Page 132 of More than Friends

“Jesus Christ,” he mutters.

“You know women have increased libido while pregnant,” I say.

Eli’s eyes widen even further. “They do? I didn’t know that.”

“Yeah, they really do,” James confirms.

Will stares off into space and then grins. “Man, I could hardly keep up with Olivia when she was pregnant.”

Eli blinks a few times and then says softly. “I had no fucking idea.”

James pats his back and says, “There’s a lot you don’t know about women.”

“Apparently,” Eli says, shaking his head. “How does that even work? I mean does it last until they are, you know.” He moves his hand over his stomach indicating a big bump.

James pats him on the back and says. “Yes and I think you can figure it out with just the slightest bit of creativity.”

Eli coughs into his glass.

“Well, is that the whole deal or did you negotiate anything else?” Will asks.

“I’m taking her to all her doctor’s appointments now. I want to pay for medical bills and nursery stuff and she’s being weird about that. Maybe I should threaten to withhold sex and renegotiate.”

Eli snorts.

“She also agreed to go on a date with me once a week,” I add before looking down at my drink.

“A date?” James raises an eyebrow.

“Like adatedate?” Will asks.

“Are you interested in her? Like romantically?” James asks, studying my face.

I sigh. “I’m interested in reminding her why we were friends. We have to be a team. We have to co-parent. That’s the most important thing. She’s agreed to have dinner with me once a week and actually talk to me.”

“Is it working?”

“It’s not a magic bullet or anything, but I’m hopeful.”

“That’s smart actually, Declan,” James says, setting his drink down. “I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks.”

Elizabeth waves James over, and Eli gets called into a conversation with Ethan and Zadie. Will scans my face for a minute and says, “You have feelings for her, don’t you?”

I’m watching Brooklyn across the room, holding Hazel. She’s talking with Maggie, who is holding Savannah. My chest hurts a little watching her.

“I told you. It doesn’t matter. It’s not what she wants.”

He doesn’t take his eyes off me. “Have you talked about it? Told her how you feel?”

“We’ve talked about relationships a million times. I know where she stands.”

“You should tell her – maybe things have changed,” he argues.

I pour another bourbon and take a sip. After I set the glass down, I say, “I can’t risk making things worse. Think about it, Will. I’m desperately trying to make sure we can be in the same room together without her trying to rip my balls off. I need us to be friends again. If I overstep right now, I run more of a risk of pushing her away. I have to think long term. Weren’t you the one who said my problem was short-term thinking? If things go badly, we can’t just ghost each other. We’re in this together forever.”

He places his hand on my back. “Wise words. Sometimes I don’t give you nearly enough credit for your maturity.”

---