Page 31 of Reuniting with Lucy

“I’m sorry if that’s too much too soon,” she said, instantly regretting the words.

“No. No,” he said. “That’s not why I’m quiet.” He turned to face her fully. “I really like you too, Lucy. I’m glad we’re getting a second chance at this.”

She breathed a sigh of relief and leaned in to kiss him.

As much as she didn’t want to break the moment, she had to tell him. She’d postponed it too long already.

“Jack, there’s something I should tell you.”

“That doesn’t sound good,” he said, leaning back in his chair, but still holding her hand.

“It might seem kind of early to talk about this, but I need to put it out there, in case it’s a deal breaker for you.”

“Okay.”

“I can’t have children,” she said quietly. She looked at her lap and picked at the edging on her blanket, awaiting his response. Was this it? Would he break up with her now?

“Lucy,” he said. “Look at me.” She did. “It’s fine. Honestly, I’ve never really wanted them, and I’m not sure I’d be a very good dad anyway.”

“What?” she exclaimed. “You’d be a terrific father. I’m not saying I don’t want them. There are other ways to have babies. I’m just saying I can’t birth one.”

“Seriously, it’s all right. Is that why you’ve been so cavalier with the birth control?”

“Yes. I’m clean. I figure you are too?”

He nodded.

“Wait,” she said. “Are you saying you don’t want kids at all?” Now she had something else entirely to worry about. She couldn’t have kids, but she still wanted them.

“I mean, I guess. Maybe, someday,” he stammered. “I’m just not dying for any right now and would be fine if I never had any.”

“We don’t have to decide anything right this second,” she said. “This is all still pretty new. I just thought you should know.”

“I’m sorry if that’s not the answer you want.”

She stayed quiet. She’d always imagined herself with kids. Multiple kids. And he didn’t even want one. Could she get past this?

“How ’bout we put it on the back burner for now and just focus on us?” he said, pulling her onto his lap and wrapping her in his arms. “What do you say?”

She laid her head on his shoulder and sighed. “Okay.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Lucy had been in business for over five years, and most of her customers were regulars who came in every day or close to it. Summer brought a lot of tourist traffic, but that died off significantly in the fall. The instant the distinguished older couple entered the coffee shop, she knew they weren’t from New Bern. They wore matching Patagonia jackets, and the woman carried a Hermes handbag that probably cost more than Lucy’s yearly rent. Lucy couldn’t tell if their commanding presence result from confidence or haughtiness.

While they studied the overhead menu board to decide what they wanted, she made out bits of their conversation.

“I don’t know what Jack sees in this town,” the woman said. “It’s sort of quaint, I suppose, but it’s so small.”

Were they talking aboutherJack? Lucy scooted closer to the counter, aggressively trying to eavesdrop. Could these be Jack’s parents? They were supposed to have arrived late yesterday, so it was possible.

The man huffed a noncommittal response as they finally stepped up to order. Lucy was filling in for Margie, who’d called out with a cold. She side-eyed them while making their drinks. The man ordered plain black coffee, and the woman an oat milk latte with nonfat whip.

“Are you folks visiting New Bern?” Lucy said to the man, handing him his coffee.

“Yes,” he said. “Our son moved here recently, and it’s his birthday. He recommended we come here.”

“You don’t mean Jack, do you?” Lucy asked, slipping the woman’s drink into a sleeve. At the man’s nod, she introduced herself. “I’m Lucy. I think we’re all having dinner together later.”

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