Chapter Thirty-Six
Melonie
Y es, I was checking Linc out. Evidently, my eyes are controlled by my vagina.
When he opened the door in just a towel, I couldn’t blink, could hardly breathe. His hair was still dripping, and I saw a trail of water moving over his pecs and down to the trail of hair below his navel. I had to look away before my hormones got the best of me.
I sit patiently in the kitchen. As I look around, I realize how bare everything is, seeing piles of boxes when I glance into the living room. We only have a week until we move into our new place, and I’m thankful to see his progress. Maybe it helps confirm that he’s serious about our new living situation.
Linc emerges from the hall, thankfully fully clothed, and he’s dressed casually, a polo and shorts, his hair effortlessly messy. He approaches me where I sit, and he smells like soap and laundry detergent. I’m not sure if it’s the remnants of the visual show I got earlier, but the clean smell turns me on even more. Pregnancy is so weird.
“Ready?”
I snap out of my lust-induced daze. “Ready. Where are we meeting them?”
“Just a little Italian place that Jax and Audrey recommended.”
I look down at my dress. “Am I overdressed?”
Linc scans the top of my dress, eyes lingering on my cleavage. My heart rate picks up at the attention, just like it usually does when his eyes are on me. “You’re perfect. Let’s get going.”
He grabs his keys, and we head down to his car. It gives me the opportunity to collect myself. I’m frustrated with myself for being a little turned on back there.
Linc opens my door and gets in. When he turns on the car, I adjust the A/C on my side to cool off.
We arrive at the restaurant, and even though we’re at a different place, I still feel a touch of déjà vu. I briefly met Linc’s parents at Jax and Audrey’s wedding and they were nice, but I’m still nervous.
Linc looks around the dining room and checks his phone. “They’re about five minutes away. We can grab our table.”
We approach the host, and she takes us to our table. The room smells like spices, garlic, and fresh bread, causing my stomach to growl. Thank goodness the morning sickness is less frequent now, because eating has become one of my favorite pastimes behind napping and time with my vibrator.
We sit facing the entrance so Linc can see his parents when they arrive. I start straightening my silverware and adjusting where my water glass is.
“You’re organizing things.” He places his hand on mine. “Don’t be nervous, Mel.”
I look up at him, stopping my actions. “Sorry. Just after last night, I’m nervous. I want your parents to like me.”
He gives me a grin. “They will, don’t worry.”
“How did you know what I was doing meant I’m nervous?”
He shrugs. “I see you do it every now and again. If it’s not silverware, it’s the fabric of a blouse or fixing your hair.”
The server comes by to fill our waters, and I’m a little taken aback that he would notice that in me.
“Don’t feel self-conscious about it. Might sound weird, but I like it when you do it because it lets me know what you need.”
I nod my head, not knowing what to say. I wouldn’t expect Linc to make the connection, let alone use it as a signal to help. Picking up my glass, I take a long drink. Thankfully, Linc stands with a smile on his face. I look across the room to see his parents approaching, so I do the same. His mom mirrors his smile, but passes right by Linc to give me a hug.
“Melonie, what a pleasant surprise!”
“Mr. and Mrs. Hudson, so nice to see you.”
Linc’s dad gently shakes my hand. “Please, call us Gary and Mae.”
I nod my head as Linc hugs his mom. It’s a real hug; his eyes close, and it’s sweet to see the happiness in his mom’s face. Linc’s a hugger, and now I’m seeing why.
We all sit down, and the server approaches to take our drink order.
Linc’s dad grabs the wine list. “Is it okay if I order a bottle for the table?”
I glance at Linc. “Oh, um, that’s okay, Dad. Mel doesn’t usually drink.” He looks up at the server. “We’ll have two ginger ales, please.”
His parents don’t seem phased, ordering their own glasses of wine and some appetizers for the table.
“Melonie, I know we spoke for a brief moment at the wedding, but we’re happy you got to join us for dinner this evening.”
“Thank you.”
“Mel, my mom worked in finance for twenty years. You two can talk about numbers.”
“I don’t know if being an assistant is really finance, but I understand most of the jargon. What do you do, Melonie?”
“I work for an accounting firm here in Boston as a CPA.”
“So, you really like numbers.” Linc’s dad chuckles.
“I do. I love problem solving, love the logic of numbers.”
Linc smiles at me. “Mel’s one of the most intelligent women I know.”
His mom looks between the two of us. “So, Linc, tell us why you brought a friend to dinner.”
Linc glances at me, then back to his parents.
“Well, Mom, Dad, we have some news.” His mom leans forward. “Mel and I are having a baby.”
A grin that looks like Linc’s comes across his father’s face, and I think his mom might already have tears in her eyes.
“It’s sort of a long story, but Mel and I have known each other since Jax and Audrey got together and, well, we’re going to have a baby. We aren’t seeing each other, though, so it’s a bit unconventional. But we’re really happy and really excited.”
Linc’s mom waves her hand at him. “Logistics.” She gets up and comes to my chair, wrapping her arms around my shoulders. “We’re going to be grandparents! Gary, did you hear that? A baby!”
I laugh at her exclamations. Linc’s dad reaches across the table, tapping my arm. “Congratulations, you two.”
“Would you like to see pictures?” I reach for my purse and pull out the ultrasound prints. Linc’s mom takes them, and her hands shake as she peers down at them.
“Oh, my goodness.” She looks at me. “It’s the most precious thing I’ve ever seen.”
Tears fill my eyes. I’m filled with relief that they’re happy. Part of me wishes this was the reception I would have received from my mother.
“Mom, don’t cry on the prints. Let Dad see.”
She hands them to Gary, and he wipes a tear from his cheek. I now realize why Linc is how he is. His family isn’t afraid to show emotions or affection openly.
“I’m glad you’re happy. I was a little nervous about this evening.”
“Oh, Melonie, how could we not be happy with a new life and two more people to love?”
A heavy tear runs down my cheek, and I wipe it away with my napkin. Linc rubs my back.
“Melonie and I are going to move into a three-bedroom in my building next weekend. Her and the baby will each have their own rooms, and I’ll be there to help.”
“That sounds like a good arrangement. Do you need help moving or getting everything set up?” Linc’s dad offers.
“That would be great, Dad.”
His mom beams from across the table. “Melonie, you and I can go shopping and get things to decorate. Leave the heavy lifting to these guys.”
I laugh. “That sounds perfect. Audrey is getting me movers as a gift, so it will just be arranging everything and making it comfortable.”
She smiles. “Perfect!”
The appetizers arrive and we order entrees. I order chicken piccata and dig into the bruschetta and stuffed mushrooms.
Linc leans over to me. “This is the best I’ve seen you eat in a while. I like seeing you enjoying food again.”
I swallow and touch his thigh under the table. “Today was a good day.”
He nods in agreement, and we go back to discussing our plans for the move.