Page 45 of Pieces of Us
The worry starts to leave her face. “Did you tell Linc yet?”
“I told him last night.”
“Please tell me he wasn’t an ass.”
“He was great, actually. It’s fucking with me how great he was.”
She smiles. “Have to admit, it’s crazy to think of him as a father.”
“Right? When I told him, he was almost happy. He’s more calm about this than I am.”
“That freaks you out, doesn’t it? Someone else being more sure about something than you are.”
“He asked me to move in with him.”
“Not really surprised by that.”
I shake my head. “He said we could get a three-bedroom, and we would each have our own room. He said he wants to be around for everything. I thought he was insane.”
“I think it’s sort of sweet.”
“Are you crazy?”
“I know you think Linc can’t commit to anything, or I guess I should say to anyone. But gauging by how you said he reacted, maybe he wants to be a dad.”
“He might want to be a dad, but he’s never even lived with a woman before. How are you not shocked by what he said?”
“He’s jumping in with both feet. He’s planning, he’s problem-solving. It’s what guys do.” She shrugs.
“Well, I told him no.” I stand from my chair and throw away my tissue. “How do I know he won’t freak out and change his mind at some point? That a time won’t come when he decides he wants his freedom? Then I’ll be left high and dry.”
Audrey puts her elbows on the counter and reaches for one of my hands. “Melonie, I know you are fully capable of doing this on your own. I have no doubt that you will be an amazing mom. But what if you cut Linc some slack? It might be good to have help.”
“Can I be honest, and you not judge me?”
“Absolutely.”
“Linc and I aren’t together. We wouldn’t be a couple; we would be roommates. And frankly, I wouldn’t be able to take himdating other women right in front of me. I know that’s irrational, but it’s how I feel. And I want to keep my freedom, so maybe, someday, I can find a relationship. What would a man think if I told him, ‘Oh, yeah, it’s not a big deal, but I live with the father of my child’?”
“Do you plan on dating anytime soon?”
I laugh sarcastically. “No.”
“Then what if you lived with him for a trial period? You guys sign a six-month lease and test it out. If it doesn’t work, you get your own place. You have to move out of here, anyway. Why not use the next few months to see if it works?”
I take a few moments to think about what she’s proposing. “You’re Team Linc, huh?”
“I will always be Team Melonie first. I just think it might be a good solution. Let Linc demonstrate that he’s committed to the idea of being a father and let him be there for you. You don’t have to do this on your own. It’s okay to rely on him.” She squeezes my hand.
I’ve always been hyper-independent; it’s probably the reason I’m still single. Men have tried breaking down the final wall with me, but I just can never fully be vulnerable with someone. Can never let a man help me, financially or emotionally. I think about her words for a moment and maybe Audrey could be right. I’m already tired of doing everything on my own, and now, add growing a human to the mix, and I’m scared.
“I’ll think about it.”
“Good. I think Linc will surprise you.”
“I think I’ve had enough surprises over the past couple of days.” I laugh.
“Well, I have one more for you.” She digs in the tote bag and brings out a box. “Sweet potato donuts from Bostonia.”
