Page 54 of Might as Well

But maybe I need to let that go. The women showed up and supported me. I’ve actually made them my friends. Something tells me the longer I’m immersed in their world, the stronger thefriendships will become. Zane or no Zane, I think I’d still have the other spouses at least.

And does it really matter that he wasn’t here when I found out I was pregnant or when my parents showed up? If life was normal, there is a good chance he would be at work or on a trip anyway.

Zane’s off likely getting cleared by the medical team and will probably be gone tomorrow for a game. Do I really want him to leave without this resolved?

No. No, I don’t.

After a shower and with more energy than I actually possess, I decide to leave the house to see Cassie. I had a doctor appointment this morning to confirm the pregnancy, which I know she’ll want to hear about, and I want to just chat with her, if I’m honest.

As I open the door to leave, I withhold a sigh at the sight of my mother.

“Violet,” she starts with a smile. Half her teeth are missing and the ones remaining make me want to cringe. “Can I come in and talk to you?”

“I was just leaving.” I step outside and lock my door behind me. “And I believe my husband told you not to come back.”

“I’m not here for money,” she rushes to say.

With a sigh, I turn to face her. “Mom, I can’t help you. I have nothing to offer you. You showing up just reminds me of what horrible parents you and Dad were. You’re out. Yay. Live your life without me in it.”

A nasty look appears on her face as she crosses her arms over her chest. “Where is your brother?”

“Not here. He’s off making a better life for himself.” Done with this conversation, I step around her and walk to my car without a backward glance. Before I back out, though, I send a quick text to Zane.

We need a security system with cameras. ASAP

What happened?

I’ll get it done today.

My mom showed up again. Just have a bad feeling.

I toss my phone into the passenger seat and leave to see Cassie. She owns a local bookstore and it keeps her plenty busy. Aside from typical business needs, she hosts signings, book clubs for all ages, and puts on frequent events for kids. She’s doing amazing.

Even on a Tuesday, her shop is steady. I wave to the cashier, feeling bad that I don’t recognize her. It’s been too long since I’ve been here to visit. I head toward the back and knock on the office door.

“Come in,” Cassie calls out. “Violet!” she squeals when I push open the door. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to gab.”

She claps her hands in excitement and leads me to a free chair. “Spill.”

“I’m eight weeks along.” Cassie squeals. “Don’t be excited. This means he probably knocked me up while dressed as an ugly troll.” I try my best to use a deadpan tone, but it’s hard when I think about how humorous that idea is.

“I don’t care. When is your next appointment? I need to write it down. Any appointment Zane isn’t there for, I am.” She looks at me as if waiting to see if I’ll object. I won’t. So I tell her when my next appointment is, just in case Zane isn’t able to go.

“My mom showed up again.”

Cassie sighs. “Graham finally stops being a thorn in your side and now your parents are here to fill the opening. Did you tellher to go to hell?” She pauses and tilts her head at me. “Or do you want to reconnect?”

I shake my head. “Every time I see them, I get so anxious and they bring up all these bad memories from my childhood. I told her I couldn’t help her and then she had the nerve to ask where Graham was. I don’t really want to deal with them. Does that make me a horrible person?”

Cassie snorts. “Not even a little. How are you and Zane?”

“We’ll be fine. I’m not mad anymore. Not really. Even if I am, I…this isn’t the right word, but I need him too much to push him away.” I shrug. “I like it better when he’s around and nothing happened that’s unforgivable.”

Cassie looks at me for a moment before saying, “You’re way nicer than I am. I’d probably hold a grudge until he literally begged for forgiveness on his knees and kissed my feet.”

I laugh. “I also came to bounce some ideas off you.”

---