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“I’ll be right out.” I look in the mirror and can’t help but smile. My belly is definitely huge
“You look stunning,” Max says as I enter the living room.
“Thanks. I don’t have many choices these days.” I look down at my dress. My belly is the main attraction.“Ready?” I tell him.
“Your chariot awaits,” he says, leading us out of the apartment.
Walking downstairs, I realize the bigger I am the harder it is to take the stairs. I can’t really see the steps. I wish there were an elevator in this building. Even though I’m wearing flats, I take my time going down. Max is by my side. I’m assuming he’s noticing the same thing as me. He is such a good friend. How did I get so lucky?
“You are going to love this place,” Max says as I put on my seatbelt.
“I’m sure it will be perfect.”
We drive, talking about his latest project, which apparently involves me. He wants to take pictures of me for a maternity clothing line campaign he knows. We go back and forth, me telling him I’m not a model or interested.
“No,” I tell him again.
“Come on. It will be nice memories of you and the hippo.”
“I don’t want anyone to know I am pregnant,” I finally confess.
“What do you mean?” He parks.
“You know I don’t want Viktor to find out and it’s to risky.” I open the door and get out of the car.
“Ava,” he starts.
“I don’t want to talk about it anymore,” I tell him, interrupting whatever he was going to say. We cross the street and walk into the restaurant.
“Good afternoon. Do you have a reservation?” The hostess asks.
“Yes, under Max Collins.”
“Follow me, Mr. Collins.”
Lunch is a little tense. I can feel Max wanting to talk about Viktor. He is trying hard to keep the conversation light. But it’s not working.
“Max, me not wanting to do the campaign is about me keeping my secret,” I say, trying to end the tension.
“You don’t need to say anything. I respect your decision.” He says sincerely.
“He is married now. It’s just for the best that he doesn’t find out.” I tell him for the first time. Even though I told him Viktor’s name we have never talked about why Viktor and me aren’t together. A tear escapes me.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you or make you cry.” He takes my hand and squeezes it.
“I know.” I look at him and can’t fail to see how good of a friend he is.
“I’m here for you. Anything you need.” He smiles, and I can’t help but smile back. Let’s talk about something happy.”
“I would like that very much.”
We spend the next two hours talking and enjoying our lunch. It’s nice spending time with Max. When we are hanging out it’s drama free. I don’t think of Viktor. Being with Max reminds me that there is normal out there. With Max I can just be me.
After lunch, he takes me to his studio. Somehow by the end of lunch he convinced me to take the pictures for myself and not the campaign. I’m not going to lie, it makes me feel beautiful. One of my favorite pictures, I am wearing a fitted red dress showcasing my beautiful belly. I would have never imagined I would feel so beautiful pregnant. But there is a moment, a split second, where I think of Viktor. Would he find me beautiful? We could have taken a family portrait before the birth of our son. It doesn’t matter how much I fight or want to deny it. He is the father of my son. Even if he never finds out. Once my patience with picture-taking has been worn-out, I grab my things so we can leave. The drive to my apartment is quiet. He might think it’s because I am tired but I think it is more about me thinking of Viktor and our son.
“We are here,” Max says, interrupting my thoughts.
“Thanks for lunch again and for taking the pictures of me. I can’t believe you convinced me.” I say smiling.
