Page 92 of This Memory
When he looked up, he wore a frown. “What do you mean?”
“Maybe you could take her on a weekend trip to celebrate the baby or take her shopping to decorate the baby’s room.”
A small smile spread across his face. “That’s a great idea. I can suggest we go to New York City for a long weekend and do some shopping for the baby.”
“I’m sure she’d love that. Evelyn loves New York.”
He stood and pulled me up for a hug. “This is why you’re my best friend. Thanks, Gavin. You know, I think I might even suggest going on a babymoon.”
“Now see, you lost me there.”
Denny laughed. “One last vacation before the baby arrives. I could take her to Hawaii.” He slapped the side of my arm. “I’m going to do both! Thanks again, bud.”
I watched as Denny stepped to the door, threw it open, and rushed out of the conference room.
Jeremy poked his head in seconds later. “All good?”
“I guess so. Hell, I should have been a counselor. I think I just saved a marriage. I can therapy the shit out of things.”
Jeremy gave me a look that silently said he might not agree. “Right. When you’re done patting yourself on the back, you’ve got a phone call.”
Brystol wrapped a scarf around her neck and then paused. “Evelyn has a booth at the festival today?”
I nodded. “That’s what Denny said. She’s been crafting with some other moms.”
“I wonder if that’s why she hasn’t been able to meet up. Every time I invite her for coffee or to do something with me and the girls, she says she isn’t free. I thought maybe it was me.”
“Nah, I think it’s this new group she’s found.”
I held Brystol’s coat for her and slipped it on. She turned and faced me. “You said moms?”
“Yeah, Denny said it was a group of mothers who’ve used, or are currently using, surrogates. He said it’s been good for her.”
Brystol smiled. “I’m glad she’s found something that makes her happy…and truth be told, takes her mind off me.”
We headed out of the house and to my car, which was parked in Brystol’s driveway. I’d been spending so much time here that Brystol joked last night that I should just move in.
Once we got inside the car, I shivered. “Shit…it’s so damn cold.” I hit the heat, knowing in ten minutes we’d both be overheated. “He also told me they have been fighting a lot.”
“What? About what?”
I shrugged. “Just said they’ve been fighting.” The last thing I’d do was tell Brystol they’d been arguing abouther. “I suggested he take her out of town, or maybe to do some shopping for the baby’s room. He liked the idea and said he’s going to take her to the city for a long weekend.”
Brystol smiled. “Eve loves New York City. She’ll like going to all those high-end stores for the baby’s stuff.”
I nodded. “Have you ever heard of a babymoon?”
She shook her head as she said, “Nope. What is it?”
I gave a half shrug. “I guess it’s a trip you take before the baby arrives. A last getaway before life changes, that kind of thing.”
“Oh, nice. Is Denny planning one?”
“He said he was going to. Hawaii. So maybe don’t mention it to Evelyn, ’cause it seemed like he was going to surprise her.”
“Well, from what I’ve been reading, they probablyshouldtake a babymoon because once this baby comes—” Her voice cut off abruptly.
“What’s wrong?”
