Chapter 88
As if on cue, Vanessa shuffled into Rosa’s, stood in the front entrance, and scanned the restaurant, obviously searching for their table. Suzy rushed toward her and hugged the pregnant woman, saying, “I told Jon. He’s a little upset. Okay, he’s a lot upset but maybe—”
“I knew it.” Vanessa turned on her heel and headed back toward the front door. In doing so, she twisted her ankle and nearly fell. Suzy reached for her but Jon was already at Vanessa’s side steadying her.
“God, you’re as big as my car,” Jon said.
His statement broke the strain. Vanessa laughed and so did he. Suzy breathed a sigh relief. She whispered in his ear, “Thank you for coming back. I love you.”
He shrugged, never taking his gaze off his high school girlfriend’s big belly.
Suzy steered them toward the table. “Let’s sit down before there are any more mishaps.”
Jon sat by his mom as Vanessa clumsily slid onto the cushioned seat. The mother and son had to pull the table forward so she had enough room for her round tummy.
Suzy noticed Jon couldn’t take his eyes off Vanessa’s baby bump. “We’ve eaten, sort of. Are you hungry? It’s on me.”
Vanessa’s head bobbed. “I crave Mexican food constantly. How did you know?”
Suzy chuckled. “I did too.”
The server reappeared and eyed Suzy cautiously. “Okay for me to approach now?”
“Sorry I snapped earlier.”
The waitress shrugged, pulled out a notepad, and turned to Vanessa who ordered a bean burrito, rice, and water. “I’ve got to get my protein.”
Jon watched her every move. “Long time no see.”
She nodded. “Seven months.”
His eyes bulged. “You’re due in two months?”
She rubbed her belly. “Yup. How was Europe?”
Jon exchanged glances with Suzy. “It was fun, and eventful, you might say.” He pointed toward her baby bump. “Not quite as eventful as your news.”
Suzy observed their awkwardness and wondered if she should leave but knew her son needed her support now more than ever.
“Why don’t you tell Jon the sex of the baby?” Suzy suggested.
Jon’s mouth fell open. “You already know?”
Vanessa grinned. “It’s a girl.”
“A girl,” he repeated. “Are you ready to be a parent because I’m not ready . . .” His voice trailed off.
Vanessa twirled her straw. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. I’m excited to meet her but know it’ll be hard to be a single mom.”
Jon let out a long whistle. “So you don’t expect me to marry you?”
Vanessa shook her head. “Of course not.”
He managed a half-smile. “That’s a huge relief.”
Suzy leaned toward Vanessa. “I’m offering free, unlimited babysitting services any time.” She peered at Jon. “I’ve had twenty-four hours to let this sink in. I know it’s a jolt, son. I didn’t know how to spring the news on you. It’s impossible to ease into this one.”
“You could say that again. A text or email wouldn’t have gone over well.”
Suzy eyed both of them. “I decided you two needed to see one another. There was no stress-free way to broach this-this sweet bundle of conundrum.” Suzy turned toward Jon. “You are the father, after all.”
He turned toward Vanessa. “How do you know it’s mine?”
“Easy. I haven’t been with anyone else. Remember the prom? Remember my yellow-sequined dress that got ripped? Remember that horrible Strawberry Hill we drank too much of? Remember—”
Jon held a hand in the air in an obvious attempt to get her to stop. “I remember most of it. It was a mis—” He stopped himself. “When I went to Europe, I met . . .”
A tear slid down Vanessa’s cheek. “I know you’re gay and getting married. You mentioned in high school you had feelings for men. I told myself it didn’t matter because I thought I was in love with you.”
Jon exhaled. “At least that’s cleared up.”
“I’d never force you to be involved.” Vanessa rested her chin on her hand. “Tell me about your boyfriend.”
Jon beamed for the first time all day. “Fernando’s amazing. We got to know one another in Europe and he came back to the states to meet my family. He’s definitely the one.” He obviously thought about his words and winced. “Sorry if that hurts your feelings.”
Vanessa shook her head.. “Not at all. I’m happy for you.”
Suzy couldn’t believe her ears. Vanessa and Jon were actually having an adult conversation. She wasn’t sure if she expected an explosion, for him to flee again, or for Jon to embrace fatherhood. An adult conversation wasn’t on her list of possibilities after Jon’s initial reaction. Suzy excused herself, went to the restroom, and cried. She wiped her tears with a paper towel, wet the tip, and endeavored to rub the mascara off her cheeks.
When she returned to the booth, Jon’s hand covered Vanessa’s massive belly. Exuberant, Suzy slid into her chair.
“Mom,” Jon said, “feel this. The baby moves.”
Excitement was also not on her list of options. At least not so soon. She placed her hand on Vanessa’s expanse and waited. Soon, the baby kicked. Suzy burst into tears again. “This is a magical moment. These are happy tears, I promise.”
Jon reached for his phone. “I’m going to text Fernando. He needs to be involved.”
“Are you sure?” Vanessa and Suzy asked in unison.
“Positive. He has a big Italian family and loves kids. I have a good feeling about this.” After he finished, he set his phone back on the table. “I asked him to come to the restaurant.” Jon stared at his phone waiting for Fernando’s reply. After his phone vibrated, he read the screen and turned to his mother and Vanessa. “He’s in the neighborhood getting a Starbucks. He’ll be here in a few minutes.”