Page 84 of My Girlfriend is Not the Father

For the past half year or so, anytime someone made a comment like this, Jade wanted to snap-correct their assumption. But tonight, her insides glowed with the magic of the evening, her pride in Lucy, her pride in herself, and for once, she didn’t have the urge to clarify. ‘It’s definitely an exciting time. And you’re right – she’s a champ.’

Jade grabbed a few extra napkins and manoeuvred her way to the table as other attendees took their seats. After she finished crunching into the crostini, and Lucy polished off the chicken, Lucy rested her hand on her chest and winced.

‘You okay?’ Jade asked, pausing before her next bite.

Lucy poked a finger into the top of her belly. ‘Yep. Ugh. I cannot wait for this heartburn to stop.’ She dug in her purse and popped a Tums. ‘It’s not like I’m eating your crazy sriracha or anything. This is freaking chicken.’

‘I stand by my testament that sriracha is the best condiment ever created. I think once you have the kiddo, we should have you try it again.’ Jade filled up a glass of water from the pitcher and handed it to Lucy. ‘We don’t have to do it on eggs this time. We’ll do something like noodles or rice.’

‘Hmmm. Let’s see how adventurous I am when I’m not lugging this thing around.’ Lucy guzzled the water, then fanned her face. ‘Hot flashes. Yet another thing. This better not happen again until I’m in blissful menopause. Everything is sweating, even my kneecaps.’

‘It’s definitely kind of hot today,’ said Jade sympathetically, even though the air conditioning in the banquet hall was turned up so high that Jade had goose bumps to her toes. She laid her hand on Lucy’s belly and inched lower. ‘Stop making your auntie sick or we’re never going to babysit.’

‘Babysit?’ Lucy’s neck jerked. ‘Would you actually babysit?’

‘Well, obviously.’ Jade rubbed her girlfriend’s belly one more time before sitting back up. ‘I mean, Drew and Mason are your friends. This butternut is going to be in our lives, and babysitting is fun.’

‘Fun?’

‘Yeah, ’cause you can give the kid back at the end of the night.’ Just because Jade had never wanted children didn’t mean she didn’t like kids. Would she work at a daycare? No, definitely not. But she was a kick-ass aunt who loved spoiling her niece and nephews whenever she had the chance.

The lights dimmed and the screech of an active microphone cut through the chatter. A woman stood at the podium, smiling. ‘Hello, everyone! Welcome to the thirty-fifth annual Best of the Greater Twin Cities!’ A roar of claps erupted. ‘I am thrilled to be the host this evening, honouring the best of the best in all areas of business.’

Jade’s breath hitched and she took in a heavy breath through her nose. The night was finally here. Although she’d never expected anything like this to happen to her, Jade’s body was warm with validation. Even if she didn’t win, this was a nod to all her hard work, her effort. Against all odds, she’d made it. As the host spoke about the history of the awards, previous winners, and the nomination process, Jade straightened her back, trying to fully absorb every word so that she’d never forget it.

Lucy interlocked her fingers with Jade’s at the table and moved her mouth to Jade’s ear. ‘I’m so proud of you. You’ve worked so hard for this.’

Jade’s heart felt like it was going to explode out of her chest. She kissed Lucy’s forehead and focused back on the podium as the host called out the nominees for Best Restaurant. She clapped for the winner and concentrated on the thank-you speeches. For the last few weeks, she’d prepared a bit of what she would say if she won. She didn’t want to be presumptuous, so she hadn’t written anything down, but she had rehearsed some potential remarks in the car on the way to and from work. But looking at the two men at the podium accepting their award, both holding a notecard with shaky hands, she nibbled on her lip. Dang it. They didn’t look presumptuous, they looked prepared. Ugh.

Her heartbeat kicked up a notch and thudded in her ear. Only Best Tattoo Parlour, Best Independent Bookstore, and Best Coffee Shop until her category arrived. I’d like to thank my amazing staff, and the customers who trust us every day … Jade silently recited what she’d practised over and over until the people on stage blurred. She pictured herself at the podium, standing tall.

Okay, dammit. She really wanted to win.

An elbow to her shoulder snapped her back to the present.

‘Oh, sorry. I’m trying to grab your ice.’ Lucy dug into Jade’s glass for an ice cube and held it against her neck. Red splotches had spread against her cheeks and chest as she shifted with a grimace.

‘Are you okay?’ Jade whispered, turning her back to the stage so she could see Lucy more clearly. Underneath the red splotches, the rest of Lucy’s skin seemed unusually pale. Her chest lifted in heavy, short breaths. Jade touched Lucy’s face. ‘Are you sick? What’s going on?’

Lucy grabbed another ice cube. ‘I’m just super hot. Maybe the baby didn’t like the grilled cheese or something. I think I just need some air.’

‘There are fewer people in the lobby. Let’s go there.’ Jade pushed back her chair and tucked her hand under Lucy’s arm to help her up.

Lucy shook her head. ‘Nope. No way. This is your big moment. There is no chance I’m going to make you miss hearing your name called.’ She grabbed her purse. ‘I’ll go by myself. My body is just being super dramatic right now.’

‘Absolutely not.’ Jade stood and helped Lucy up. God love Lucy, but if Jade let a potentially sick Lucy sit alone in the lobby, the only award Jade would win tonight would be Worst Girlfriend Ever. She grabbed her clutch and headed towards the door, her arm on Lucy’s elbow as they weaved between tables.

‘And the winner for Best Tattoo Parlour is—’ The door clicked behind Jade before the winner was announced, but she was crossing her fingers it would be the woman-owned shop a few blocks west of Hennepin Avenue that she’d visited when she first moved to Minnesota.

With only a few handfuls of people chatting in the lobby, the air was cooler, thank God. ‘Let’s go over there.’ Jade pointed to a vacant seat in the corner.

Lucy nodded, her fist pushing firmly against her lower back, as she waddled after Jade. ‘How many more minutes until you need to go back in there? Maybe five? Ten?’

‘We’re not even going to worry about that right now.’ Jade helped lower Lucy to the seat and squatted in front of her. Oof. Her face looked pinched, almost in pain, but the blotches in her neck seemed a little lighter? Jade gnawed on the inside of her cheek. ‘Do you think maybe we should call a doctor or something? Or Drew?’

‘Nah. I’ll be fine in a second.’ Lucy bobbed her head towards the door. ‘I can’t hear what the announcer is saying. Can you? Maybe we should just prop the door open a little so we don’t miss the announcement.’

Jade scooted in beside Lucy and touched her hand to the back of Lucy’s neck. ‘Your neck is still pretty hot. Should I get you some more ice?’