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Liv raised her eyebrows, smiling. “I don’t think that’s a thing, Maya.”
“Sure it is,” Maya replied, flashing her a grin. “Sam was weird just now. He had some sort of panic attack because he got a text from his mate Vicky. He seemed to think that I’d be upset about it?”
Liv raised an eyebrow in a knowing manner. “That’s because if he ever mentioned any women apart from Mum and I, or got any calls or messages from a person identifying as a woman, then Cat used to go apeshit.”
“Really?” Maya asked, her eyes widening. “Why?”
Liv shrugged. “All part of her controlling personality. She got jealous if he was even around any women.”
“That’s intense,” Maya said slowly. She’d been right about the baggage. Not that it made her doubt being with him; nothing would change her feelings for him. It was more that she was questioning how to deal with it. “But why would he think I’d have an issue with it too? I’m nothing like Cat.”
“I don’t think it’s a conscious thing,” Liv said, her tone reassuring. “He just doesn’t have a good frame of reference. She’s been his only long-term relationship. They both saw other people casually for a really short period on one of their longer breakups, but nothing that would’ve given him any real baseline of normality.” She smiled. “He just needs time to adjust to the non-crazy.”
“Okay,” Maya said, taking a deep breath. “I can give him time.” She bit her lip. “Although I am a bit worried that we’ve rushed into this relationship, when I should’ve given him some space on his own first.”
“He’s an adult, and he felt ready. More than ready, once he realized the real story.”
“Still. I wonder if we should encourage him to get some counseling. I don’t want to say or advise the wrong thing if he’s struggling.”
Liv studied her, a soft look shining in her eyes. “That’s a great idea.” A big smile broke out over her face. “Hey, have I told you recently how awesome you are?”
Maya smiled, her heart swelling with love for her friend. “Not as awesome as you, Miss O. You’re the only one of us who has their shit together.”
Liv bit her lip and averted her gaze for a second, then glanced back at the screen with a soft smile. “You’re the best sister-in-law ever. Christmases from now on are going to be amazeballs.”
The weight of responsibility felt heavy on Maya’s shoulders, but it made her all the more determined to help.
A strange sound from the hallway took her attention, and when she tuned in to it, it sounded like someone retching. “Sorry, Liv, I need to dash. I think Hana needs some help.”
“No worries. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
She hung up, and paused. The sound was still apparent, and it was consistent with Hana being sick in the bathroom. Maya went down the hallway and hesitated outside the door, giving a knock. It was slightly ajar. “Hana, I’m coming in.” She slipped inside.
“Don’t!”
“Too late, I’m here now.”
Hana was clutching the toilet bowl, shivering. Her normally formidable form seemed so vulnerable and fragile that it made Maya freeze for a split second, her heart pierced with empathy.
She grabbed a towel and put it around Hana’s shoulders, crouching next to her. “Here. You can wipe your face on it too.”
Hana’s voice was hoarse as she pulled it around her shoulders. “Thanks.”
Maya put her arm around her sister. “Shall I go ask Dad what might help the stomach bug? He’s been treating loads of people with it.”
“No,” Hana said quickly. “That’s okay.”
She seemed to wipe away a tear, and Maya’s heart rate accelerated. “Hans, what’s going on?”
The tears began to openly fall and Hana’s voice broke. “It’s not a stomach bug.”
Panic punched Maya in the gut and she tugged Hana in, not bothered that she could get vomited on. What if it was something sinister? Her worry spiraling, Maya tried to assess her sister’s tearstained face. “What is it?”
Hana must’ve sensed Maya’s anxiety. “It’s nothing serious.” She took a breath. “I’m pregnant.”
Maya’s mouth dropped open, her panic doused with delight. “That’s brilliant! I didn’t know you and Rosie were trying.”
