When she left, they were all in agreement: Alyssa was the one. But out of courtesy for the other woman coming, they would speak to her as well.
Gini looked at Robert and shook her head even before he opened the door. He leaned down and kissed her.
Even though Sandra was nice and clearly qualified, Alyssa was their choice.
The cool weather in Massachusetts had passed, and it was full-blown summer with some days offering searing heat. Only a few weeks to the C-section.
Gini continued to be her lively self until the third week in June. Each day she slept a little more. Linda wasn’t alarmed; with the heat and Gini’s advanced pregnancy, it was not unusual for a mother-to-be to require more rest. Lisa tried to ease Debbie’s fears, telling her how tired she had been the last few weeks when she carried Timmy. Sometimes she felt like she had heavy weights on her legs. She had ended up taking maternity leave much earlier than planned because all she wanted to do was sleep.
Robert loved the mounded ball protruding straight out in front of Gini, and putting his hands on it, feeling the baby move, brought more and more love into his heart for both Jessica and Gini. It was more real, now that Jason had been born and he saw the joy in both John and Vicky for their first grandchild. He looked forward to the two children growing up together.
Debbie and Micky had gone out several times over the last several weeks. The dates all depended on whether Robert would be home to be with Gini. It seemed Micky was okay with juggling her schedule to meet Debbie’s, and she was okay if Gini was with them when they met.
Debbie, on the other hand, if she was going on a date, wanted it to be just her. She knew Micky said it was okay for Gini to be there, but was she really? Debbie stressed every time because she was not sure how she felt about their relationship. She guessed there was some bitterness from how it had ended before, and then Micky showing up at her door with her arm around another woman—a slap in her face. But she was willing to give it another try, on her terms.
“Bunny, I need a break. Are you available?” Micky said over the phone on a Wednesday afternoon.
“I’m here with Gini. You’re welcome to come by.”
“God, that would be wonderful. The AC has gone out in the med lab, and they have canceled class. I just want some lemonade or something cold.”
Debbie laughed. “Come on over. I’ll have lunch ready when you get here.”
“Thank you… thank you.”
Debbie brought Micky into the living room on her arrival. It was one of those slow days for Gini: up late, a little disoriented, and tired. Such days were not common earlier, but with the pregnancy, they seemed more prevalent.
“I’ve made a big pitcher of lemonade with blackberry,” Debbie said. “Sit. I’ll bring you some.”
Micky sat on the couch next to Gini. “How are you? I think that baby will be here soon.”
Gini moved awkwardly, thrust her tongue, then nodded her head.
Debbie put a glass in front of Micky and helped Gini grab onto the handled mug.
“Drink,” Debbie said, lifting her own glass.
Gini seemed confused and tried to put the cup on the table, but it tipped over, spilling on Gini’s lap, all over the tabletop and onto the floor. Debbie immediately grabbed the mug and ran into the kitchen for a towel.
“No, be… uff,” Gini wailed, over and over until Debbie returned.
“It’s okay, baby. I’ll clean up the mess.”
Micky took the towel and started wiping the wet areas. Debbie excused herself and Gini so she could clean Gini up.
A few minutes later, Debbie emerged from the master bedroom. “Micky, will you be okay while I take care of Gini? She’s upset, and I need to calm her down.”
“Sure. Take your time.”
Micky slowly drank the refreshing drink, eventually walking to the large windows and looking out over the harbor. She realized being Gini’s caretaker was a big job for Debbie. She loved nursing but realized she wouldn’t have the patience to do it 24/7. She needed her time off, needed to be able to keep an emotional distance.
About a half hour later, Debbie came back into the room. She looked frustrated and frazzled.
“Everything all right, bunny?”
Debbie half smiled. “Yes, she’s sleeping. I’ll be so glad when this baby is here. Gini gets tired so easily, and then all hell breaks loose.” She let out a long breath and sat on the couch.
Micky sat next to her and put her arm around her. “You can relax now. I’m here to help you. Just relax.”
Help me, Debbie thought. Micky has no idea.
Micky rubbed Debbie’s arm, and Debbie leaned closer and put her head on Micky’s shoulder.
“There you go, just relax,” Micky said, still rubbing gently up and down.
Memories of being with Micky in school flooded her mind. How exciting it had been—how eye-opening. Micky’s body, her strong kisses and delicious smell, her conversation, her easy acceptance. It was all overwhelming and wonderful. She had blamed Micky for the relationship ending because she thought of Micky as the one in charge, but it was no one’s fault. Debbie could have gone to Micky. Micky had wanted her to. She had arranged for Debbie to interview for a nursing position at a family practice. But Debbie had already taken the first steps for the team at New Haven Medical Center. As much as she wanted to be with Micky, the offer in New Haven
