Chapter Thirty-One
ChapterThirty-One
Riley
I can’t stop fumbling with the hem of my soft Abercrombie Fitch sweater, praying it hides the baby bump well enough until I’m ready to tell my parents about the pregnancy. Which, I mean…there’s never going to be a great time to do it this weekend, but I can at least wait until tomorrow morning. I don’t need to spring this on them the moment we walk through the door.
“Well, come on in girls,” my mom beams at me and Elissa. My father is chuckling behind her, waiting for me to get inside, and after I slip my shoes off my feet, he tugs me in for one of his best bear hugs. I panic at the close contact, and try sucking in my stomach to avoid my stomach pressing against the small beer belly he’s growing.
“It’s good to see you, honey.” His warm, sturdy voice braces my core and I feel like anything is possible. He’s so warm and inviting, and his tone has a touch of calm to it. No wonder his patients love him.
“It’s good to see you too, Daddy.” I squeeze him back and melt into his hug before he releases me.
“’Lissa!” My dad exclaims, strutting over to her and pulling her into a big bear hug as well. My heart swells. I know how much Elissa loves seeing my parents because it’s like she gets a piece of that familial bond she needs, and my parents typically go overboard with showing their affection to her. Although they’re best friends with Collette and Harold, they know how neglected Elissa was, so they tend to overdo it, to make up for their friends’ failures.
When we were little, maybe like ten or so, I was jealous they would pay attention to her so much when she was over. My mom pulled me aside one day to explain it to me.
“Riley,” she said. “You’ll always be our favourite. But sometimes being an adult means knowing when someone needs something more. Elissa tends to need more attention from us when she’s around. Her mom and dad are constantly gone for work and who knows what else. So, your dad and I try to make Elissa feel like she’s part of the family. We’ll always love you most, but sometimes we need to show Elissa a little more love and kindness.”
I was probably still too young to know exactly what that meant, but as I grew up, it slowly made more and more sense. I’m incredibly proud to be their daughter, and their capacity for compassion is infinite. I only hope it’ll still extend to me when I tell them the news.
“Come in, come in!” My mom says as she ushers us in, gesturing at my dad to grab our bags from us. Elissa is polite as she thanks my dad. She kicks off her pale pink Chelsea Hunter boots and tosses her jacket onto the foyer bench, making herself at home. My jacket is draped over my arm, another evasive maneuver to hide my baby bump from my parents. Both Mom and Dad follow Elissa further into the house as she gushes over their new home, complimenting my mother’s decor and taste. And I’m thankful she’s taking the pressure off me by indulging them in conversation so I can collect my wits. I place my jacket over Elissa’s and follow them down the hallway, past the rounded staircase, to the open kitchen and living area.
···
Elissa sits herself on a stool at the island as my mom asks if she wants a coffee. I shuffle over and the stool grinds against the floor as I tug it out from under the counter.
“Riley Mikayla!” my mom shouts. “Be careful! You’re going to scratch our floors.” My cheeks heat.
“Sorry mom,” I mutter. My Mom waves her hands in the air, telling me it’s already forgotten. Her back turns to face away from us and she makes her way to her Starbucks-quality espresso and coffee machine.
“Want one as well, Riles?” my mom asks. I tell her sure. “Have you ladies eaten? I have leftovers from our dinner earlier.”
“Sure, Brianne. We didn’t get a chance to eat on the road,” Elissa answers for us. My mom tugs on the fridge door and it hums. Elissa pushes away from the counter and hops off the stool, striding over to my mom to help her take stuff out of the fridge. “You make the coffees, Bri. I’ll grab the leftovers.” Elissa smiles sweetly at my mom and she returns the kind gesture.
“Thanks, darling,” she says, stretching her hand out and placing it on Elissa’s cheek. Her thumb brushes lightly against Elissa’s skin before she steps away and turns her attention back to the coffee as Elissa opens a bunch of cupboards, trying to find the dishes. “Far left, hon,” my mom says. Elissa opens the right cupboard and grabs two porcelain plates out of the cupboard, then starts opening drawers until she finds the utensils. She brings everything to the island facing me and dishes out the leftovers of chicken, potatoes, and broccoli, covering it with waxed paper and popping it into the microwave under the island.
