Page 111 of The Attraction File

FORTY-FOUR

Evaleen

I didn’t get any writing done in Las Vegas.

“It’s a bit small,” my mom said looking around the galley kitchen.

She was right.

“We need to pick something. This place is ready today.”

The landlord stood by the doorway and smiled. He appeared hopeful. “There’s another unit I could show you—”

His voice became drowned out by the L-train passing by. I walked to the window and watched it just across the alleyway as it whizzed along.

I turned back to the landlord, he didn’t seem so hopeful anymore.

“This one just isn’t right for us. Does the other unit face the train tracks too?” my mother asked.

“Yes.”

That sealed it. A big no to this building. We left and found a coffee shop on the corner a block away. After my mom got her espresso and some herbal tea for me, we settled into one of the small booths that lined the windows that overlooked the busy sidewalk.

“Why do we have to move right now? It’s a weekday. We can look for apartments on the weekend. You should be at work.”

I got back from Vegas on Sunday and kept avoiding Edgar. Living and working with him made that very difficult but I managed to do it. I didn’t know how much longer I could keep that up.

“It’s time for us to move on, Mom. We can’t keep living with Edgar. He needs his space.” I picked at the cardboard sleeve around my tea.

“Did you two fight?”

“No. Not really. But I have to ask, how did he find out I was in Vegas? I hadn’t told him.”

I narrowed my eyes at my mother as she shrugged. “I didn’t think it was a secret. I loved that you went away for the weekend with your gal pals. I didn’t realize you never told him.” My mother reached forward. Her fingers gently rubbing my hand. “Did he do something to you, Evaleen? Please tell me if something happened. We can stay at a motel if we need to leave right away. I’ll help any way I can.”

“No, Mom, it was nothing like that. Edgar is a good guy. He would never hurt me like that. I guess that’s what makes all this so hard.”

My eyes began to burn realizing how sweet Edgar was, how funny, and caring. The more I thought about him, the more I knew he would make a great father. But he didn’t want this child in his life. He probably thought it would cramp his player lifestyle.

“Then I don’t understand. Why all of a sudden? Why did you run off to Vegas and not even tell the man you love?”

I glanced up from watching her fingers sweep over me to find a firm glare. Her mouth a thin line. I knew there was no keeping this from her anymore.

I pulled away and folded my arms. “Who said I loved him?”

“Evaleen. Don’t you lie to me.”

“Fine. You’re right. I do love Edgar. This isn’t easy, Mom. I finally find a good man and give my heart to him and then this happens.”

“What? What happened? I’m your mom, you can tell me anything. If I don’t know, there’s no way I can help you.”

Her eyes pleaded with me and I felt guilty for dodging her too. Keeping this from her when she had done so much for me.

“I’m pregnant.”

She sat back, cupping her cheeks, trying to hold in her growing smile. “Oh sweetie, I’m going to be a grandmother.”

“Please don’t call me sweetie. It’s making me nauseous.”

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