“I would try to stop him but it’s kind of giving me a break, so I’ll let it slide.”
“Thanks a lot,” I deadpan, sitting next to Olivia who has her feet up on a chair in front of where she’s sitting. “What’s up?”
“Nothing new here. Just waiting for this little guy or girl to make his or her presence known.”
“I can’t believe you didn’t find out what you’re having.”
“Right? It’s driving me crazy. But Ethan wanted it to be a surprise,” she rolls her eyes, hand resting on her incredibly large stomach. I can’t help but stare. I haven’t been around a lot of pregnant women in my life so it’s more than a little shocking to see. Is it normal? Or is she having triplets? I know enough not to ask, but still. She’s not small.
She starts giggling. “I’m huge, right?”
“I wasn’t going to say anything, but wow.”
“I’ve had people ask if I was sure there’s only one in here,” she grins.
Thank goodness I didn’t voice that one.
“So what are you reading right now?”
Olivia and I have discovered a mutual love for reading romance, which has been amazing. Having someone to talk to about books is incredible.
“I started Camilla’s new one but it’s… I don’t know. I’m just not feeling it.”
“Ah, shoot. Really? I’m so bummed. Her last one was the same. I loved her writing but something feels so off lately.”
“Right. Everything up until the last few I’ve devoured.”
Camilla Moore is one of my favorite authors. Her words are incredible, out of this world. Her books used to wow me but lately they’ve just… underwhelmed me. It’s sad but it won’t stop me from continuing to read her. “I’m hoping it’s just a stage and she’ll get her groove back.”
“Like Stella.”
“Exactly.”
We giggle and continue chatting over Camilla’s books and others that we’ve recently read. The holidays are the best time to catch up on books I’ve been wanting to read.
The front door opens and a man walks in, glances around the bar like he’s looking for someone then chooses a seat at the bar. One of the new bartenders greets him and takes his order.
“Do you know him?” Olivia asks, staring at the guy’s back.
“No. You?”
“No. But, gah, I swear he looks familiar.”
“Probably been in here before?”
“Maybe.”
“Ready?” I ask Olivia.
“I’ve enjoyed being pregnant and it kind of scares me to think about what it will be like when the little nugget’s out in the world, but yeah, I’m ready.”
“Makes sense.”
Rex comes out of the office and sees me sitting down with Olivia and makes his way toward us.
He kisses me on the forehead then leans down to give Olivia a hug.
“How are the mamas doing?” The level of excitement that he has over this baby has surprised me. I’m only a few months along, though, and I know we need to be careful. Things can happen this early on.
