Page 72 of Husband of the Year
My chest feels tight with all this family planning talk from my kindergarteners, and I decide it’s time for me to get the train back on the tracks.
“I’m pretty sure Illona is very happy with Gonzo,” I assure them. “Now, let’s hear about your weekends.”
Olan informs me he has a baby nephew, and suddenly my world is screaming about babies. If she knew about Greggie, I’d think my mother had something to do with this.
But I meant what I told Jill—Illona is more than enough. She’s the perfect child. Why would we want to play the slots and risk it with another? I remember all Olan’s talk about Greggie. How caring for him is the most amazing feeling as a parent. The baby smells. The baby babbling. Baby this. Baby that. Reminiscing about Illona at that age. But Olan doesn’t want another child. Or does he?
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
“Two handsome men without their partners. How did I get so lucky?”
Ruth sits next to Vincent at a round table inside East End Espresso. It’s closer to my school than theirs, but the casual, clean vibe inside and access to easy off-street parking has made it Vincent and my usual meetup spot. Illona occupies the fourth chair and has her headphones on while she writes in her journal.
“Because Regina convinced Kent to be her pickleball partner,” Vincent says.
“You don’t play?” I ask Ruth.
“Not with Regina. Mixing sports and”—she glances toward Illona—“ex-say isn’t a good idea.”
“She can’t hear you,” I say. “Plus, I’m pretty sure she’s mostly figured out pig Latin by now.”
“Oh. Well, as long as you’re sure she can’t hear us.” Ruth purses her lips and glances at Illona.
“Illona,” I say. “We’re taking the rest of the week off and flying to Disney.”
Illona’s concentrated face never leaves her notebook. Her purple pen flies as she records the sordid details of her day in second grade.
“See?”
“Yeah, but maybe just in case we should,” Vincent says as his lips curl into a sweet smile.
He’s got a napkin in his lap and another rests folded on the table. With all his insecurities, Vincent has always been open to help. He’s wanted advice and (mostly) listened and tried. Of course, he’ll never be “cured” of his OCD—that’s not how it works. But he’s learning to live with it, and most importantly, not beat himself up. He’s come so far since I met him. I’d hoped we would stay in touch and become friends, and here he is, one of my closest confidants.
“You love pig Latin, don’t you?” I ask.
“Up-yay. It’s way more un-fay to talk about ex-say,” Vincent says and then covers his mouth as he giggles.
“When I met this one,” Ruth says with a nod toward Vincent, “he wasn’t this… orny-hay, but apparently living with a hot Jaddy will do this to you.”
“Uilty-gay,” Vincent says. “I’m sure Olan would agree.”
Another burst of laughter from Vincent and I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him so giddy. His amusement is contagious, and I’m unable to stop my face from bursting into a massive smile.
“How is Mr. Handsome?” Ruth asks. “We’ve texted a few times since he’s been back in Chicago, but I haven’t heard from him in almost a week. I know family can be intense and I don’t want to bother him, but you remind him Auntie Ruth is always here for him.”
Since they first met at Kent and Vincent’s, I knew Olan and Ruth had been in touch, but I didn’t realize he’d been texting with her while back home. My insides warm knowing he has a new friend as supportive as Ruth.
“He’s good. Just dealing with a lot. It’s not just his brother…”
“Greggie, his nephew. Have they made any decisions?” Ruth asks.
Olan told her and a zip of curiosity rushes through me, wondering if Ruth knew about Greggie before I did.
“Wait, he has a new nephew?” Vincent sips his black coffee and dabs at the corner of his mouth with a napkin.
“Yes,” I say, unsure how to explain the situation quickly and without diving into the details, especially with Illona so close.
“He’s only six months old,” Ruth says, saving me. “Olan’s brother isn’t in a place to take care of him and the family is trying to figure out the best course of action.”
