Page 53 of Pieces of Us
Linc pulls out my chair, and I sit. The server arrives with menus and takes our drink order.
My dad sets his menu down. “How has everything been with work?”
“Good. The merger has finally settled, so now it’s just getting used to the new workload. There have been extra hours, but I think things are calming down.”
My mom looks at me with concern. “But it looks like even with the extra hours, you’ve managed to meet someone.” She directs her attention to Linc. “Linc, tell us about yourself.”
Linc gives me a sideways glance. “I work in marketing with the Bruins. I’ve been with them for about four years. Mel and I have been friends for a while now. Her best friend, Audrey, married my best friend, Jax, a couple months ago.”
“That’s nice.” My mother beams at him.
“I have to say I’m a Flyers fan, but the Bruins are alright.” My dad chuckles.
Linc smiles at him. “I’ll see what I can do to convert you, sir.”
The server returns with our drinks, and we place our orders. The conversation stays mild. Linc speaks when spoken to, and my parents talk about their recent trip to the Keys.
Our entrees arrive, and I know I need to tackle this conversation. I stare at my food, not sure I want to risk taking a bite just yet.
“Mom, Dad, I’m glad you could come up this weekend, because there’s something I need to tell you.” Linc squeezes my knee under the table. “I don’t even know how to say this. So, I’ll come right out with it. I’m having a baby.”
My mother goes rigid, and my dad gently places his fork on his plate.
“Linc is a bit more than a friend; he’s the father.”
Both of my parents look at Linc.
“How long have you two been dating? You haven’t mentioned him to me when we’ve talked.” My mother looks confused.
“We aren’t dating, Mom.”
She looks like she’s about to cry.
“I’m not sure I understand, sweetheart.”
She has never called me sweetheart.
“Linc and I are going to have a baby, and we’re not dating. We’re going to move in together, into a three-bedroom, as roommates, for a while to see how things work. Before you ask, yes, I’m keeping my job.” I take a drink of water to make myself pause. “We’re really happy about this, and I’m hoping you can be happy about it, too.”
My dad reaches over the table to take my hand, his eyes bright. He gets up from the table to pull me from my chair and hugs me. God, I needed his hug. “Melonie, congratulations. I’m so excited to be a grandpa.”
He releases me and turns to Linc, who stands, and they shake hands.
“So, you just plan on doing this alone? Working? Do you realize how hard this will be, Melonie?”
“Mom, Linc is here to help, and I have amazing friends. I have a good job and benefits. I know it’s not the same as being married and taken care of, but I’ll be just fine. Pretty well off, I think.”
Her forehead wrinkles and she glares at Linc. “Linc, how could you do this to our daughter?”
“Mom…”
“No, Melonie. He obviously isn’t responsible enough to do the right thing here. How old are you, Linc?”
“Elenor, I think you’ve said enough.”
“No, Samuel, I don’t think I have.”
Linc leans forward in his chair. “Mrs. Evans, I know this might not have been what you saw for your daughter, but this is howwe are choosing to move forward. As two adults who both love this baby. Your grandchild. I am here for Melonie, for everything along the way. I will do anything she and the baby need.”
