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“She’s precious,” Nayome gushed. “Congratulations to you both.” Nayome was smiling, reaching a hand down so that Abigail could capture one of her fingers in her small, chubby grip.
“I still can’t believe she’s ours.” Cindy sounded distant, elated as she stared down at her daughter.
“I’m so happy for you both,” Nayome said, and was relieved to find that she meant it. However messy this situation started, it was clear Cindy and Nick loved their daughter. How could she not be happy for them? For Abigail, who was clearly adored?
“I wanted to apologize to you, for my part in what happened.” Cindy spoke quietly, as she pulled a few faces at Abigail, tickling under her chin trying to shake a laugh out of her.
“Oh…you don’t have to—” Nayome glanced back towards the boys, who were talking quietly in the kitchen
“I know we didn’t know each other well, but I always felt like I broke some kind of girl code, you know?” Cindy continued, not heeding Nayome’s objection. “Anyway, he misses you. I struggled with that, at first. I was too insecure about how me and Nick started to be comfortable with him speaking to you while we were together.”
“That’s understandable,” Nayome agreed, frowning. “I didn’t have any interest in keeping in touch anyway, until he reached out recently. What changed for you?”
“Time, I guess. Maybe Nick has changed too. He’s different now that we have Abigail, more responsible. He’s not the same Nick anymore, at least not the same one who would…”
“Dump you for his new secretary?” Nayome tried to soften the comment with a sarcastic smile. Cindy laughed, if a little uncomfortably.
“Yeah. Sorry.”
“Let’s just forget about it. I’ve moved on, but I do miss Nick as a friend,” Nayome admitted. She wasn’t sure why she was being so honest, but she had one of those feelings. A piece of her life sliding into place. Bury the hatchet, move on, find the silver lining. “We were friends for a long time, first. Did he tell you about that? In college.”
“Yeah, he did. I’m glad you came, Nayome. I’m also glad you came with your hunky friend. I can’t lie, a small part of me was worried you would be here for Nick.”
Nayome laughed, “Ancient history,” she said, and was relieved that she meant it. “I know it will be weird, but it would be great if we could rebuild a friendship out of all this, someday.”
Cindy nodded, playing with baby Abigail.“So tell me about the guy. I nearly fainted when he walked in with you. What a looker!”
Nayome laughed and broke into the heavily edited story of how she met Bal on her trip to Scotland. Watching Cindy with Abigail, she couldn’t reconcile her to the ditzy blonde she had remembered Nick cheating on her with. It wasn’t pleasant to think about. She had gone through a dark period because of her and Nick’s split, questioning everything about herself, her desirability. Thinking back, most of the dark feelings had been mortification. Nick had embarrassed her. But looking around now, Nayome realized things were starting to work out for the better. Her life was a complete mess, but she was present in a way she hadn’t been while she was going through the motions with Nick, and more recently her job. She was awake. And it was clear that Nick had created something worthwhile here with Cindy. Maybe she could pick up the pieces of herself and make something worthwhile too. Glancing at Bal, she found herself wishing things could be simple between them.
A beeping sound distracted her from her reflection, and she noticed Bal glance down at his phone. A slice of fear cut through her wandering thoughts when she saw his posture stiffen in response to whatever he read.
“We have to go,” he said, quickly, straightening to full height.
“So soon?” Cindy sounded disappointed, “Nick was just about to set out some snacks, and we are expecting my parents, and some other guests any moment.”
Nayome raised her eyebrows at Bal, leaving her question unvoiced.
“Yes. Now,” he said, eyes glancing towards the front and backdoor exits.
Nayome felt a wave of unease, moving away from baby Abigail and Cindy, slinging her purse over her shoulder. Bal was already headed for the front door.
Nick stopped her as she followed, a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Is everything alright?” He asked quietly, as his eyes followed Bal’s back as he moved towards the foyer.
“Yes, fine.” Nayome couldn’t keep the distracted tone from her voice, and it was clear Nick didn’t buy it.
Cindy had risen, sensing the tension and lifting baby Abigail into her arms. Face set in a heavy frown, Nick motioned for her to stay back while he followed behind Nayome.
“Nayome, if you’re in some kind of trouble…” He was looking at Bal suspiciously, trying to hold Nayome up on her way to the door.
“Nick, it’s fine. We just have to leave, sorry to rush out on you.”
Whatever Nick was about to say was interrupted by a loud rapping on the front door. “Ah, that must be Cindy’s parents,” Nick said, moving around Nayome to reach for the front door.
“Wait,” Bal grit out, shooting an arm out, blocking Nick as he reached for the door.
Nayome paled at the sound of the knock. Nick glared back and forth between the two of them “What the hell is going on?” he ground out. “Nayome, if he’s got you into some kind of trouble—”
“Nick stop. Bal, it could just be another guest,” Nayome said, but her eyes were wide, face drained of color.
