Just as she was about to speak, a loud ringing echoed in the silence between them. She visibly jumped while the phone vibrated against his pocket. The first thought going to her mind were the kids. Using that as her scapegoat, she cleared her throat and smiled, “You should answer that.” She said quickly.
Simon reached into his pocket, pulled out his phone, and answered without hesitation, “Hello?”
Anticipating hearing his mother, Susan's voice filtered through the earpiece. She wasn't expecting him to answer at all let alone so soon. That excited her, "Simon? Hi. Oh, my goodness I was just calling to check up on you. I know everyone at work got the memo of not visiting your house, but I was thinking of you and had to call. Especially since you'll be back at it in just ten short days. So, how is everything? I hope I'm not calling at a bad time, but with the crazy sleeping schedule of a newborn, every time is bad. Am I right?" She asked with a gentle chuckle.
Simon was stunned as she ran on a tangent and gave him enough time to get a hold of his wits, “Oh, uh…yes, you’re right. It’s been crazy with the kids.” He slipped causing her to look at her phone with confusion. Clearing his throat, he gave her a generic answer, “I’m doing just fine, Susan. Is that all you called about?” he asked.
Chalking his slip of the tongue to sleep depravity, She laughed casually and crossed one leg over the other, "Oh no, actually there is a little reason as to why I called. I was hoping that you wouldn't catch on so soon, Simon. But I guess that's why you're a partner of the company." She said.
Still confused, Simon shared a look with Cherish who now knew it wasn’t a call from home. He placed a finger up and apologized silently. She nodded and returned her gaze out to the cityscape. “Hoping I wouldn’t catch onto what? Do you have something planned?” he asked.
Susan ran her tongue along her teeth while her grin widened with each second, “Ah…okay, okay, you caught me!” She faux taunted. “I do have something planned. I’ve rallied the troops together in the wake of your dear, sweet Emily’s passing, and we’re throwing you a welcome back party next Saturday here at the office. But, that’s not all, it’s also doubling as a baby shower for you and little man! Everyone misses you, Simon and they want to know you’re okay. So, will you come?”
“A baby shower?” Simon asked.
He was practically speechless. Not because he didn’t expect for them to throw a party, but because Jr. already had one before he was born. Then, he thought about Jasmine and he knew for a fact that she didn’t, “Sure. Thank you…I miss you guys too.” He said.
There was a long, strained pause. He tried to sound grateful but was still preoccupied with the thought of bringing Cherish and Jasmine with him. If he was in on it, things would work out wonderfully; he was sure, “Thanks for telling me, Susan. I’ll make sure we’re ready for Saturday.” He said a moment later.
“Great! I’ll let everyone at the office know on Monday! Can’t wait to see you, Simon! Bye now!” Susan said hanging up.
Cherish rubbed the palm of her hand against the back of her neck and slapped a mosquito on her arm. She heard bits and pieces of the conversation and looked to him once he put his phone away, “Sorry about that.” He said.
“There’s no need to be sorry.” She whispered. Standing, she brushed off her bottom and gave him a small smile, “I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to go see the babies. That and my boobs hurt. So, Jr. is calling. Thank you for bringing me here, I’ll never forget this.” She said.
Hesitating, Simon gave a nod and made his way back to the car with her. He gave a look over his shoulder and turned to face her as she got in the car. Whatever was on her mind bothered him, “So, what were you going to say?” he asked.
Cherish felt her stomach tighten. Her bout of confidence had vanished as quickly as it came. Shaking her head softly, she shrugged her shoulders and gave him and reassuring smile, “It’s for another day. Maybe, when we have more time.” She answered. Pulling on her seatbelt, she rubbed his shoulder just as he did hers, “I’m okay. Even if I look sad, I promise.” She added.
Simon searched her brown eyes for a long moment and decided to listen to her. He wasn’t going to push her in a direction she wasn’t ready to tread, “Alright then. Let’s go home.” He said starting the car. Clicking in his seatbelt, he locked the doors before they made the careful drive down the hill, back onto the main road, and in the direction of home.
Chapter 8
Eight days later, on the afternoon of the party, Simon seemed energetic. He woke up early, groomed himself, and did his hair more than Cherish had seen in the last six weeks. Little did she know was that this was his usual routine when he’d go to work. He needed to look good, not only for himself, but for his colleagues as well. This was his first time back at the office.
While Simon got ready all morning for his office party, Cherish was in the middle of her usual routine. She’d been checked by the doctor and cleared for all activity. She’d spent the whole night before using Simon’s cell phone to Google ways to lose weight and tighten up after having
