Chapter 86
The following morning Suzy felt tremendous guilt as she ignored a call from Jon. She had never done that before but hadn’t yet formulated a pregnancy announcement plan. She chewed on her pink nail. Jon was likely calling to discuss his beach nuptials. He’d ask if she had locked in wedding resorts.
Suzy’s stomach flip-flopped as she wondered whether she should pull a shocker and have Vanessa meet them for a meal. Maybe if Jon saw the visual of his child inside his old girlfriend, he’d welcome the news. Her mind flitted to Fernando. She knew Jon loved his fiancé but maybe, just maybe, they could all find a way to be involved with the baby and be one big happy family.
Or not.
Her stomach churned at what would likely be their shocked, flabbergasted reactions. Suzy made extra-strong coffee and was happy Ken was already at work and Izzy was at school, so she could sort her thoughts.
Her phone rang a second time. She glanced at the screen. Jon is persistent today. She texted that she would call him after a quick shower. Her thoughts tumbled like socks in a dryer as she washed her hair. After Suzy toweled off, she texted and asked Jon to meet for lunch at Rosa’s Mexican Restaurant. He loved Mexican and happily agreed.
While she drove, Suzy turned the radio nearly full volume to drown out her nervous thoughts about the upcoming conversation. She arrived at the restaurant in record time and scooted into a red booth. Within minutes, her son slid into the seat across from her.
Jon grinned. “You’ve been hard to reach today.” He rubbed his hands together. “Ready to talk about the wedding? We’ve got to nail this down, Mom.”
Suzy’s stomach tightened as remorse consumed her for withholding the baby information. But she couldn’t open with that bombshell. She stalled. “I’m starving. Mind if we eat first?”
Jon shrugged. “I can always eat.”
A server brought diet sodas and a platter of chips, salsa, and guacamole.
After wolfing down half a basket of chips, Jon searched his mother’s face. “You’re quiet, Mom. Everything okay at home? I know Izzy is a handful and that runaway/abduction/whatever it was had to be taxing. Now, I’m pressuring you too.”
Suzy waved her hand in the air. “You’re not pressuring me. I’m fine. Everyone’s fine.”
The server reappeared to take their order. Suzy ordered a taco salad and Jon ordered chicken enchiladas. After the waitress left, Suzy’s heart thrashed. Maybe I shouldn’t have invited Vanessa. This is going to be too much of a shock. I need to be loyal to my son and tell him before she arrives. Her mouth went dry. She swallowed. “Jon, I have something to tell you. Something very important. I want you to listen closely.”
He frowned while munching on a chip. “Are you and Ken getting a divorce?”
“No, nothing like that.”
He smiled broadly. “You found the perfect beach wedding spot, didn’t you? I knew you’d come through. You always do.” Jon reached for his phone and began texting. “Fernando has a hair appointment. I wish he were here to hear this. Maybe he can drop by later.”
Suzy breathed a sigh of relief that Fernando wasn’t there. One difficult conversation a day was enough. She cleared her throat. “It’s not about the wedding.” She splayed her hands on the table. “Let me rephrase that. What I have to tell you could affect your wedding.”
Jon glanced up from his phone mid-text. “Why are you being so mysterious? You’re acting weird.”
Suzy tugged on her green blouse. “I don’t know how to tell you this but-”
He groaned. “Just spit it out. You know I hate drama.”
Suzy’s eyes welled with tears. “Vanessa is pregnant.”
“Cool. She always wanted kids.” Jon smiled as the server delivered his enchilada. He scooped a big bite of guacamole and held it in mid-air. “A baby. Wow.”
Even though it was lunch, Suzy ordered a glass of merlot, deciding it might calm her nerves. She waited until it was delivered and guzzled half before continuing.
“Mom. Whoa. Slow down. It’s the middle of the day. At this rate, I’ll have to drive you home.”
Unable to eat, Suzy regarded Jon squarely in the eyes. She leaned forward. “Jon—”
“You look pale, Mom. Do you feel okay?”
The server brought another bowl of chips and refilled their drinks. Suzy snapped at the unknowing waitress. “May we have some privacy?”
Jon’s eyebrows shot up. “Geeze. You’re uptight. Will you tell me what this is about already? If there’s a wedding delay or if you have a conflict with a big-budget wedding, Fernando and I will understand. I know our wedding is your gift to us. You can push ours back a month or two. We’re in love. If we have to wait a little longer, it won’t kill us.” He leaned back and crossed his arms. “That’s it, isn’t it? There’s a conflict.”
Suzy weighed her response before answering. “There’s definitely a conflict.”