Page 70 of This Memory
“Evelyn,” Denny warned.
“Are you sleeping with him?” Evelyn asked her best friend.
Brystol’s mouth dropped open before she quickly snapped it shut. Then she folded her arms over her chest. “Why does it sound like you’re accusing me of something?”
Denny let out what sounded like a tired sigh.
“You’re pregnant with our baby!” Evelyn nearly shouted.
I quickly crossed over to Brystol. “Evelyn, I think you need to check yourself.”
“Gavin’s right, sweetheart, you’re tired and emotional.”
Evelyn pushed Denny’s hand away when he tried to grab hers. “You’re damn right I am, because I’ve been worried about her, and here she’s been having sex all night long with a guy she supposedly hates!”
“What?” Brystol and I said at the same time.
“You already know we moved on from that, Eve, I told you. You also know how I’ve always felt about Gavin.”
She closed her eyes briefly before saying, “And I’m happy you’re getting along so well with your high-school crush. But sleeping with him while you’re pregnant withmybaby is a hard no.”
“Shit,” Denny said, as he sat down on the sofa and buried his head in his hands. He looked exhausted as well.
I looked at Brystol, who appeared to be counting to herself. She drew in a long breath and let it go.
“Nowhere in the contract I signed does it say I cannot be in a relationship with someone.NothingI am doing with Gavin is causing, or will cause, any harm to your child. You cannot expect me to go through nine months completely alone and on my own.”
Evelyn looked unapologetic. “Of course I don’t. But you have us.”
When she pointed at herself and Denny, Brystol let out a bark of laughter. “You’re kidding, right? Please tell me you’re kidding, Evelyn. I’m…” Brystol’s words faded when it became clear Evelyn was dead serious.
“I just think it’s wrong. You’re pregnant with my baby, and you’re sleeping with someone.”
“So if I had been married, you wouldn’t have asked me?”
Evelyn frowned, not responding.
Denny stood. “I think it just caught Evelyn off guard. But wearevery happy for you and Gavin. You mentioned a date last night, so I’m assuming you guys are dating?”
Brystol reached for my hand, and I gently squeezed it. “We are, and I’m not going to apologize for having a personal life. I agreed to carry a baby for you, but I didn’t agree to not living my own life.”
Evelyn seemed to snap out of the crazy she was currently in…somewhat. She nodded, looking away. “You’re right, and…I’m sorry. Denny’s right too. I’m just…I’m tired and not myself.”
Brystol didn’t say anything.
When the silence grew too long for Evelyn to take, she added, “I really am happy for you guys, and I’m glad to see you both finally woke up and…well…” She paused a moment, thinking. “I’m just happy for you both.”
“Thank you,” I said, squeezing Brystol’s hand again.
She nodded and said, “Thanks. Now, if that’s it, I need to change and go for a run. It’s my last chance to get one in before the turkey trot tomorrow.”
“What do you mean, run the turkey trot?” Evelyn asked.
Frowning, Brystol replied, “The Turkey Trot run. I participateyearly.”
I held my breath as Evelyn’s face turned red.
“Oh shit,” I whispered, and I swore I heard Denny say the same thing.
