Page 22 of Babies at Coconuts

Chapter 16

After thanking the chef profusely in an attempt to make up for all of Mama Gia’s cracks about his Indian cuisine, Suzy and Ken headed toward their respective cars. As she climbed in beside her son who was already buckled in, she said, “I think Fernando’s right. We’re going to be one big, multi-cultural Brady Bunch.”

Jon stared ahead, non-communicative.

After several seconds, Suzy asked, “You okay?”

“It’s a lot to get my head around. That’s all.”

Placing her hand on his arm, she said, “You aren’t doing this alone, remember. You have a loving partner, your soon-to-be husband, plus me.”

Jon leaned back against the headrest. “Thanks, Mom. Keep reminding me.”

“Will do.” Suzy glanced toward Vanessa who slowly put her car in reverse and turned the steering wheel. She noticed the young woman’s belly nearly touched the steering wheel and considered flagging her down to ask her to scoot her seat back allowing more room for the precious bundle inside but knew she had to stop being such a mom, especially after seeing Fernando’s mother in action.

When she finally backed out, Vanessa blew Suzy and Jon a kiss, which warmed Suzy’s heart. Their lives—all of their lives—were about to change drastically. She knew Jon was still on edge about being a new father, but secretly, she couldn’t wait to be a grandmother.

After she drove onto the street, Suzy followed Ken and Izzy.

Voice flat, Jon said, “She’s a piece of work, isn’t she?”

“You’re not used to an overbearing mother.” Suzy didn’t make eye contact knowing Jon would see right through her. “She loves her son, that’s all.”

Picking lint off his slacks and rubbing his wine-stained shirt, Jon said, “I suppose.”

Suzy faced Jon at the stoplight. “She’s only here for a few days. You can put up with anything, or anyone, for that long.”

“You’re right.” Jon ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m being a dick.”

“No, you aren’t. You have the wedding jitters. It’s natural. Almost every bride—” Suzy cursed herself.

“It’s okay, Mom. As accepted as gay marriages are, I know it’s hard not to immediately think of a traditional couple in your mind.” He grinned. “You, Dad, and Ken have been great. Let’s leave it at that.”

“You know I love Fernando. I’m accustomed to saying brides, that’s all. I’m exhausted and my brain isn’t working. Now I feel like a jerk.”

“Enough said. Drop it.” His voice softened. “Thanks for arranging the rehearsal dinner. It was delicious. Fernando and I devoured every bite, even though his mother couldn’t stop complaining about the lack of meatballs.”

Suzy shook her head. “There’s definitely no gray area with Mama Gia.”

“I know I told you to surprise us with the wedding meal. Now I’m almost afraid to ask. Any meatballs on the menu?”

Suzy gave her son the side eye. “It’s a beach-themed wedding. Does that sound like it should have meatballs to you? Think fish, a lobster-stuffed ravioli, and one vegetarian entrée.”

“Perfect. She should like that.”

Suzy cleared her throat. “As you mentioned earlier, we’re part Italian. My dad—your grandfather—is half-Italian, so I’m one-fourth and you’re whatever that lesser fraction is.” Laughing, she said, “One-eighth. I always hated math.”

“Actually, that’s a great point. I always think of grandpa as grandpa, not an ethnicity. I guess you understand all of the Italian phrases they throw around.”

“Not at all, but Izzy translated a few.”

Jon raised his eyebrows. “She did?”

“Yep. I’m sure she Googled them. She kept texting me during dinner. I’m glad you didn’t notice me checking my phone.”

Jon’s mouth twitched. “That’s hilarious.”

As she rounded a corner toward home, Suzy said, “Who would have imagined Izzy and I would bond over Italian curse words.”

“Something had to bring you two together. Might as well be foreign cursing.” Jon leaned against the headrest. “I’m worried about Vanessa. Do you think all of this activity is too much for her? I don’t know anything about pregnancy but I doubt that stress is helpful.”

After Suzy parked, she said, “It’s a worry. But her due date is in two weeks. We’re cutting it close.” She paused. “I’ll keep an eye on her tomorrow.”

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