Gav clears his throat and looks like he’s about to bolt. “Shit, guys, I’m sorry.” He looks at his watch for half a second and then continues. “I, uh, I forgot I promised Connor I’d meet him for a run. Sorry. I’ll catch up with you guys Tuesday. Take care, man.” He pats Simon’s on the shoulder and then leaves.
I catch the look that passes between Simon and Nick, but I don’t know quite what to make of it.
Unfazed by Gavin’s departure, and clearly taking it at face value, Molly says, “Simon, you aren’t what’s making her sick. It sucks, and I feel awful for E, but she’s getting through it. You’re the guy who loves her, the one helping her through it, not the one who’s putting her through all of this.”
“I feel like I am. God, I know that makes no sense, but I feel so guilty, you know? Like I did this to her. And logical me knows that’s not how science works, but damn, she just looks so tired and weak, and she’s putting on such a brave front, and I just feel like total shit, you know? She passes out regularly. She has no energy. She has to get fluids at the doctor’s office just to keep her body functioning. And the statistics are scary as shit. People can fucking die from this.”
“That’s it. No more internet for the IT guy.” Nick tries to lighten the mood.
I’m usually an observer in situations like this. I sit back and watch the interactions take place. I like to read a room before I weigh in on anything, but none of that enters into my mind. What Simon said about Elaine? I never felt that for Victoria. Our relationship was never like that. It was more of an arrangement, I guess. A contract, maybe. What Simon feels for my sister is so real, so palpable, that I can’t help but try to ease his mind.
“Simon, you’re looking at this all wrong,” I say, and heads turn in my direction. “Listen, I’m not trying to be a dick. Like Molly said, I understand that this sucks. It does, and I feel for you and E. But here’s what you need to know. My sister is happier than she’s ever been in her adult life. She adores you. She has always wanted to be a mom and that’s becoming a reality. Your baby is safe and healthy. Sadly, E is sick as hell, and probably not enjoying this pregnancy the way she thought she would, but she’s going to be ok. The doctors are monitoring her. Focus on that. I know it’s hard, but that’s what you’ve got to keep reminding yourself.”
“Ev’s right,” Molly chimes in.
“Oh, yea? Tell us what else Ev is right about, Molls.” Nick teases, but my girl is not here for his shit.
“Damn near everything, Nick.” She smirks and takes a pull of her beer, and damn, if I don’t want to tell these guys to get the hell out of a house that isn’t mine, so I can bend her over this counter and show her some attention.
Totally ignorant of my plight, Molly turns to Simon and says, “And look on the bright side—at the end of all this madness, you get a prize.”
His face breaks into a smile, the first genuine one I’ve seen on him since the engagement party over a month ago. “Yea. Honestly, I can’t wait. I mean, I’m not even that nervous. I’m just excited to meet this little guy. Or girl. And don’t ask which I prefer, because that’s bullshit. Gender doesn’t matter. I just want to meet my kid, you know?”
Nick smiles in return. “So, any hints on what you guys are gonna name the kid?”
“Nope.” Simon takes a long drink.
“Wait, you haven’t even talked about it? Look, I’m not in the market for kids, but I’m damn sure that’s a hot topic of conversation for expectant parents.”
“You’re probably right, Molls. But, that’s not how it is with us. Elaine gets to pick. I don’t even want veto power. The choice is all hers. Her body is going through hell, and, besides, she’s got fantastic taste,” he smiles. “So, she gets to pick the first name. Now, the middle name? That’s mine.”
“What is wrong with you two? I need to talk some damn sense into my best friend. You can’t split naming duties like that.”
“Why not?”
“What if the names don’t go together? What if she wants modern hipster and you want classic? What, you’re going to name your kid, Kinley Gertrude? No. No you are not. And what if you accidentally pick rhyming names without knowing it? You’re gonna call your kid, Aiden Braden? Adele Michele? Nope. Not okay.”
“Molls, chill. I promise our kid’s name will be awesome. The middle name I have is perfect.”
“You only picked one? Is it gender neutral?” Molly is not impressed.
“Yep. And I’m telling you, it’s genius.” Simon grins.
“No,” says Nick shaking his head. “Simon, you can’t.”
Simon smiles broadly. “Yep.”
“No.”
“Uh huh.”
“You fucking can’t.”
“Hell’s yes I can. It’s like my fucking destiny.”
“Oh, my God. This poor kid.”
“What? I need in on the joke, here, Nick,” I say. “Is there some awful family name he’s about to invoke?”
