Page 34 of My Secret Snowflake
We join the line to check out.
“I signed up for Big Brothers Big Sisters,” Sebastian says. “I’ll meet my little sibling this week. Thanks for suggesting it.”
“That’s great,” I say. “It’s one of my favorite activities. I signed up when I saw how much fun Jazmine was having. And now she’s roped me into helping decorate their gym for the winter dance.”
“I’d be happy to do that too,” Sebastian says.
“Are you sure?” I say, teasing. “Can I text her right now?”
“No.”
“You’re already out?”
“No, I’m in. But don’t text her right now, or she’ll wonder what we’re doing together.”
Whatarewe doing together?
“I have a feeling she won’t think we’re just two friends hanging out,” Sebastian says.
There’s my answer.Just two friends hanging out.
Sebastian pays for his Secret Snowflake gifts. As the cashier hands us our receipt, a voice calls Sebastian’s name.
“Looks like thereissomeone you know at Baby Love,” I say.
Sebastian turns around and then turns back to me quickly. “Oh, no. The building gossip. Unbelievable.”
“Sebastian, is that you?” A distinguished-looking elderly woman walks up to us, her head swinging back and forth to take in both of us—and my belly. “Sebastian, your parents never mentioned you were married.”
“It was very sudden.” Sebastian puts his arm around me and pulls me close. “But Mrs. Pinok, let me introduce you to my wife, Iris.”
My mouth drops open, but I quickly close it.
“Your wife,” she repeats.
“My wife.”
Sebastian’s wife.
Tingly…No, stop it. Nope. We’re friends.
His hand rubs my arm, and his body is so warm next to mine. I don’t dare look at him, afraid I might reveal that his words definitely affected me.
“You’re about to become a father?” she adds with a pointed look at my belly.
“Hello.” I hold out my hand. Mrs. Pinok shakes it. “Nice to meet you.”
“My parents can’t wait to be grandparents,” Sebastian says. I look at him in surprise.
“Oh, yes, well, there’s nothing more exciting than grandchildren,” Mrs. Pinok says. “Well, congratulations.”
“Anyway, we’re late for a party.” Sebastian removes his arm from around me—no! why?—and pulls my coat and his sweater out of his backpack.
As Mrs. Pinok says good-bye, we both put on our coats. He places his hand in the small of my back. We wave good-bye and exit the store. Sebastian chuckles.
As soon as we’re down the block, I ask, “Why did you tell her I was your wife?”
“Did you want me to explain to the building gossip that you’re wearing a fake pregnancy belly and we’re competing in a scavenger hunt to win gifts for our pregnant colleague?”
