Page 175 of Are You Going to Love Me

Eden rolled her eyes. “You got to forgive him. He’s nervous and stressed and working on my nerves.”

Dr. Gomaku chuckled. “I understand. Having a baby is a big deal on top of the health of your ...” His words lingered as he looked at Eden’s ringless hand. He proceeded and continued to tease Max, hoping to release the scowl on his face. “Beautiful woman and no ring. Come on, man. Don’t let her get snatched up. I’ve been looking for a pretty lavender marriage. You know they’re out here snatching rights away left and right.”

Eden snickered, already knowing what the deal was, but getting to watch Maximus’ face unwind made her throw her head back. “See, that’s what you get.”

“You should’ve led with that shit,” Maximus spoke, relieved. “My bad, doc. For a moment there, you weren’t about to walk up out of here.”

Dr. Gomaku laughed. “I saw it. Almost had me nervous. She told me last time you don’t play about her. I asked if she wanted any in-uterine testing.”

“Oh, nah, we ain’t doing that.” Maximus refused, shaking his head. With his lip poked out, he grumbled. “We not gonna be poking around with neither of them. Not with needles, fingers, or wands, heard me.”

In a sing-song voice, Eden hummed, “I told you.”

“You know him. Spot on,” the doctor laughed. “So, Ms. Eden, bloodwork, we’ve got to get you some more vitamin D.”

Maximus smirked. “I told you.”

“Not yours, fool,” Eden huffed.

Dr. Gomaku snickered. “I suggest do that as long as you’re comfortable physically. But I meant the actual vitamin. Add it into your diet. More sun, more red meat, keep up with your water.”

“Eat more than a muffin on set,” Maximus added.

Dr. Gomaku looked up at Eden. “You definitely need more than a muffin on set.”

“I promise. I promise.” Eden looked over at Maximus, squinting. “You a snitch.”

He shrugged in response.

The appointment went on, the heartbeat flooding through the room, the alien-like fetus moved around, refusing to turn over to expose itself to the camera.

“Already stubborn like his mama.”

Dr. Gomaku laughed. “I think it’s equal parts. Everything looks healthy and on target. Here, Dad, you get the honors of wiping her stomach.”

Maximus jumped at the opportunity.

“Let’s get you back in here in a month. Hopefully, Dad can make it.”

Eden winced. “I don’t know, I think he’ll be in some city promoting and touring.”

“I don’t know, leaving us unsupervised might be dangerous,” Dr. Gomaku joked as he removed his gloves and assisted Eden sitting up. “Eden walks in here head high, shoulders back like she knows exactly who she is. That’s my type of girl.”

Maximus nipped a smile. “She is and does. Y’all be in here cutting up?”

Eden smiled innocently. “Now, why would I do that?”

“That’s why he costs so much,” Maximus grumbled. “You know what, doc, you cool. So, I'm going to give you back your gel. I’m keeping everything else, though. This shit high as hell.”

Eden smacked her lips. “Boy.”

Dr. Gomaku watched Maximus pull out the unused bottle of gel and place it on the counter. Shaking his head through a laugh, he said, “I got to walk out of here like y’all didn’t become my favorite. Good meeting you, Maximus. Eden, I’ll see you in a month. If you need me before, call.”

“I will.”

“You got his number? Maximus questioned.

“Yeah, office and both cells,” Eden said, making Maximus pick the gel back up.

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