Page 73 of My Girlfriend is Not the Father

‘Salty meats.’ Lucy slammed the rest like a shot and slapped a hand over her mouth.

‘I definitely should have added a disclaimer to that statement.’

Jade had not attended many of Lucy’s appointments, unclear of her place in all the surrogacy stuff. Pregnancy was something happening to her girlfriend, for someone else. It was all a little removed from Jade. Of course she wanted to be supportive, but she also didn’t want to step on toes. Unfortunately, it seemed like no matter what decision she made, she was letting someone down.

‘Lucy.’ The lab worker motioned Lucy forward for yet another blood draw.

Man, that was a lot of pokes. Jade had a sleeve tattoo, but getting blood drawn was a different level of pain.

Lucy hoisted herself up and followed the white coat to the back room.

For the appointment today, Lucy told the dads last week she could fly solo. But Jade was sitting next to her during the phone conversation and saw in Lucy’s face that she clearly wanted someone there for moral support. And now, seeing what Lucy had to endure, she couldn’t blame her for needing someone by her side. After this, she was taking Lucy out for a fat burger, a steak, or whatever carnivore-style thing Lucy might be craving for lunch.

Lucy returned with a cotton swab and bandage secured around her arm. She slumped in the chair and leaned against Jade’s shoulder. ‘I know what would make me feel better.’

Oh … this could get interesting. She kissed the top of Lucy’s head. ‘Oh yeah, what’s that?’

‘Looking at your hot-as-hell boss photos from the newspaper.’ Lucy pressed her mouth against Jade’s ear. ‘After I get my energy back, we are sooo going to play out an ice boss/secretary fantasy. I’m going all in. Plaid skirt, button-down blouse, suit and tie for you, everything.’

‘That’s a lot of clothes that will need removing.’ Jade chuckled through her nose. ‘Can’t wait.’

She had to admit the Times photographer had captured some awesome shots, and Jade did, in fact, look like a boss. When the article came out last week, she devoured it, reading each line multiple times. She was in the newspaper! In a really great article, and she’d received so many compliments from staff and clientele. On Monday, when Mrs Dieterman arrived, she brought a stack of newspapers and asked Amanda to hand them out to everyone in the salon. She even skipped grandkid stories that day to talk about the article and the event in May when they’d announce the winner.

Lucy sat up. ‘Even Mason said the article turned out great, and you know how stingy that man is with compliments.’

Learning everything about Mason and Drew these past few months, this statement was pretty damn accurate.

Lucy yawned and tipped her head back into the seat.

‘You tired?’ Jade asked.

‘I feel like I’m getting sleepier these last few days. Although we have been staying up a bit extra at night. Raaaar.’ Lucy did an absolutely horrible feline impression, including strumming her fingers in the air.

Jade glanced over her shoulder to make sure no kids were listening. Or actually anyone. But Lucy was right. After a brief dry spell, they had picked up the bedroom activities again – but the energy was no match to what they’d had when they first got together. Which was understandable, given how tired they both were at the end of the day. And logistic-wise, navigating the beautiful belly produced a few challenges. Although Jade was pretty sure she was nailing it, if she did say so herself.

Lucy dug out lotion from her purse and pumped a dollop into her palms. ‘Are we still going shopping tonight?’

Relief coursed through Jade. She’d been looking forward to dress shopping all week but was sure Lucy would forget or be too sick after her tests. ‘You still up for it?’

‘Yep. Let’s see what I can get this bad boy into.’ She tapped her belly.

Tonight should be fun, and Jade double-crossed her fingers and toes that Lucy could keep up her energy. Jade hadn’t worn a dress in years. Buying a fabulous cocktail dress for the banquet held a sort of Pretty Woman excitement. She wasn’t sure who she’d be meeting at the ceremony, but the mayor of St Paul, along with prominent business figures, were scheduled to attend. Now was the time to dress for success, schmooze like her life depended on it, and win.

There, she said it. She wanted to win this award more than she’d wanted anything in forever. Being nominated was pretty cool. But this award represented so much more than the glass-engraved statue. Knowing she’d won Best Salon in the Greater Twin Cities area would represent that she’d finally made it – despite what her family thought, despite what Elizabeth thought, despite her own self-doubt. If Jade won, the award could never be stripped away. It couldn’t leave her, or divorce her, or forget about her. A win was forever.

The nurse approached Lucy. ‘Results are ready. Follow me, please.’

When Lucy struggled to heave herself up, Jade grabbed her elbow to help. ‘I’ll be right here waiting for you. Good luck.’

Lucy glanced behind her shoulder. ‘You don’t want to come back with me?’

‘No, this is all for you.’ She’d never intrude on Lucy’s business like that. Besides, it probably wasn’t fair for Jade to hear any of the results before the actual parents. ‘Fingers crossed though. For both of us.’ She winked. Last week, Jade had made a terrible pact: if Lucy’s results showed she had gestational diabetes, Jade would give up ice cream for the rest of the pregnancy in solidarity.

She really, really didn’t want to give up ice cream.

After she slunk in the chair, a woman two seats down leaned towards Jade.

‘Are you and your partner having a baby?’ the woman asked as her knitting needle poked against her round belly.