Chapter Forty
Linc
O ver the past month, Mel and I have found a comfortable routine. She makes coffee in the morning; I make breakfast. She cleans the living room; I clean the kitchen. My sleep schedule has adjusted to match hers. We talk about our days and start saving baby ideas in a registry. We claim our spots on the couch, and I started watching The Golden Girls because it’s one of her comfort shows.
That Sophia sure knows how to throw shade.
I’ve enjoyed being in the same space with Mel. It’s been easy for the most part. The only clash we’ve had has been over the organization of the fridge, but we compromised on dividing the shelves and keeping our things in our designated areas.
I’ve enjoyed nights in, ordering her preferred food of the week and taking turns picking movies. There’s been more than one evening that she fell asleep on the couch with her head on my shoulder.
Those have been the best evenings.
It’s a Wednesday, and for once, I was able to leave the office on time. It’s not long after I get home that Mel walks through the door.
“Why is it so hot outside?”
I glance up from my laptop in the kitchen. “Because it’s June. How was your day?”
She opens the freezer and stands in front of it, fanning herself. “It was great, actually. They added another person to my department to help with the workload we already have and to cover some of my clients when I go on maternity leave.”
“That’s awesome. I’ll be glad to have you home at a reasonable time every day.”
She closes the freezer and opens the fridge to grab some juice. “It will be nice. I love what I do, but I’m ready to work fewer hours.” She finishes her glass of juice in three swallows and refills it.
I point at her glass. “I guess the baby likes juice today.”
“This child likes anything with sugar. But this juice is really hitting the spot right now.”
I smile. “Drink it all if you want. I can grab more when I’m out.”
“Are you going out tonight?”
“Just with Jax and Marcus. We’re going to go catch the game and have dinner.”
Her face relaxes. “That’s fun. I think I’m going to make a grilled cheese and take a bath.”
“Sounds like a good night. I’m going to go get ready. Are you sure you’re good staying in? I’m sure the guys wouldn’t care if you came along.”
She shakes her head. “No, I’m good. Go have guy time.”
“If you change your mind, let me know.” I start down the hall to go to my room to change.