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“Yeah, I know. Though I’ve had cravings for creamy pasta, so the carbs could also be the reason.”
“Lex… ” Mom calls softly, “… look at her. You wouldn’t even know she was pregnant from the back. It’s all at the front like a round basketball.”
Dad extends his arms as I fall into his embrace. Then, as we pull away, he gazes at me lovingly. “You’re glowing, Ava. Just like your mother when she was pregnant with all four of you.”
Mom winces. “Except Alexa. That pregnancy was a nine-month glow of morning sickness.”
We all take a seat when a waiter appears at our table to take our order. Dad takes it upon himself to order wine for him, Mom, and Austin while I’m forced to nurse a glass of water. This restaurant is one of Dad’s favorites, and from memory, he’s a co-owner or something like that.
“Dad, do you own this place?”
r /> “It is part of a chain in which I’m a stakeholder,” he confirms, then raises his chin. “I expect only the best service tonight.”
We all briefly turn quiet, and I wonder at what point Dad’s interrogation begins.
“So, Austin… ” Dad starts with, then takes a sip of wine before continuing, “… Ava tells me you’re almost a second-year resident?”
“Yes, in a few weeks, actually. It’s flown by really quickly.”
“And you’re in the ER?” Mom intercepts with a fond smile. “That must be challenging.”
“It is, Charlie. The days just become a big blur. Even today, we had a multi-car pile-up on the I-78. Thankfully, no fatalities.”
“And have you considered transferring to Cedars-Sinai if the two of you move back to LA?” Dad questions, his expression serious.
“Um, Dad, there’s no we.” I turn to look at Mom for a lifejacket. She reassures me with her eyes to calm down. “Austin and I aren’t together.”
“I’m aware of that, Ava. But don’t you think moving closer to us will be beneficial? Having a child is not easy.”
“Actually, Lex,” Austin intervenes. “I have looked into it.”
Turning to face Austin, my mouth almost falls open. “Since when? I never mentioned moving back.”
“I just want to explore all options because your father is right. Having a child isn’t easy, and having family around will help. My parents moved to Thousand Oaks, but it’s not too far from Hidden Hills.
“We have Eric,” I remind everyone at the same time the food is served.
Mom purses her lips with her fork in hand. “Eric once threw up in your room when he had to change your diaper. You had just started solids, and it wasn’t pleasant.
At this stage, I wasn’t sure whether to be mortified or worried. It’s not like I’m immune to all this baby stuff either. Aside from my younger sisters, I’ve never taken care of a baby, let alone an actual newborn.
“Maybe,” I tell my parents, then glance at Austin. “Austin and I can have a serious conversation about this once the baby is born, but for now, I’m happy to stay where I am. Manhattan is where my life is, and also Austin’s life.”
Thankfully, the subject is dropped.
Most of the dinner is Dad asking Austin about work. It doesn’t surprise me since Dad still has a keen interest in medicine even though his career led him elsewhere. Beside him, Mom watches with a relaxed gaze. It’s almost as if she enjoys watching Dad immersed in these discussions. I recall many years ago, she mentioned to me that she sometimes wished Dad continued his medical career. Though in the same breath, she said that passions can shift when life leads us elsewhere.
Our conversations alter between Austin and me. Dad reminds me once again to get on top of my manufacturing. He even offers his time, willing to do most of the leg work for me. How can I say no? I can barely fit in going to the bathroom these days with my work piling up as we lead closer to the end of this pregnancy.
“Austin, I was thinking of contacting your mother, Kristen, to organize a lunch,” Mom says while nursing her wine in the tall glass it’s served in. “It’s been years, but I would love to catch up with her.”
“I’m sure Mom would love that.” He grins, then turns to me as I lower my head. “She was thinking of flying over to meet Ava properly finally.”
I lift my gaze, then blink slowly. “Your Mom?”
“Relax, Ava. You’ve met her several times.”
“Under different circumstances.”
