But in the evenings, my man returns from the fields, and that’s when my day really starts. He hops in the shower and then we share a heavenly meal before making our way to the bedroom. It’s funny because you’d think pregnant women aren’t sexy, right? But Frank loves my generous curves, and honestly can’t get enough. Sometimes, he doesn’t let me sleep until the wee hours of the dawn, although I have no idea how he does it. That man must have the constitution of Superman, seeing that he’s operating on two hours of shut-eye sometimes.
But I love it, and there’s a sense of security now because Renfrew Acres isn’t just a temporary way station anymore. Instead, I know that this is my home, and the knowledge brings with it a sense of peace and tranquility that soothes both me and the baby I’m carrying.
So yes, life is pretty perfect now. Of course, it’s going to be turned on end after our child’s born, but right now, everything is wonderful, and I couldn’t ask for more.
“You’re doing it again,” Patricia smiles while patting my shoulder. I turn to wink at my mom, who’s visiting with my cousin Lindy for a week.
“What am I doing?”
My mom grins.
“You’re staring off into space as if we’re not here,” she teases. “Lindy and I could be sitting on the moon, for all you notice.”
I blush. “Sorry. I guess the baby makes me even more of a space-case than usual.”
My cousin giggles, her curls shaking.
“Oh, I was the same way when I was expecting,” she confides. “I could be in the middle of sex even, and I’d forget where I was.”
I stare at her.
“Really? Wasn’t Julian offended?”
Lindy merely waves her hand.
“Oh no, you know Julian. If anything, it excited him because he has a bit of a fantasy when it comes to sex dolls. Whenever I spaced out, it was like I was a sex doll there to be used for his pleasure.”
“Girls!” my mom interjects. “I don’t need to hear this!”
“Sorry, sorry Aunt Pat,” Lindy apologizes. “But you know that I used to work at Club Z too, and that’s how I met my husband,” she winks. “See? Bad girls have all the fun.”
“Girls,” my mom shakes her head again before strolling over to the kitchen. “Goodness! The lives you lead!”
Lindy and I giggle as she comes to sit by me.
“So how are things?” I ask in a low voice. “Not too loud so my mom doesn’t overhear.”
My cousin laughs again.
“Hadley, I should be asking you that! You’re the one who’s about to pop!”
I nod.
“Oh the pregnancy’s totally fine.”
“And things with your mom?” Lindy asks, shooting a look at Patricia.
“It’s fine,” I say. “Telling her about me and Frank wasn’t fun, don’t get me wrong, and at first, things were a little tense, definitely. I mean, how often does your daughter end up with your younger brother? So yeah, she didn’t speak to me for a few weeks, but then she came to accept it, and I think it’s because I’m pregnant. I mean, what are you going to do at this point? There’s a baby on the way, who also happens to be her grandchild.”
“Good,” Lindy says approvingly, squeezing my hand with hers. “I’m glad that’s resolved.”
“But how are you?” I ask. “Don’t you miss baby Stella right now?”
Lindy lets out a delighted giggle.
“Of course I do, but it’s nice to get away from sticky fingers and children’s vomit on occasion. Julian’s on mom duty right now, and I have to say that he’s been texting me every three minutes to ask one question or another. But still, I have no doubt that he’s doing just fine with our daughter.”
I giggle too.
“Yes, but let me ask you this, Linds. Are you and Julian still going to Club Z? I mean, as a married couple?”
She nods and looks around to make sure Pat can’t overhear before speaking in a hushed voice.
“Yes, definitely. If anything, the sex is even better now that we’re so comfortable with one another. I mean, Julian … well, I won’t get into it too much. But one thing is that we’ve met a girl that I wanted to talk to you about. She’s really naughty, which I’m sure you can identify with, and we think she could use some distance from New York.”
I smile ruefully.
“Yeah, I used to be pretty wild, if I do say so myself. Why, what did she do?”
Lindy’s eyes go wide.
“Well, she hasn’t had the easiest past,” my cousin begins. “I think she was one of those homeless teens living on the streets, but then somehow, she got into the Club Z scene and was hired as a hostess. But once a thief, always a thief because she was caught trying to steal the club’s silver candlesticks.”