“Okay, so if you haven’t done it, then what have you done?”
“I am totally going to bed right now,” Tommy says and stands.
Sasha laughs with me as we order him to sit down with promises that the conversation will change.
It’s just turned eleven and my mood has soared. The conversation has flowed so easily between the three of us and I’ve found myself willing to talk about Caleb and his goofy ways. Found myself smiling over it too. Almost been in tears because of it and so has Sasha. Tommy is better at handling his grief but I see it in his eyes. They were good friends, despite their rocky start because Caleb was jealous of our relationship.
Well, not jealous. More like he felt threatened. I loved it though, the sex was amazing when he was riled up. Telling me I belonged to him, promising me he’d screw every other guy right out of my head. Not that I had any other guy in my head, still, I appreciated the effort he put into it.
“What’s going on with Nathan?” Sasha asks, making me choke on the water I’m sipping. Her eyes widen. “Babe…”
I shake my head, that guilt from earlier surging back. My heart hammers with it, every thump seeming to ricochet through my chest with a burning ache that lasts until the next thump, only to start up again even stronger.
“No, don’t even go there. We’re friends.”
She lowers her voice until it’s barely a whisper. “He looks just like Caleb, I’d understand…”
“Sasha,” Tommy warns but I cut him off.
“No he doesn’t,” I blurt, my words rushed. “At first, yeah he did, but not now. I’ve seen him too much. I barely recognize the similarities.” She opens her mouth to say something else and I’m shocked when Tommy’s clipped tone interrupts, “Leave it, Sasha. You’re pushing where you shouldn’t.”
Sasha’s mouth hangs open. “I was just going to say that nobody…”
“How do you think you’re making her feel, huh? Honestly? There’s nothing going on between her and Nathan, yet you’re spreading shit that’s going to stick in her mind. That’s Caleb’s brother. She already feels fucked up enough about staying here with him. You putting extra on that isn’t going to help her.” He doesn’t sound angry but he does sound something close to it. I’m grateful for him having my back but I wish he hadn’t said anything. It’s made this a little bit awkward.
“Christ,” Sasha squeaks, her hand going to her mouth. “You’re right, I’m so sorry, Gwenny.” Gwenny… ouch.
She hugs me and I hug her back as best I can. “It’s okay. Forget it.”
“So, where’s my room? I haven’t seen it yet.”
I gasp and my smile returns, my thoughts now distracted. “I haven’t shown you the nursery yet.”
We manage to finally get to bed after midnight. I send Nathan a text, asking him if he got to wherever he was going safe and sound. I don’t expect him to reply. He usually doesn’t and this time is no exception. I bury my head in the pillow and sigh before shutting my eyes and letting sleep claim me.
I awake with the sun streaming through the windows. Gah, who opened them? “Morning!” Of course, Sasha.
“Sleeping,” I grumble and bury my face under the covers. My morning ritual.
“Up. I want to explore.”
“Fine,” I relent and slide out of bed. “Get me ready. I’ll just sleep while I sit.” My eyes won’t open, they refuse to.
“Your phone went off about twenty minutes ago, one missed call and a text message from Nathan.”
To read them would be to move. To move would be to wake up. To wake up would be to... ugh.
“’Kay.” I yawn and reach at the table blindly. My phone falls to the floor. Darn. “I’ll get it.”
Sasha giggles and places it in my hand. “Maybe you should go and wash your face first. It might stop your eyes from sticking together.”
“Good point,” I say around a yawn and waddle into the bathroom. After splashing water on my face, I pull my hair up into a loose bun and apply a little mascara. Sasha watches me like a hawk, already dressed and ready for the day in dark blue skinny jeans and a thick, silver jumper that reaches to mid-thigh jumper. “Where’s Tommy?”
Sasha nods towards the hall. “Getting ready.” Which translates to, ‘getting five minutes more sleep before throwing on whatever he can in two seconds and making it look like he’s been getting ready.’
“I’ll start on breakfast.” I stretch, laughing when the bottom of my belly peeks out from below my top. “I think I need bigger clothes again.”
“That’s what we’ll do this morning!” Sasha bounces on the spot, looking far too giddy, far too early.
“I don’t think Tommy will appreciate that,” I murmur and slide my thumb over my phone.
Nathan: I apologize for leaving so suddenly. Have fun with your friends. There’s some money in the top drawer of your dresser. I placed it there before leaving. Spend it as you wish. Not including the obvious things I have a clear distaste for.
Me: Thank you, that’s very kind. Is everything okay? I was worried.
Nathan: Everything is fine, Gwen. I’ll bring you back something nice.
Me: Just bring yourself back, unless you want to come back with chocolate too, then I won’t complain. When can I expect you home?
Nathan: Tonight, at about six. I wouldn’t say no to those pasta parcels you make.
Me: Duly noted.
After tucking my phone into my pocket I head down the stairs and Sasha goes to get Tommy up.
I make a quick and easy breakfast, omelettes with mushrooms and cheese. I have to keep my stash of eggs hidden. Nathan has a really weird thing about eggs. If he can’t see them, like in cake or pastry, then he’s fine, but if I have any form of eggs, scrambled, fried, poached, etc., he freaks out and puts them in the bin immediately. I’m going to use his absence to enjoy a well-deserved omelette with my friends.
“I’m so glad you guys are here, I just wish you could stay longer.” I pout slightly and place their plates in front of them.
Tommy wags his eyebrows. “And have me miss Halloween, the one night of the year where women dress like…”
“Sexy creatures of the night.” Sasha finishes his sentence.
I look down at my belly. “I should just paint a bullseye or something on my belly.”
“Or paint it so it looks like the skin’s torn and make tentacles look like they’re coming out of it.” Tommy seems way too excited by this idea. “You know? Like off Alien vs Predator?”
We both look at him incredulously. Sasha speaks first. “You are not only weird but you’re also disgusting.”
“I second that vote.” I raise my hand, wincing when Tommy slaps it down and throws a piece of cucumber at Sasha. “Violence solves nothing.”
He shrugs. “I thought it felt pretty good.”
“Slapping a pregnant woman felt good?” Sasha feigns horror.