Page 72 of Merciful Lies

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE-ANNA

My face hurts from smiling.

Mrs. Pirillo is helping me set up my brand new sewing machine in the bedroom. This one is lightweight and compact.

It fits perfectly on the rolling side table Nico ordered for me along with a bunch of other thoughtful gifts that just make me love him all the more.

There are spools of brightly colored thread, yards of fabric of all patterns and textures, and books on quilting and sewing crafts.

I already started on the baby’s quilt, and I think Nico will like it. I chose soft blues, greens, and ivory for the colors, with the occasional burst of butter yellow.

The design is a simple Maypole pattern. Mrs. Pirillo is helping me, so it’s done in time.

I send all this to Nico via text, and he always responds immediately. He oohs and aahs in all the appropriate places.

Giselle visits me. Maria comes with her, and I learn the two of them have formed a friendship. It seems some things have been happening while I’ve been confined to the condo.

“Wow, you look, um, swollen,” Giselle blurts, and that’s it.

I just start crying. Like full on, body wracking sobs.

“Sisi, are you for real?” Maria scolds her and wraps her arms around me.

“No, she’s right,” I try to say, but my voice is garbled with all my crying.

“Hush. You look great.” Maria lies.

“I’m big as a house. This baby is gigantic, and he’s going to break my vagina when he comes out. Everything is swollen, and I can’t even fit in any of my maternity clothes. And I miss my husband. I just want him back home.”

“Hey, it’s okay. Anna, you’re growing a person. You look fucking gorgeous,” Giselle says.

“Yeah, and Nico will be back soon. Luc told me they’re almost done,” Maria adds.

“Luc told you?”

“Uh, yeah, it’s complicated.”

“What about you? How’s Angel?” I ask Giselle, but my best friend turns her head.

“I don’t know how Angel is. Why would I know? He’s not my boyfriend and I am nothing to him,” she snaps and just like that I am done crying.

“Um, I guess I missed something while I’ve been here, huh?”

“Yeah, you could say that,” Maria confesses.

They stay and we eat steamed veggies and roasted chicken without salt, since I have to avoid it. It’s okay, but it makes me want to cry again.

An entire week passes, and I miss Nico even more.

Working on the baby’s room helps, but it doesn’t make up for him being away. I show him pictures of the little teddy bear I just finished.

The phone rings, and I answer.

“Wife.”

His voice is so clear, and I close my eyes, savoring it.

“Nico,” I reply.

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