My hand is still on Jenna’s tummy as she replies, “Mostly, yes. Some pelvic floor pain, but you don’t want to hear about that.”
“Loncey says orgasms are good for pelvic floor problems,” I say for absolutely no rational reason.
“Do they now?” Jenna says ruefully. “I’ll make a note of that.”
“I would probably ask your doctor first,” I say quickly now that I’m mildly embarrassed by what I said.
“Don’t worry.” Jenna squeezes my hand. “I will. How’s lunch going, Rami? We hear you’re in charge of the nut roast.”
“So far, so good,” Rami says. “And Maeve, I wanted to say how happy I am to hear about you and Loncey.”
“And not just because they have a lovely penis,” Jake adds and I close my eyes to gather my sanity.
“Jake! I thought we said you’d not mention that again,” Rami says under his breath but he’s obviously old enough to think phones momentarily stop working when you want them to.
“We also said we’d spend New Year in the Maldives but you moved your tour start date early instead so it looks like we both have problems keeping our promises,” Jake says with a level of snark even I’m impressed with.
Rami gives Jake a firm look. “We did that so that you could be back in Europe by the time Jenna gave birth!”
“Fine. Whatever.” Jake tuts but a second later he leans over and presses a quick kiss to Rami’s cheek.
“When are you seeing Loncey next, Maeve?” Rami asks me.
“We don’t have any plans at the moment as I have enough travel this month what with all my fashion week gigs in Milan, Paris, Copenhagen and London, but hopefully some time in February,” I say and I force a smile. It feels all kinds of wrong tobe cranky about not seeing Loncey when only a few months ago I was grumpy about not having somebody in my life to see, but I can’t deny how hard it feels not knowing when we’ll be together again.
“Jenna! Maeve! Dinner’s ready!” Marty’s voice carries through my parents’ house and a second later my dad appears in the doorway sharpening a knife.
“Are you ladies ready?” he asks.
“Is that James?” Jake demands and I turn the phone around so they can see each other.
“Well, Merry Christmas to you, Jake, and Rami,” Da says as he bends down to get in the frame. “You’re both looking well.”
“Certainly a bit happier than Christmas last year,” Jake says.
“Ah, it wasn’t so bad, was it? We looked after you.”
“Oh, the hospitality was second to none. I was referring to my delicate mental state.”
“I think we can spare James this story,” Rami says. “We hope you all have a lovely day.”
“Yes, don’t miss me too much!” Jake calls out.
“We will,” Jenna and I chorus as we are expected to.
“Love you,” Jenna adds and I hand her the phone for her final goodbye.
When she’s done, I help her off the sofa and we make our way into the dining room. Just as we’re about to sit down, my phone buzzes in my jeans pocket and I pull it out.
I smile like a fool in love when I see Loncey’s name.
I read their message three times before I return my phone and then I’m surprised to feel Jenna’s hand nudge my arm.
“I’m so pleased you have someone who makes you smile like that,” she says as she moves past me and takes a seat.
Me too. I’m happy too that I have someone who makes me smile like this.
