Page 88 of Pieces of Us
I look at him. “You guys had a pool going?”
“We all knew it would happen. I didn’t expect it to take this long for you two to get there, though. I was out at month two.”
Linc shakes his head. “Mel, we need new friends.”
Marcus slaps his shoulder. “Happy for you guys.”
Linc hugs him again, and Marcus shoves him off. “Thanks. Let’s go get baby stuff.”
Linc walks out the door, and Marcus stays behind for a moment, smiling at me. “I really am happy for you, Melonie.”
“Thanks, Marcus. Now go before I give you another hug.”
He wastes no time walking out the door.
Chapter Sixty
Linc
Mel had her eight-month checkup yesterday, and Millie is right on track and healthy. We moved to seeing the doctor every two weeks last month, and it feels like we’re in the home stretch. We spend a little time each evening on Millie’s room. There’s been a lot of laundry and rearranging boxes of diapers in the hall closet, but it’s starting to come together.
We invited everyone over for dinner this evening. Marcus was sworn to secrecy when we told him about our relationship, so tonight, we will tell the rest of the crew.
Marcus and Mel are sitting at the island while I finish the steaks on the stove when the doorbell rings. Mel gets up and opens the door for Gigi and Lewis to walk in. I’m sort of shocked Lewis came this evening, but I’m excited to hang out with himfor a bit. Hopefully, no one scares him away. Our group can be suffocating sometimes.
Gigi comes into the kitchen with ginger ale in hand and gives me a hug. She passes by Marcus with a “Hey.” Marcus nods his head in return, not even acknowledging Lewis.
“Hey Lewis, good to see you, man.” I extend my hand to him, and he shakes it with no response.
He stays by Gigi’s side; she motions toward me. “You remember Linc from the night we met?”
“Yeah, good to see you again.”
“It’s been a while; glad you could make it for dinner tonight. Can I get you something to drink?”
“Beer’s good.”
“Oh, sorry, we don’t keep alcohol in the place with Mel being pregnant. But we have a bunch of other choices.”
“Water’s fine.”
“You got it.” I hand him a water from the fridge.
Marcus finally speaks, but keeps his eyes on the soda in front of him. “How’s the job hunt going?” I didn’t know Lewis was out of work.
Lewis looks annoyed by the question, then gives him a short answer that’s becoming his trademark. “All right.”
Marcus nods, and I see the tattoos on his forearm flex.
Gigi smiles and rubs Lewis’ back. “He has two interviews this week.”
I glance at him as I take the roasted vegetables out of the oven. “What field are you in? I might have some people I could reach out to.”
“IT.” It’s like pulling teeth with this guy.
“Have Gigi give you my email and send me your resume. I can see if anyone I know has openings.”
“Yeah, thanks.”
