“I finally told the office. Reinbacher gave me bullshit today, mansplaining why being a single mom is hard. How wouldheknow?”
“He knows nothing. Don’t mind him.”
“You’re right.”
“To robe or not to robe, that is the question,” Toby says.
“I have a few hours to decide. Tomorrow is the real test.”
“You mean the Inquisition? Otherwise known as the Thorne parental unit.”
“I’m already pre-cringing.”
“You will be the epitome of poise and wholesomeness,” Toby reassures me. “Wear a pastel floral dress and use your parent-teacher-conference voice. Works every time.”
“Will do, except for the dress. I had to buy a new one. Nothing else fits.” I pause for a minute. “It’ll be fine, right? They won’t be awful, will they?”
“In what way?”
“When they fired my mother for ‘encroaching on their family,’ they were deplorable. They basically told her to fuck off becauseshe was a lowly housekeeper. It didn’t matter that she adored Olive and she was trying to help Tristan.”
“That’s a long time ago. Maybe they’ve changed.”
“I hope so.”
“And you have Tristan.”
Body:Do I, though? He’s not under or above me. I want him NOW!
Brain:You should articulate expectations of each other as you navigate the new demands of parenthood.
Uterus:It’s getting tight in here.
Toby continues. “But for real, if they suck, that’s on them. You’ll be great parents, with or without the Thorne blessing. And everyone knows you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to Tristan.”
“I doubt that, though I appreciate the sentiment.”
“Now slap on some mascara, gloss up those lips, and put on your loungewear masquerading as lingerie. Or is it the other way around?’”
“Thanks, Toby.” My phone beeps. “Oh, he’s calling. Gotta go. You’re the best!”
“Back at ya.”
I press the answer button. “Hi.”
“Hey, Ligaya. God, it’s great to hear your voice.”
“Are you already on the road? On your way here?” I’m speaking at a higher pitch, triggered by my eagerness to see him.
“Actually, that’s why I’m calling. I’m not gonna make it to your place till tomorrow morning. I’m helping Sean overnight. You met him on New Year’s Eve, remember? He’s on concussion protocol, and Gordon and I are splitting the night to take care of him. I didn’t volunteer, but since the coach asked me, I can’t exactly say no.”
Disappointment fills the silence, but I rally a cheerful voice.
“What you’re doing is a good thing. Thanks for letting me know. I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Can’t wait. I miss you.”
“I miss you, too. What time will you swing by to get me?”
