Page 23 of Until Then

I pinch the bridge of my nose. Jessica has been working for me for years. She knows how I like paperwork organized, and she can handle most calls or problems without my help. She’ll only be gone for a few months, but the idea of having to work with someone new annoys me.

“I’ll look at them today.”

She stares me down, lips tugged into a doubtful frown. “I’m serious, Derrick. Especially if you want me to train them before I go. We’re down to the wire.” She taps her finger against my desk. “Pick someone.”

“Okay.” I give her a solemn nod. “I’ll have a name for you by the end of the week.”

With a harrumph, she says, “Sooner.” And then she strides back over to her desk, hand to her back. “Whether you like it or not, I could go into labor any time, and then you’ll be left with no one.”

She’s right, but it doesn’t change how badly I don’t want to deal with this.

“I could handle the paperwork while you’re gone.”

She snorts, spinning her chair to face me. “Youhatepaperwork.”

I prefer to be out there with my guys, but it’s only a couple of months. How bad could it be? “I know, but it’s not forever.”

With a grunt, she tips to one side and reaches for her bottle of water. “It’s long enough. There are a few good candidates on the list. Stop being a big baby and pick someone.”

Easier said than done, but I’ll have to try.

7

IZZY

For reasons unknown,I’m on edge as I head to book club. It’s ridiculous, really. I know all these ladies, and even if I didn’t, I never get flustered when I meet people.

Once I’ve parked on the street in front of the house, I climb out, then open the back door and grab the plate of crostinis I made along with the twice-baked potato poppers. I considered filming the process, but in the end, I left my camera where it’s been, in my bag, since I arrived in Parkerville.

The sight of Via’s car in the driveway relieves a fraction of my anxiety. At least my sister is already here.

Get it together. There’s nothing to be nervous about.

Except Glenda. She’s a loose cannon.

Heart beating and hands shaking, I juggle the dishes of food and use my elbow to knock.

It opens, and then I’m blinded byElla’s excited smile. “Izzy!” She takes the food from me and ushers me inside. “Come in, come in. We’re waiting on a few more people.”

While Ella heads for the kitchen with the dishes, where I’m sure there is enough food for twenty more people than will be in attendance tonight, my sister waves me over to the couch where she’s chatting with a few other familiar faces.

“Not much longer now, right?” Via asks the heavily pregnant woman at her side.

For a moment, dread washes over me, but it’s tempered when I note the genuine smile on my sister’s face. She battled infertility for years before her divorce, and often, it can be hard for her to be around pregnant women or babies. But lately it seems like she’s in a better place.

I’ve offered to be her surrogate, and I meant it. We’ve talked about it here and there, but she says she’s at peace with how her life has played out, and she’s certain that when she’s ready for kids, she’ll look into other options like adoption.

And when it finally happens, she’ll be the best mom ever.

The pregnant woman rubs at her stomach, excitement shining in her eyes. “Six more weeks, maybe less.”

Across the room, Glenda calls out, “Six weeks gives us plenty of time to throw you a baby shower.”

The woman sighs. “I’ve told you, that’s not necessary. Just being here with you all is enough for me. Even if I can’t have the wine.”

“Wewantto,” another woman chimes in.

My head is on a swivel as the women volley back and forth. Their familiarity has already eased my trepidation about being here tonight. It’s comforting, this closeness they share.

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