Hell . . .
“No need to thank me, Keiko. You’re perfect, just the way you are. Remember that, okay? And when Blanche/Seymour comes into this world, they’re going to realize very quickly just how lucky they are to have you as a mum, even if you struggle to understand them sometimes.” It really did shock me that Keiko asked me to be her bridal party, but I do see her point. I’ve been surrounded by my siblings all my life, and I guess I’ve probably taken for granted what being part of a large family gives you. Friends. Support. Relationships. Not perfection, but I rarely felt alone. Unlike Keiko. Maybe embracing her like I would one of my sisters has given Keiko such a strong feeling of connection to me.
She glances behind her and then says, “I told the Ladies in Heat that if they were not organizing the wedding, they would have been queried about the maid of honor role. I misled them so as to resolve their feelings of insult. The truth is, I’ve obtained more of a connection with you recently and enjoy your presence in my life.”
“Thank you, Keiko. I feel the same way.” Unsure of what to do, I ask, “Can I give you a hug?”
“Since we share a strictly platonic relationship, I can’t see why you couldn’t.”
“I’m taking that as a yes.” I loop my arms around her and pull her against my chest. “Can’t wait for Saturday, Keiko.”
“It will be quite the soiree. I will need you in my dressing quarters no later than four sharp.”
I let go of her and ask, “Dressing quarters?”
“Yes, it is your duty to assist me into my wedding garb.”
“Uh, don’t you think Kelvin would get upset, you know, if I saw you in your underwear?”
“I’m wearing a traditional sheath. You shall see nothing but my arms and ankles. Dare I say, that’s not too provocative for you, is it?”
I chuckle. “No, it’s not. Then I shall be there.” I hold up my hand for a high five, but she just stares at it.
“What is that?” She points.
“A high five.”
“Do pray tell, what are we celebrating?”
“Uh, a successful shopping trip?”
“Ah, very well.” She dabs her fingers on my palm and then says, “Good day, Pike.” And she takes off.
Shaking my head in amusement, I leave the store as well, texting Cora that I’m done. She’s around the corner at a restaurant, waiting for me.
The frigid Chicago winter temperatures hit me harder than I was expecting. I should ask Kill to pack up my winter gear and send it here. This leather thing is not going to last me all winter.
When I reach the restaurant, my body full-on shivers as I adjust to the warmth again. I hate to admit it, but Cora was right—the motorbike will not last me through the winter without my winter-weight riding gear. Not if I’m already shaking in my fucking boots.
I glance around the space and spot Cora in the back, reading, looking as beautiful as ever, wearing a winter hat, scarf, and a tight-fitted turtleneck tucked into her jeans. She doesn’t notice me at first as I walk toward her, so when I catch sight of what she’s reading, I nearly choke on my own saliva.
I stand there, stunned.
My goddamn balls slowly crawl up inside my body.
Sensing my presence, she glances up and smiles when her eyes meet mine. “Hey, how was—why do you have that look on your face?”
Unable to move, I ask, “Why are you reading that?”
She glances at the book about pregnancy and then back up at me, confused for a few seconds, and then she laughs. “Oh my God, it’s for Keiko. Did you think I was reading this because of me?”
Slightly relieved but still spooked, I take the seat across from her, setting my costume bag on the back of my chair. “Jesus Christ.” I push my hand through my hair. “I thought you were pregnant.”
“I’m on birth control.” She chuckles some more.
“Yeah, but we’ve had a lot of sex . . . like more sex than I’ve ever had. Who knows how much those pills can take?”
Her lips flatten in a testy expression. “Please. Your sperm isn’t that powerful.”
“You don’t know that.”
“If I haven’t gotten pregnant by now, then I think we’re going to be okay, but good to know where you stand.”
“Hey,” I say, leaning forward and taking her hand in mine. “It’s not that I don’t want kids one day, it’s just, you know, a little shocking seeing your wife read that book when you think there’s not even a chance, you know?”