What's Left of Us
Page 13

“Couple thing?” Genna and I ask together, looking at one another.
She shrugs. “Yeah, you know, where you arrive together, sit together and smile, and then go home together.”
“Wait, I’m confused. Umm? Aren’t you and Kevin together? For like almost two years now,” I remind her. She ignores me, taking a bite of fruit salad.
At first, Kevin was the last person I wanted to see my best friend date because he can be immature at times but, overall, he’s a decent guy and makes her happy.
“Eh, technicalities. We’re more like two adults who happen to enjoy sex with each other and don’t mind hanging out afterward.”
According to her, it was “fuck at first sight.” They met at our engagement party, slept together that night—or, the next day, if we’re getting technical—and haven’t been able to stop since. They’re a couple.
“Whatever you say.” I give her a teasing smile, but her eyes flash at me warningly.
“And when do you move into the house?” she inquires.
“What house? You bought a house? How come I didn’t know this?” Genna practically chokes as she coughs down the bite of bread she had in her mouth.
Amy cocks her head, surprised that my sister doesn’t know.
Jean’s eyes dance between Genna and me laughingly.
“What’s so funny?” I ask.
“Nothing.” She chuckles. “I just find it a little funny you didn’t tell your own sister about your anniversary present.”
“Same here.” Amy giggles, then covers her mouth, trying to force herself to stop, but can’t.
Genna’s scowl darkens. Her naturally pale skin begins to form a light crimson color. “Wait! That was your anniversary present. You said you went for a drive.”
I roll my eyes. “I was starting to tell you the story, but Hannah got fussy and you had to go. You never called me back and I haven’t talked to you since.”
“Um, last night,” she says emphatically, she stays completely relaxed as she rocks a sleeping Hannah in her arms.
I think about last night and what she interrupted. “I wasn’t really in the mood to discuss anything last night.”
“Because you were having sex before I arrived.”
I blush a little. Talking about my sex life never gets easier. Sometimes I wish I was more open, like Jean.
Jean perks up. “This is getting good.” Or maybe not.
Ignoring them, I keep my focus on Genna. “I meant to tell you. I’m telling you now. I’m sorry.” I give her my best little sister smile, which is more of a pout with pleading, soft eyes, which always makes her laugh.
She tries to fight her smile, but her mouth eventually gives way. “You’re forgiven. Now, tell me all about this beautiful house. I want to know where it is, how many rooms, the colors, layout, kitchen, everything.”
I shake my head. She’s exactly like my mom. Way too detail-oriented.
Amy starts to describe the house before I can, not hiding her excitement. Eventually she lets me join in, telling Genna every detail, down to the crown molding.
Hannah slowly wakes up, smacking her lips and opening and closing her mouth.
“Is somebody hungry? I ask in my best baby voice.
“She sure is.”
When Genna pulls out a bottle I offer to feed Hannah, reaching across the table to take her.
“Soon that will be you, Dre.” I hear the love in Genna’s voice, but I tense. How does she know?
Amy’s mouth opens but I shake my head at her and she nods.
“Well, um, actually …” Genna and Jean look at me with anticipation while Amy grins. “Parker and I have decided that we’re going to start looking into agencies to help us find a surrogate.”
“A baby!” Jean squeaks.
Genna breaks out into a huge smile and her eyes go all soft. “Dre, you’re having a baby?”
“Not right now,” I tease. “It’s going to be a process, but one we’re ready to start.”
“Dre,” Genna whispers, “I’m so happy for you.” She stands and gives me a gentle hug, careful not to disrupt Hannah.
“Have you told Mom yet?” she asks, smiling wide.
I shake my head. “No, but soon. I want something solid to tell her before I get her excited.”
I glance at Jean, making sure she’s okay after her loud screech of “A baby!” Her head is shaking, mouth ajar, face stunned, and her newly cut bob is swirling around her face with each head bobble.
“Jean?” I say cautiously.
“I’m at a loss for words, but I’m happy for you. You know that, right? I’ll always be in your corner, supporting you, Dre.”
“I know.”
Jean knows every fear of mine. She has since we were kids. I know she’s probably stunned at our decision to have a child, but I also know she’s happy for me and that she’ll have my back. No matter what.
“I couldn’t be happier for her. When she told me, I had the same reaction.” Amy gives me a warm smile.
“You knew?” Genna asks, stunned.
“Yes.”
Genna looks my way, shocked, and I give a sympathetic shrug. Genna just doesn’t like feeling left out.
“I saw her at Mayo and she told me all about it.” Amy recovers quickly.
“Did you find an agency?” Genna asks.
I nod. “An independent company just outside of Rochester called Circle of Life. I fell in love with their mission and I think Parker was just happy to be done searching.” Or maybe it was the other way around. I smile, remembering last night. “I’m going to call on Monday to schedule an appointment. I promise you’ll be the first to know when we sign, Genna.”