Elissa places the steaming plates on the white granite counter, slides my plate over to me, and passes me a fork and butter knife. I shift so my foot comes up and I tuck it under my butt, letting the other leg hang down. I grab my fork and push my food around on my plate until I feel the heat of my mom’s eyes on me, so I stab a piece of chicken and take a massive bite to sate her curiosity. “Mm, the chicken is fantastic,” I say, with bits of chicken flying out of my mouth as I speak.
“Riley,” my mom chides. “Don’t speak with your mouth full. But thank you, sweetie.” From behind us, my dad hollers from the couch, watching the highlights from the hockey game that was on earlier.
“Your mother is a damn good cook, that’s for sure. Don’t know where she finds the time to be that good and a skilled surgeon at the same time.” The love between my parents is unreal. It’s everything I ever wanted as a kid growing up. They’re so supportive of each other and their dreams. There was a time back in high school where they were going through a rough period because their schedules were always opposite shifts and they never saw each other. I can only imagine how hard that is on a marriage. They’re both in demanding jobs; surgeons at the C-K Hospital. Dad is in general, while my mother is a cardiothoracic surgeon.
“Speaking of work,” I say, before swallowing another bite. “How is work going for you guys? Any plans of retiring?” There’s a pregnant pause, and both my parents are staring intensely at each other, and my heart rate spikes and tingles erupt over my body. “Uh, guys?”
My mom sighs. “Well,” she starts. She takes a moment, and it looks like she’s carefully contemplating what to say. “Your dad and I are actually retiring soon.” I’m stunned, so much so that my jaw drops.
“What?” I ask, shocked.
“Oh my!” Elissa quips. “That’s fantastic. Good for you two.” My mind shuts off and goes blank. They’re retiring already?
“Thanks sweetie,” my mom says softly. Her eyes grow worried when I don’t speak. I’m just confused. They’ve never really talked about retiring before. I’m so confused. They love their jobs, so much.
“When is this happening? I mean, congratulations, I guess. I’m just shocked. You’ve never talked about it before.”
My mom’s face relaxes and a serene smile touches her lips. She leans against the island, stretching her body across the countertop and grabbing my hands in hers. Her warmth radiates over me and makes me feel home.
“Well,” she looks cautiously at Elissa. “When Harold died, things changed. We realized we didn’t need to be working ourselves to the point of exhaustion. Yes, we’re young and healthy. So there’s nothing to worry about there. We just want to enjoy our time.” My head shakes. I’m a little confused still.
“You two just bought this massive house. Don’t you think you should have downsized instead if you’re retiring?” My mom giggles.
“The house has nothing to do with our retiring. We wanted a new place and loved this one. That’s all. I don’t know why this is part of your argument.”
“But the bills must be astronomical!” I retort.
“Well, we have savings and our retirement,” she shrugs. “And we’re still going to be working at the hospital.” My head quirks, and I close my eyes, trying to concentrate on what she’s saying.
“So…you’re not quitting?”
“No. We’re retiring.”
“Same difference. How are you still working if you’re retiring?”
“We’re going to be working on-call only; help out when they need an extra hand.” My dad gets up off the couch, circles the counter, and opens the fridge to grab a beer. “What about you ladies? Anything new happening for you two?” Elissa turns to look at me, giving me stern eyes, and then they shift. I know what she’s mentally saying:“Now’s your chance, tell them.” Well, shit. My dad places the beer on the counter and circles his arms around my mom’s waist from behind, tugging her in close as he whispers something into her ear, making her smile wide. They sway together and then they both turn their attention back to us, waiting with eager eyes and ears. My heart pangs in my chest as I think about how Rhys and I could’ve been like that. The two of us, growing old together, raising a family together, retiring and spending time together. Elissa’s foot nudges mine and I take a deep breath and sigh. No time like the present. I brace myself against the counter.
“Well, there is something new…” I say, my hands fumbling and fiddling as I pick away at the edge of the granite. “I’m…pregnant.” My dad chuckles like it’s a joke, but my mom’s mouth drops open.