At least Sienna’s project is giving me something exciting to do while I convalesce.
“Mija, you need to eat.”
My mom’s voice jars me. I look up to find her with her hands on her hips. “At least eat your soup. I made it from scratch. You’re growing two babies. ¡Dos! I still can’t believe it.”
She came over today to check on me and freaked out when I told her I was having a hard time eating.
“You’re right. I’m sorry. I’ll try.” I attempt to scoot to the edge of the couch so I can grab my bowl, but I’m stuck.
“Relax. I’ll get it for you.” She hands me the chicken soup and a spoon.
“You’re so sweet to come over. I know it’s a long drive. Who’s taking care of Frannie?”
“That nice neighbor. She has an autistic granddaughter, so she has experience, and we’ve spent a lot of time over at her house in the evenings. And Frannie’s been doing a much better job speaking up when she needs something. I’m not worried.”
“That’s great, Mom.”
“The diet you put her on is working so well. Except I need to feed her constantly so she doesn’t lose weight. Good thing she loves to eat.”
It’s not a diet exactly. It’s not meant for weight loss, but I know what she means.
“I’m so happy to hear it.” I swirl the spoon in the bowl. “Do you need money? I’m working on something for a friend, and I should get paid in a week or two.”
“Your brother sent me a check this week. That’s enough for now. Frannie has what she needs.”
My mouth drops open in shock. “What about those payments to repair his car?”
“He finally paid it off, gracias a Dios.”
I’m shocked Sebastian thought to help our mom because I know she doesn’t tell him when she’s having financial troubles for fear it’ll make him worry. I only figured it out myself when I came home to surprise her and found her crying next to a stack of bills. “That’s—wow, that’s great.” It would be so huge if he could help her from time to time, especially next semester. But law school is expensive. I probably shouldn’t count on his contribution.
It’s always better if you plan for the worst-case scenario.
My mom sits next to me, and her attention drops to her lap. Her voice lowers. “Sebastian is very sorry for what happened.” She gives me that look. The one that says she knows everything.
“I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want you to worry.” Oh, shit. I’m doing the exact same thing she does to me and Bash. But come on. Like I really need to involve my mother in our drama. “You have enough on your hands.”
“Mija, eres mi vida.” You are my life. “Of course I’m going to worry.”
My eyes sting, and I wave a hand in front of my face. “Don’t make me cry.”
She hugs me. “Will you please talk to your brother?”
I nod slowly. It’s hard to resist my mom. “I’m still upset with him. He nearly derailed my relationship with Olly, and when I was dumb enough to get between them, I got knocked to the ground and had to go on bed rest. I get furious every time I think about it. I could’ve lost the babies, Mom. I could’ve lost everything. I know Bash meant well, but I’m having a hard time working through it.” When I see her expression, I sigh. “I’ll text him back. How’s that?”
“It’s a start.” She pats my hand. “Do you want to know the real reason I stopped by?”
“No, lie to me.”
Reaching behind me, she pretends to spank my ass. “Smart aleck.”
We both laugh, and she touches my face gently. I let her inspect me because that’s what she does when she hasn’t seen me in a while. Doubtless she’s wondering when I last washed my hair. I’m not sure, quite frankly. I’ve been kinda depressed. Showers seem optional.
She clears her throat. “I was curious why you told Michael’s parents you didn’t want a baby shower. Explícame esto.”
She wants me to explain. I shrug. “I don’t want to jinx myself. Anything could happen between now and my delivery date.”
“But you haven’t had any contractions since you went on bed rest, right?”
