“Mom!”
“Ari, when did you find out?”
“When did I find out what, Mom? Oh my god, just come out with it. You’re starting to scare me. ”
“That you’re pregnant. How long have you known?”
Fuck. A. Duck. What is with these women and their super-natural powers?
“How did you…what made you think…wait…” I couldn’t even talk right, I was so shocked that my mother just had to look at me to know I was pregnant.
My mother started to laugh as she pulled me into a hug.
She pushed me out at arm’s length, her eyes moving up and down as she examined me. Then, she frowned. “You haven’t told Jeff, have you?”
I let out a sigh and turned to check on Matt. He was playing with his Play Station. He looked so content, like he was in heaven.
“Mom I just found out last night. It was really weird because Emma was the one who told me she thought I was pregnant. Mom, you can’t tell anyone, not even Dad!”
“What? Why, Ari?”
“Can we talk about it later, Mom? I really just want to spend some time with Matt. We’ll talk when I get back, okay?” I kissed my Mom on the cheek before I ran around to the driver’s side of the Jeep.
I took one last look at my mom. She was blowing kisses to Matt. Then, she looked up at me with a sad smile. Shit. The last thing I wanted was sympathy from anyone.
***
“Ari, I like their chocolate milk shakes here,” Matt said.
I laughed because it was the fourth time that Matt had told me he liked the milk shakes at Mighty Fine Burgers.
Just then, I saw Brad Smith come walking in. Our eyes met at the same time and he gave me that bright-ass smile of his. The last time I saw him was when my parents took Ellie, Jeff, and me out to dinner on graduation night.
Brad gave me a wave, and I smiled and waved back.
“Hey, Matt, I’m gonna go order you a chocolate milk shake. Will you sit right here and eat your hamburger and french fries for me?”
“Sure, Ari! Make sure you get chocolate. ”
I walked up to the counter and stood in line behind Brad. After he finished ordering his food, he moved to the side, waiting for me as I ordered Matt’s milkshake.
“Ari, my god, look at how beautiful you look. You’re practically glowing!” Brad said.
Jesus, please don’t ask me if I’m pregnant.
“Ha! Thanks, Brad. How are you?” I walked up to him and gave him a quick hug.
“I’m doing good thanks. How about you? I heard you and Jeff Johnson are an item now. ”
I held up my left hand, showing him my engagement ring, and smiled. “Yep. ”
“Well, I’ll be damned. Congratulations, darlin’. He’s one lucky bastard. ”
I let out a laugh as they called my name for Matt’s shake.
“Are you eating alone? You want to join my little brother, Matt, and me?”
Brad looked over toward Matt and smiled.