Page 12 of Babies at Coconuts

Chapter 10

A server dressed in all black appeared with a tray of wineglasses filled generously with red and white wines. As he passed by Mama Gia, she grabbed one of the reds.

Suzy motioned for the waiter and plucked a red wine for herself. Glancing out the window, she noticed Vanessa in the parking lot struggling to get the seat belt off her baby bump. She placed her hand on the server’s arm. “I’ll take another.”

The server raised his eyebrows.

“I have a feeling this will be a three-glass night.” Holding wine in each hand, Suzy mouthed to Jon, “Vanessa’s here.” She kept her eye on the door as the young mother-to-be waddled inside.

Fernando was the first person at her side. He put his arm over Vanessa’s shoulders.

A hush fell over the room as Vanessa attempted a smile. The minute she smelled the strong aromas, she covered her mouth and sat on the nearest chair along the wall. “Oh, my God. That smell. I think I’m going to be sick.”

“It’s no wonder,” Mama Gia muttered from the table where she held court with her sons.

Izzy, clearly enjoying the antics of Fernando’s mother, set her phone on the table to watch the events unfold.

Jon hurried to Vanessa’s side and stood beside Fernando.

“Are you okay, little mama?” Fernando asked.

“I’ll get a wet paper towel. You look hot,” Jon said.

Vanessa fanned herself with her hand. “What is that smell?”

“Curry.” Jon shrugged. “Sorry. We love it. It didn’t even occur to me that smells might affect you in your . . . state.”

“Everything affects me.” Vanessa held her hand over her mouth and nose. “Maybe I’ll get used to it in a minute.”

“Be right back.” Jon returned with a glass of water and a wet paper towel. He handed Vanessa the water as Fernando wiped her forehead and the back of her neck.

Resting her arm across her expansive belly, Vanessa took a deep breath. “Thanks, guys. I feel better already.”

Mama Gia crossed the room in seemingly two steps. She bent down until she was eye to eye with Vanessa. “When are you due? It must be soon.”

“Two weeks.” The freckle-faced mother-to-be held her hand up. “Go ahead and eat. I think I’ll just have a—”

“How about a cracker?” Jon asked. “A cracker or dry toast might help.”

She nodded and Jon bounded toward the kitchen.

Suzy leaned over and hugged Vanessa. “I’m glad you’re here.” She chuckled. “Jon’s treating you like you have a hangover or the flu.”

Vanessa leaned back. “It’s cute,” she whispered in Suzy’s ear. “I still can’t get over the fact that they’re willing to be part of this baby’s life.” Her eyes welled with tears. “Of my life.”

Suzy stroked Vanessa’s ginger, shoulder-length hair. “I’m thrilled too. If you’re sure you’re okay, I’m going to eat. We have a huge day tomorrow.”

“Yeah, your only child’s wedding. No big deal.” Vanessa smiled. “Don’t worry. I’m fine. The baby is getting so big I sometimes get short-winded.” She shooed Suzy and the others away. “Go ahead and eat, everyone. Please.”

Fernando stayed by her side.

Vanessa reached for his hand. “You eat too. Sit with Jon. When my stomach settles, I’ll take a seat. Don’t worry.”

Once everyone got seated, Mama Gia asked, “Is Vanessa a family member? Your cousin or something?”

Jon’s face turned ashen.

Fernando beamed. “Mama, she’s Jon’s former high school girlfriend.”

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