The Other Side of the Pillow

“Tevin told me how much he loved me and begged for another chance.” I paused for a few seconds. “I took running into him as a sign. I’d come to the conclusion on my trip that I had to tell him about the pregnancy. It wasn’t fair to continue keeping him in the dark.”

“That’s what I’ve been trying to get through your thick head all along.”

“Yes, you have, and you were right.” I started smiling. “He’s so excited about the baby. But I can tell that he’s going to drive me insane with worry.”

“Jemistry, you’re going to have to be patient with Tevin. He’s been through a lot. Estella’s three miscarriages took a toll on him. It took him years to snap back from that. It was tragic.”

“I realize that.”

The waitress brought Courtney’s Caesar salad and my beet whatever it was.

“I’m doing the most. I’ve never tasted a beet in my life.”

“Well, it certainly looks delightful.”

“I’ll let you know.” I took a bite and debated on my opinion. “It’s different but good. Want to try some?”

“No, I’m going to play it safe with my salad.”

“Yeah, it’s damn-near impossible to fuck up a Caesar salad.”

We both chuckled.

“How well did you know Estella?” I asked Courtney. “Did you hang out, like the two of us do?”

“No, not really. Estella was kind of a homebody. When I met her, she’d already had one miscarriage, but I’d known Tevin for a few years prior to that. He and Floyd didn’t start doing things together outside of work for a while. Now you can’t keep them apart.”

“So back to my news. We met up at his house, talked things through, and I’ve decided to try again . . . to give us another chance. I even told Tevin that I’m in love with him. I had to admit it to myself first.”

Courtney almost choked on a piece of lettuce, and then drank some water to get it down. “That’s wonderful! And it’s about damn time you came to that conclusion. A blind person could have seen that you’re in love.” She glanced out the window at an ambulance passing by with its sirens blasting. “I keep telling you that Tevin’s not the type to cheat. He’s always been like some mythical creature from an old fable. They don’t make men like him anymore.”

“Please, Courtney, Floyd worships you from what I’ve seen.”

“Floyd is definitely there for me. He’s a great provider and he adores the kids. But . . .”

“But nothing. The two of you are doing it. You have what most couples yearn for—a happy marriage.”

Courtney seemed like she wasn’t too sure about what I’d said.

“It is a happy marriage, isn’t it?” I asked.

“I presume that it is.”

“Presume?”

“We’ve had our issues. Nothing major.”

“Everyone has issues. Think about it. It’s not easy allowing another person to be a part of your world all the time. It’s been years since I’ve been serious, until Tevin, and it is definitely a challenge. You have to g

et used to each other’s ways and temperament. Habits, both good and bad. Trigger points and trying to prevent pressing buttons that don’t need to be pushed.”

“Sounds like you know what you’re getting yourself into. You and Tevin will be fine. I’m glad he won’t be moping around like a lovesick puppy anymore.”

“My hormones are wilding out. Floyd might have to take Tevin out somewhere to relieve some adrenaline at least once a week until I have this baby.”

“What about a wedding?” I looked at Courtney with surprise. “Oh, come on. Tevin’s not going to let you have that child without being married. I know that for a fact. Besides, he told Floyd he bought a ring and had planned to propose when all of that bullshit went down with your roommate.”

“He did, and I couldn’t believe that he snuck behind my back and purchased it when we were in the Caymans. Slick ass!”