Page 52 of Revenge
“You’re welcome. See you soon.”
“Okay.” I end the call, excited about the food to come. These days, that’s about the only thing that makes me happy.
Time has passed so quickly. I’m thirty-two weeks today, and it feels like I took that first pregnancy test just yesterday. I’m excited but nervous. I don’t have anyone to teach me how to be a good mother, but I will try my best. I know I can do this. I look at the weather to figure out what to wear. I’m meeting Max for lunch. He bugged me for a week before I agreed. We’ve been hanging out more. I enjoy hanging out with him. Between him and Lisa, my life feels normal.
“Ava, Max is here,” Lisa yells.
“I’ll be right out.” I look in the mirror and can’t help but smile. My belly is definitely huge.
“You look stunning,” Max says as I enter the living room.
“Thanks. I don’t have many clothing options these days.” I look down at my dress. My belly is the main attraction. “Ready?” I ask him.
“Your chariot awaits,” he says, leading us out of the apartment.
Walking downstairs, I realize it’s getting harder to take the stairs as my belly grows. I can’t really see the steps and wish there was an elevator in this building. Even though I’m wearing flats, I take my time going down. Max is by my side, and I assume he notices my difficulty. He’s such a good friend. How did I get so lucky?
“You’re going to love this place,” Max says as I put on my seatbelt.
“I’m sure it will be perfect.”
We drive, talking about his latest project, which apparently involves me. He wants to take pictures of me for a maternity clothing line campaign he’s working on. We go back and forth, me telling him I’m not a model or interested.
“No,” I tell him again.
“Come on. It will give you nice memories of you and the hippo.”
“I don’t want anyone to know I’m pregnant,” I finally confess.
“What do you mean?” he asks as he parks.
“You know I don’t want Viktor to find out, and it’s too risky.” I open the door and get out of the car.
“Ava—”
“I don’t want to talk about it anymore,” I say, interrupting whatever he is going to say. We cross the street and enter the restaurant.
“Good afternoon. Do you have a reservation?” the hostess asks.
“Yes, under Max Collins.”
“Follow me, Mr. Collins.”
Lunch is a little tense. I can feel that Max wants to talk about Viktor, but he’s trying hard to keep the conversation light. It’s not working.
“Max, me not wanting to do the campaign is about me keeping my secret,” I say, trying to end the tension.
“You don’t need to say anything else. I respect your decision,” Max says sincerely.
“He’s married now. It’s for the best that he doesn’t find out,” I tell him for the first time. Even though I told him Viktor’s name, we have never discussed why Viktor and I aren’t together. A tear escapes my eye.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you or make you cry.” He takes my hand and squeezes it.
“I know.” I look at him and can’t fail to see how good a friend he is.
“I’m here for you. Anything you need.” He smiles, and I can’t help but smile back. “Let’s talk about something happy.”
“I would like that very much.”
