Chapter 83
Pressing the phone harder against her ear as the female on the other end wept quietly, Suzy’s mind raced. She didn’t recognize the voice but something told her to listen.
Her brows knitted. “Who’s calling?”
The woman let out a loud sob and said, “It’s Vanessa, Jon’s girlfriend. I mean his former girlfriend from high school.”
Suzy felt her forehead crease. Why would Vanessa call me? “Of course, I remember you. I still have your and Jon’s picture from the high school prom. It’s in a drawer now because—”
The breathy young woman interjected. “I know Jon’s gay now but—” She paused. “Never mind. I shouldn’t have called. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. You were part of Jon’s life for two years. He and I both thought fondly of you.”
Vanessa sniffled into the phone. “Thanks, but . . . it-it doesn’t matter. Never mind. I shouldn’t have bothered—”
“Wait. Don’t hang up.” Suzy weighed her options. Should I explain there’s no point in seeking him out if she’s still holding a torch because he realized he was gay before they ‘dated?’ Her motherly rationale decided to listen. Hear her out.
“Hon, this is awkward. You should know I’m planning Jon’s wedding to his partner. In fact, at this very moment I’m finalizing venues for the ceremony.” Suzy heard the young woman choke back another sob.
“Oh, my God,” Vanessa said.
Suzy frowned. “What’s going on? Please tell me.”
The young woman blurted out, “I’m pregnant.”
Suzy’s pulse quickened. She closed her computer. Obviously I’m not working on Jon’s wedding again today. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“Yes,” Vanessa said in a hushed tone.
“Let’s meet in person. Besides, I’d love to see you again.” Suzy glanced at the clock. “I’m at The Coffee Drip. Why don’t you come here in twenty minutes?”
Vanessa sniffed. “I’m on my way.”
Suzy slugged her coffee wishing it were a stronger drink. She considered calling Jon but wanted more details first. She put her computer in her Murano and paced on the sidewalk underneath The Coffee Drip’s familiar white awning with brown lettering and an oversized, brown coffee drip. Her heart raced as she waited for Vanessa to arrive. She wasn’t sure why she was nervous but she was.
Suzy’s shoulders relaxed when the pretty, young woman with the familiar wavy, ginger hair waved from a beat-up car with a loud muffler. After Vanessa parked, she waddled toward her. Suzy’s eyebrows shot up at the sight of the young woman’s very round, very pregnant belly. She approached Vanessa who nearly knocked her over with a giant embrace.
Vanessa’s voice caught. “I’ve missed you, Suzy.”
Suzy held her in a long embrace as she stroked her hair. “I’ve missed you too. Let’s go inside and catch up.”
Without thinking, she patted Vanessa’s tummy. “Sorry. I couldn’t resist. You’re like the daughter I never had. I’m happy for you.”
Vanessa’s face clouded for a second and then she beamed. “That means a lot.” She rested her arm on top of her baby bump. “A couple of things have changed since high school.”
“I’d say.” Suzy opened the door and ushered Vanessa inside. “I want to hear everything.” The aroma of fresh coffee lured them to the counter.
Vanessa stared at Suzy. “Want to know the sex of the baby?”
“I want to know a lot of things.” Suzy draped her arm across the girl’s shoulders. “Let’s order first.”
Suzy ordered decaf coffee since she had already had a couple of cups and added two blueberry muffins.
Vanessa requested green tea and blew on her steaming mug as she surveyed the room. “Where do you want to sit?”
“That corner booth is where I was earlier. Let’s sit there.” Suzy led her to the booth while balancing her coffee and muffins. She set them down slower than she needed to, realizing she was stalling.
A young pregnant woman who dated her son in high school was not on the agenda. Suzy took a bite of the blueberry pastry and tried to focus on Vanessa’s freckled face. It was no use. She couldn’t keep her eyes off her baby bump. “How have you been since graduation?”
Vanessa patted her belly absentmindedly. “Aside from being shocked by this pregnancy, morning sickness, and leg cramps, nothing new.”
Suzy chuckled. “Touché. That was a stupid question. Why don’t you start at the beginning? Who is the lucky father?”
Vanessa squared her shoulders. “I’ll just come out and say it. I’m carrying Jon’s baby.”
Suzy’s mouth flew open. “What are you talking about? You two haven’t been together since the high school prom. And Jon’s—”
Vanessa met Suzy’s eyes. “Didn’t he tell you?”
“Tell me what?”