Page 63 of Ms. Lead

She lets out a long sigh. “Fine. Yes. We’re pregnant. Little Ava will finally get her wish of a younger sibling, and Jett can finally have some peace. Well, until Grace starts walking and talking. Poor kid.”

“Oh my god, I’m going to be an aunt again!” I jump up from my chair and round my desk to hug her. “How far along are you? Do you have names picked out? How much baby stuff did you save? If any?”

The flurry of questions pours out of me without thought. I am so happy for them since I know they’ve been trying for a while now. My smile is so big it almost hurts.

“I’m about three months along, I guess. The doctor put the due date at February 21st, so a late winter baby this time.”

The smile on my face freezes as I hear that date. The day is supposed to be when Oliver and I either find each other again and live happily ever after or move on from each other.

I’m careful not to flinch. Normandy has no idea about the date or its significance to me. While she knows most, she doesn’t know all of what happened between us.

“Well, I tell you what, Ava will be beside herself when she learns about this. That girl was built to be a big sister to somebody.” I lean back on my desk and fold my arms, more as a hug of myself, but to hide my shaking hands too.

Normandy is right. I really should have eaten dinner by now. I just haven’t been hungry lately. When Oliver first left, I ate everything in sight, then everything just switched off, including my appetite.

“You’ve got that right. We’re telling her tomorrow at breakfast.”

“Oh, I wish I could see her face. You better take a picture of her reaction. Or better yet, a video.” I can feel my smile get weaker as our conversation goes on.

Even though I am beyond excited for Normandy and Brandon, the self-pity for myself is starting to creep in too. I hate it. I should be able to be happy for my friend without being jealous of something I’ll never have. It’s not how true friends act. A wave of guilt washes over me.

Just then, Terry finally returns and hands the keys to the limo used for the job. It’s perfect timing, as I’m able to wrap up work and get out of talking any more about Normandy’s good news.

I really am a horrible person.

* * *

A few weeks later, I’m hit with another blow straight to the feels. Enzo and I each receive invitations to our cousin Gina’s wedding. In Italy. On February 18th. It’s not the 21st, but it’s close enough to make me not want to go.

If Gina and I weren’t as close as we are, I’d almost consider staying home. But we are tight, and she’s even asked me to be one of her bridesmaids, so there’s no way I could miss it.

Enzo knows it’s close to our deadline, so he calls as soon as he receives his invitation.

“You gonna make it, sis?” he asks, a little distracted. That’s not like him. Usually, when he calls, his full attention is on the conversation.

“Yeah, I’m a freaking bridesmaid, so no choice. Hey…what’s the matter? You don’t sound like yourself.” If I didn’t know better, I’d swear I heard a female voice in the background. “Are you with someone?” I gasp dramatically. “Oh my god, are you on a date?”

I can almost hear him roll his eyes over the phone. “Yes, I am, actually. Not all of us are celibate like you seem to be now.”

Ouch. That one smarts. Out of everyone, I didn’t expect snark like that from him. He’s usually the protector, not the antagonist.

I have not gone on dates since Oliver left, nor do I intend to. That doesn’t necessarily make me celibate, just off the market.

He realizes his offense right away and apologizes. “I’m sorry, Bianca. I didn’t mean that. You know I didn’t. It was just something stupid to say while trying to be funny, I missed the mark. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. Jerk.” I withhold the threatening sniffle. “Tell me about your date.” I hope I sound nonchalant because I am genuinely interested, but like with Normandy’s pregnancy, good things are happening to everyone else. That’s not a group you want to be on the outside looking in at because that means good things aren’t happening to you. And again, I feel like shit for even thinking such things.

“Well, her name is Theresa, and that’s all you get today.”

“Oh, man. No fair,” I whine.

“I don’t want to be rude with her here. I just wanted to make sure you got your invite to Gina’s wedding.”

“Okay. But I expect a full report the next time we talk.”

We hang up, and I smile to myself. Enzo hasn’t had a steady girlfriend in a while. He is very picky, and for good reason. He’s a great guy. I don’t think that just because he’s my brother, either. He truly is incredible. Any girl would be lucky to have him. I hope this Theresa person, whoever she is, knows this.

Maybe I should work on my ‘hurt my brother, and I’ll kill you’ threat like Enzo gave Oliver. Nah. That’s not me. Or maybe it is? Well, I guess if she hurts my brother, we’ll find out.

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