Page 43 of Pieces of Us
Ipoke around in the cabinets to find everything to make coffee. Between the uncomfortable chair and the realization that I’m going to be a father slowly setting in, I barely slept. When I woke up, I committed to start learning everything I could about pregnancy. I remember my mom being pregnant with my younger brother, but I was ten and was clueless. After just a few web searches, I feel bad for Mel. Her body is already changing and is about to go through a lot.
“Oh my god, the coffee smells amazing.”
She comes around the corner, and she’s in shorts and a baggy sweatshirt, her hair in a mess at the top of her head, eyes still a little puffy from yesterday. I have to catch my breath, because even in her current state, she’s gorgeous.
“I don’t know how you take it.”
“I got it.” She pours a little milk into the cup.
“Do you feel better this morning?”
She leans against the island across from me, blowing on her coffee. “Actually, yeah, I do. Yesterday was intense, but today feels a little better.”
“I know what you said about telling the group, but what about our parents?”
“Is it okay if we wait until after the doctor’s appointment to tell anyone?”
“Yeah, whatever you’re comfortable with. You’re worried about telling your mom?”
She nods. “She’s just on the conservative side. First question will be when we’re getting married, so be ready for that.” She pauses. “Thanks for staying last night.”
“You’re welcome.”
She looks around her kitchen. “I guess I should start looking for a two-bedroom place. I’m going to need more room soon.”
“I was thinking, what if we got a three-bedroom together? My building offers them, pretty affordable. It’s a little further out, but manageable.”
She sets her coffee cup down. “You want me to move in with you?”
“Yeah, you and the baby would each have your own room. We would all be in the same home.”
“I can’t move in with you, Linc.”
“Why not?”
She opens her mouth to say something, but pauses. She shakes her head and speaks. “We aren’t together. It would just be weird to be roommates with my child’s father, don’t you think? What if I have a date, or you have a date? It’s too weird.”
Her words sting. I just found out she’s carrying my child, and she’s already talking about dating other people.
“Do you plan on dating anyone?”
“Well, not right now, but who knows what could happen?”
I nod my head and turn to rinse out my coffee cup and set it in the sink.
“Got it.”
“Linc, don’t be upset.”
“I’m not upset, Mel. I just thought it would be a smart idea for me to be there to help with midnight cravings or midnight feedings. To save on expenses or for me to be able to see the baby every moment I can.”
“I’m sorry, Linc. But I just don’t think it would be a good idea.”
“If you change your mind, please let me know.”
“I will.”
“Are you good if I head home? I really want a shower, and I’m starving.”
