that.”

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