What Lovers Do

“See what I mean?” Jimmy stands and brushes off his shorts. He’s not wearing a shirt. Muscles. Tattoos. All the things that used to do it for me. I don’t think I can ever date a guy with tattoos again. Jimmy has ruined it.

“Have you two looked into therapy?”

“I suggested it, but Sophie won’t pay for it, and I don’t have health insurance with my new job until I’ve been with them for thirty days.”

“Kor…” I clap my hands once “…a.” I clap them again, accenting each syllable of her name. “I don’t need therapy. I need Jimmy to get the fuck out of my house.”

She frowns. “Sweetie, that language is a little unbecoming of a lady.”

“I’m not a lady. I’m a foul-mouthed bitch. And you should not want your nephew to be anywhere near me. I’m anxious. Stressed. And borderline fucking rabid!” I ball my fists. I feel rabid. Surely, I look it as well.

Baby. Baby. Baby.

I take a few deep breaths.

Kora flinches, but just barely. “Have you considered trying 5-HTP? I’m not a fan of prescription meds for depression and anxiety, but I take 5-HTP and it’s helped me tremendously.”

“I don’t need 5-HTP. I need your nephew out of my life! I need both of you out of my house!”

Kora’s frown deepens as she turns her head to the side a bit, eyes narrowed like my words slapped her. “You don’t deserve Jimmy. But he loves you. And I know this because if he didn’t love you, he wouldn’t put up with you and your moods. So I suggest you take some time to get ahold of yourself and show a little gratitude for the man in your life who has done so much around your house, including the new driveway, taking care of your dog, cleaning, yard work, and when I showed up, he was dusting off that ceiling fan. And he could have fallen and broken his neck. Have you ever thought about that? I bet not. I bet you haven’t stopped for one single second to think about anyone but yourself. I really don’t understand what he sees in you, young lady, but I love him, so I support him and respect his heart’s decision.”

His heart’s decision?

I close my eyes and slap my palms against my cheeks.

Wake up. Wake up. Wake up!

This isn’t real life. This is too ridiculous to be real life. It’s just one of those eerily real dreams where you try to wake yourself up, but you can’t. And eventually, when you do wake up, you’re in shock because everything felt too real. And it leaves an uneasy feeling in your stomach for days.

“Baby, stop. Let’s get you to bed.” Jimmy grabs my wrists to stop my incessant face slapping.

I yank my arms out of his grip. “I’m not your baby. I’m a victim in your stupid game—a gullible woman who fell for your synthetic charm. And now I’m stuck with you because your own family doesn’t want you.”

“That is not true, Sophie.” Kora has the audacity to act offended.

“Then take him and leave!” I pound my bare feet to my bedroom with Cersei right behind me, and slam the door and fall onto my bed, screaming into my pillow.

In the middle of my tantrum, my phone rings. It’s Chloe.

“Hey.” I clear the anger from my throat and roll onto my back, staring at my ceiling fan, the one Jimmy didn’t risk his life to dust.

“I’m on my way. I’m bringing you some clothes that Sarah gave me. I know you’re not showing yet, but when you do, I don’t want you to have to spend a bunch of money on maternity clothes. And you and Sarah are the same size.”

Sitting up, back ramrod straight, I blow my bangs out of my face. “No. Don’t come over. I’ll stop by your house tomorrow and pick them up.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m literally three blocks from your house. I was just making sure you were home; otherwise, I was going to get your garage code and leave them anyway.”

“Actually, Chloe … it might be a good idea to just leave them on the front porch. I’m just getting ready to jump in the shower.”

“Well, unlock your door. I’ll wait for you. I want to talk about some other things. Like the birthing classes. Mason and I want to attend them with you.”

“Yep. Fine. No problem.”

Chloe laughs. “Why are you acting so weird?”

“I’m not.”

“Yes, you are. I’ll see you in a few minutes.” She disconnects the call.

“Shit. Shit. Shit!” I toss my phone aside and open my bedroom door like I’m trying to rip it off its hinges.

Jimmy’s back in his spot on the sofa, and thank god Kora is gone.

“I’ll give you fifty dollars to go to your room, not make a sound, and not come out until I tell you it’s okay to come out.”