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Chapter Eleven
Aria
When the weekend arrived, I was lucky enough to have it off. It was the first one I’d had off since getting back from vacation.
The dog had settled into the apartment well within the past week, becoming more comfortable in her surroundings and also taking well to her new diet of food designed to put some weight on while still being suitable for a pregnant dog. Mama had also become her unofficial name because I refused to give in and adopt her. Now wasn’t the time for that. I was just grateful my building allowed pets, temporary or not.
Zoey was still asleep and recuperating from some wild party she’d gone to the night before, and Lily was off shopping in Manhattan, leaving me and Mama to our own devices.
Feeling that we both needed some fresh air and exercise, I contacted my cousin, Claire, and we decided that her family and I would meet up in Prospect Park—a favorite spot for Brooklynites on weekends given that it was the largest greenspace in the area.
I spotted the family by the children’s play area. Claire was sitting on a park bench watching her husband, Ryan push their daughter on the swing. I announced my arrival with a “Hey,” and Claire looked over at me.
“Hi, Aria!” Claire got to her feet and wrapped her arms around me in a hug.
I felt a bulge press into me as she hugged me, and I looked down at her middle in confusion. When I spotted a tell-tale bump, my mouth fell open. “Claire, is that what I think it is?”
“Yes,” she said with a sigh. “But we’re trying to keep it under wraps, so please, don’t tell Kida or Willa. I’m pretty paranoid about pregnancy.”
Given what she’d gone through in the past, I understood why she would want to keep it from her sisters for a while. “How far along are you?”
“Thirteen weeks. Mum and Dad are the only ones who know since Mum’s my obstetrician and, well . . . Dad’s dad. I’ve sworn Mum to secrecy based on doctor-patient confidentiality, and I’m fairly positive Dad will make sure she keeps quiet about it.”
I laughed. Uncle Steve was the sweetest man I knew and one of the coolest. When it came to his girls, he’d do anything for them, including keeping their mother in her place. Claire could pretty much guarantee no one would know about the new child until well after it was born if she had her way. It certainly helped that her sisters had moved out of New York. I was surprised she’d met me today, given how cagey she could be.
“I promise your secret’s safe with me.”
Claire glanced down at my four-legged companion. “I didn’t know you got a dog?”
“I didn’t. I’m fostering her. She’s pregnant and homeless, so I figured I was the best bet for her safely delivering these pups.”
“Is she a pit bull?”
The cautious tone in Claire’s voice made me cringe. “Yes, Claire. But that doesn’t mean she’s a bad dog.”
“No, of course not.” Claire sat back down.
“Hey there, Aria,” Ryan said as he joined us, his usual infectious smile plastered on his face.
“Aria!” Eloise reached for me from her father’s arms.
“Hi, you.” I caught her and hugged her tight.
Eloise looked down at Mama. “You got a doggy.”
“For now,” I said with a nod.
“Can I pat her?”
“I think she’d love that.”
I popped Eloise down and Ryan squatted beside his little girl.
“Be careful, Elle,” Claire warned.
“It’ll be okay,” Ryan reassured his wife.
“Let her smell your hand,” I instructed Eloise.
