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“That’s okay, took three days for my parents to name me,” my friend Jennifer says.
“And they named you Jennifer?” her wife, Marie, teases.
“All right, they couldn’t agree on one. At least you don’t have to worry about that,” Jennifer says. I know she doesn’t mean it the way it came out, but I still wince.
“She didn’t mean—”
“Luna!” my cousin calls from across the room.
“Excuse me,” I politely excuse myself and hope that is the last of the single mother jokes I’ll have to endure today.
My family is mostly from my father’s side as my mother was an only child, ending the line with her. But my father is one of six so most of the room is made up of my cousins and their kids. I’ll be honest, seeing kids in real life scares the crap out of me. It’s one thing to imagine your own, but seeing them in person all rowdy and crazy is a tad overwhelming. It’s like a never ending battle of worrying if your child will be the same way and what you can do to prevent them from being like that. I hold my belly as she kicks, I wonder if she can feel what I feel.
“Luna!” I’m called away once again as everyone wants to hug me and see my expanding belly.
This time it’s a group of my law school friends, all of whom married or had children recently. Most of them had given up on becoming senior partner once they got into a serious relationship.
“I hear you’re starting your own law firm?” Cara says.
“How is that going to work with the baby?” Helen asks.
“Well, right now it’s me and my assistant, but we’re looking to expand. Are you guys looking for a new job?” I ask, knowing full well they wouldn’t leave their jobs.
“I just meant, with the baby. What’s your plan?”
“Well, considering I’m my own boss, I’ll be having on site daycare.” It’s not a total lie. I have considered it, but just haven’t looked into all the specifics of it yet.
“Wow, that’s impressive,” Cara says.
“Excuse me, I think Riley needs me,” I lie, excusing myself. “Why did you invite them?” I whisper to Riley as she’s setting up the cake.
“I know you don’t love them, but they’re your friends who bought the most of the registry. Plus they have kids who your kid might end up playing with.”
“Shit, you’re right.” I hadn’t considered the baby’s life on the outside much yet. Partly because it was too terrifying.
“It’s cake time, so don’t worry.” Riley smiles and lifts the cake. ‘Bundles of joyhere to celebrate baby girl Charles’ was written across. I laugh at the cross out, Riley knew I wouldn’t want anything cheesy.
“That better be something chocolate.”
“Chocolate with mousse filling.” Riley smiles. I follow her as she sets it down on the table near the gifts, letting everyone take their photos. I don’t know what everyone was going to do with a photo of a cake but that doesn’t stop dozens from taking pictures.
The rest of the shower is exactly what you expect. I make small talk with people I see once a year, they touch my belly and ask me questions I haven’t even thought of yet. By the end of the day, I’m exhausted and more overwhelmed than I was to begin with. I mean did I need to know her name, if I was breastfeeding, and what I’d be doing after maternity leave was up? I’d have a plan for it all eventually. It is hard enough, being the person who used to have a plan for everything to go to the person who has to live day by day.
I’m stuffing my face with my second piece of cake when I spot Sawyer’s motorcycle outside. Riley must hear it because her head snaps up and we lock eyes. She heads outside to see what’s going on and I would follow her but I get trapped in a conversation with my great aunt about how far along I am. By the time I manage to escape, Riley’s coming back inside with Sawyer.
“Hey, Luna, congrats.” She smiles and hands me a small box.
“Thanks.” I smile back. I hadn’t expected to see her today, but I am hoping this means she is ready to work things out with Riley.
One by one people start to say goodbye, giving me a hug and wishing me and the baby well. By the time everyone’s gone, I sit down and all I want to do is take a nap.
“Need any help?” Cody’s voice surprises me.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, confused.
“I brought my truck down, thought you might need some help getting your presents to your apartment.” He rubs the back of his head nervously. I glance at Sawyer, who is keeping a close eye on us, she must have told him I’d need help.
“I appreciate it, but we can just take a cab.”
