Page 122 of Space Balls: Houston, We Have Liftoff
Rose is taking the news better than I thought. Much better than me. Which should be a good thing, but it’s not.
I’ve always known going into space was a tradeoff. I get to see and experience wonders that very few in the world get to see and do. I’ve already missed birthdays, weddings, and a lot of my nephews’ milestones. But I knew the people I wasn’t there for had others around them to fill the void I left.
But this is Rose. The woman I love. Giving birth to our baby. Sure, one or all of her friends and family can fill in for me, help make sure Rose isn’t alone during delivery—but who’s going to fill my void?
“I’m not sure if this helps”—Rose continues to rub my back—"but just knowing you’re upset about not being here for the birth makesmefeel better.”
I snort, my cheek sliding off the leather cushioned table. “I’m so happy my pain gives you pleasure.”
When I lean back, Rose sits on my lap. “I’m helpful like that.”
I hug her, each of us resting our chins on the other’s shoulder.
And just when I think I’m going to have to just suck it up and convince myself that if Rose is okay with me missing the delivery, then I need to find a way to be okay with it too, I catch sight of her eyes in the mirror behind the table.
And the one tear that falls.
Twenty-Seven
#schnappsanddiamonds
Rose
“It’sbetween the house in Trish and Ian’s neighborhood and the one in Taylor Lake Village.”
Vance shuffles the printouts of all the realtor listings he’s compiled over the past five days to show his sister while I continue to kick butt in Fortnite.
“This is the one in Trish’s neighborhood. It’s a large two-story in an established neighborhood. It’s priced to sell. They could be trying to drum up multiple offers, though.”
Brit squints at the picture. “What’s that?”
Vance turns the page to face him. “That’s the house from an aerial view.”
“I get it’s a bird’s eye view, but what isthatin the picture?” She taps the page.
“The neighbor’s fountain.” He sighs. “For some reason, the house two doors down put in this ugly, ornate Italian fountain in front of their red brick colonial house.” He shakes his head, already sounding like a disgruntled suburbanite concerned with degrading house prices.
Brit’s eyes look a little heavy from her spiked hot chocolate. “Yeah, I don’t even think Pinterest has anything that could make that look less ugly.”
Vance snorts and flips the page. “And this is the one in Taylor Lakes.”
I listen to Vance talk location and price while sitting on the floor between his legs as he sits behind me on the couch.
Brittany’s house in nearby League City is wonderful. In the living room, the more family oriented of her six trees is full of hand-made ornaments the kids made over the years. Lots of googly eyes, pipe cleaners, and popsicle sticks.
I’d look for a house nearby, but League City is on the other side of Clear Lake, a tad farther than I’d like to be from the ranch, NASA, and my friends.
We’ve been here since noon, after Vance and I had our own Christmas morning together. The first of many.
Elvis Presley’s Christmas album is playing in the background, reminding me of the horde of impersonators from Whiskey River that I never found out more about. I really should ask Mike about it and his new client. See if there’s a connection.
“You know Mom’s vote will be Taylor Lake Village.” Brit takes a sip of her drink, smacking her lips. “It’s only two minutes away from her.”
“Yeah, but she’s already talking about selling this place and downsizing, so I’m not sure that matters.” He doesn’t sound the least bit sad about Helen wanting to sell their old family home. I thought maybe he’d be sad about it, but he seems more upset about Helen’s upcoming date with John. “But it is close to Flynn and Jackie.”
I love how he wouldn’t mind living close to my Neanderthal brother.
Tilting my head back, I read all the notes Vance made on each listing. And all the lists of possible baby names doodled in the margins.
