Page 53 of Worship Him

"You have no idea," Mom sighs dramatically. "By the end of the night, half the book club was taking sides. I swear, sometimes I think these women forget we're supposed to be discussing literature."

I shake my head, grinning. "Sounds like nothing's changed back home."

"Speaking of home," Dad pipes up, "your cousin Eddie finally proposed to that girlfriend of his."

"No way!" I exclaim. "It's about time. They've been together for what, five years now?"

Mom nods. "Six, actually. We were starting to wonder if he'd ever work up the nerve."

As we chat, I feel the tension in my shoulders slowly uncoiling. For the first time in weeks, I'm not obsessing over work or personal issues. It's just me, my parents, and Avery, wrapped in a cocoon of familial warmth.

"So," Dad says, his tone shifting slightly, "how are you really doing, sweetheart? And don't give us that 'I'm fine' nonsense."

I pause, considering my words carefully. "It's... been tough," I admit. "But having Avery, it makes everything worth it. She's my world now."

Mom reaches out, squeezing my hand. "We're here for you, honey. Whatever you need."

"Thanks, Mom, Dad. I appreciate your concern."

Dad takes Avery for a diaper change and I sit lazily with mom, chatting.

I'm half-listening to her latest gossip about the neighbors back home, when my phone buzzes. Adam's name flashes across the screen. My stomach twists, and I quickly flip the phone over, ignoring the call.

"Everything okay, honey?" Mom asks, her brow furrowing.

I plaster on a smile. I’m back to fake smiles again. Great. "Yeah, just a work thing. Nothing important."

She nods, seemingly satisfied with my explanation. "As I was saying, Mrs. Johnson next door has started this new hobby..."

I force myself to focus on her words, pushing thoughts of Adam to the back of my mind. We haven't really talked since that night, and I'm not ready to face him yet. What would I even say? 'Hey, sorry I snuck out after we had sex. Want to grab coffee?'

I shake my head to get rid of those kinds of thoughts and refocus on my mom, trying to lose myself in the gossip rather than the worries that plague me constantly.

A yawn escapes me and I smile at my mom, who is just about to start getting concerned again.. "Just a little tired. You know how it is with a newborn."

She gives me a knowing look. "I remember those days. Your father and I barely slept for months after you were born."

Dad returns, handing me a baby powder-smelling Avery. His smile is wide. "I still know how to change diapers."

I grin at him and cradle Avery against my chest, inhaling her scent. It grounds me, reminding me of what's truly important.

"So, Mom, you were talking about Mrs. Johnson's new hobby," I say, steering the conversation back to safer territory. "I bet the whole neighborhood's talking about it."

Mom launches into another story, and I let her colorful, excited words wash over me, grateful for the distraction. Myphone remains face down on the coffee table, Adam's call unanswered.

Avery relaxes in my arms and I watch happily as her eyes slowly fall shut. It doesn’t take long before she’s fast asleep.

My mom immediately goes quiet, not wanting to wake her grandchild.

I gently lay Avery down in her crib, my fingers lingering on her soft curls. She's out like a light, her tiny chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. The room is bathed in a soft, warm glow from the sun, creating a serene atmosphere.

"Sleep tight, my little angel," I whisper, carefully backing away.

As I close the door, leaving it slightly ajar, I lean against the wall and let out a long sigh. The house is quiet now, save for the muffled voices of my parents chatting in the living room. Their presence is comforting, a slice of normalcy in the chaos my life has become.

I make my way back to the living room, plastering on a smile as I rejoin my parents.

"She down for the count?" Dad asks, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

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