“Because I’m all over the place.” I run my hand over my bald head. I’d started going out in public without a head covering. The pitying glances and whispers don’t escape my notice.
“Aren’t we all in some way? Listen, how long have you two been doing whatever you’ve been doing?”
“Almost a month.” Wow, has it been that long?
“Long enough for him to know if he likes you all over the place. He hasn’t complained or slipped off into the darkness, so I’m willing to wager you’re fine. I know you have a lot going on, but you’re happy when you’re with Edgar. Your face lights up when you talk about him, whether you want to admit or not. He’s becoming a part of your life. It’s okay that you haven’t defined what that means yet. It’s hotter than Hades out right now, so I’d suggest a lightweight shirt and shorts, or a flowy skirt and a tank top. It’s casual, comfortable. You won’t be dialing it in with jeans and a plain T-shirt or going overboard with something more formal.”
I rifle through my closet and come out with a black circle skirt and a white button down I pair with a set of low top black gladiator sandals.
“You’re a life saver.”
“Are you better now?” she asks.
“I am. I just needed to talk it out, you know?”
“I do. Remember how I was with Houston?”
“That was completely different. You didn’t want to lose your best friend or scr
ew up your situation with the kids.”
“Yes, but the root is the same. If you spend too much time worrying about if it’s a bad choice or not, you’ll drive yourself crazy.”
She speaks the truth. With everything else so out of my hands I’ve noticed myself obsessing over what I can control.
“You’re right. It’s always fun when we do get together. I need to stop overcomplicating things.”
“There’s my girl. Is there anything else I can help you with while the little monsters are content?”
The sound of their little voices in the background make me laugh. “Are you guys outside?”
“Yep, they’re exhausting themselves on the playground set just in time for a nice long nap after lunch.”
“You’re an evil genius.”
“Nah, just a tired mom.”
“Poor thing. Are you sleeping any better?”
“No, this little bug likes to cut a rug after midnight. When I pass out, Houston says the bug kicks him in the back.”
I snicker. “I can’t even feel bad. It seems like he gets to share fully in what you’re going through that way.”
She gives an evil laughter. “Yes. I said much the same thing. I know you need to get ready for your non-date, so I’ll let you go. But I want to hear all about it tomorrow, okay?”
“Yes, ma’am. Call me if you need anything. Even if it’s a nap. I’ll be happy to watch the trio.”
“I know. Love you, Efia.”
“Love you, too, babe,” I reply as I hang up. The pregnancy is going well, but I can tell she’s exhausted. I’ve made a point of spending more time with them recently, so I can take some of the bulk of the burden off. It’s everything she would do for me if the situations were reversed. I lucked out when I met her in college. You don’t get many forever friends in life you can count on. No matter how different our lives looked, or where our paths lead, we’ve always stayed in contact and close.
I play some Nina Simone to put my nerves at ease and jump in the shower, ready to get ready for the afternoon.
***
Edgar
I smile at the kids squealing as they dodge the streams of water shooting up from the ground in the fountain area. The area is teaming with activity, and I’m a people watcher. I observe the teenage couple holding hands and whispering to each other. Ah, to be young and clueless again. Her face is flushed and his eyes are full of the adoration a young man wears before society tells him showing that much emotion isn’t masculine.