No More Heartache: The MORE Duet

by Anders, Tarrah

  Again, I laugh.

  Me: Actually, Davis is coming over right now with food for me. Sorry. But Saturday is fine with me.

  The thought bubble appears quickly.

  Max: Davis is coming over to your place? That’s why he ran out of here? Don’t listen to anything that he says about me that is bad. We can’t become friends when you already hate me.

  Me: I don’t hate you. Remember, I’m the one who left that morning without leaving my number, you can always say that I was the one who used you.

  My buzzer goes off, I walk to the wall to buzz Davis in as I laugh at the back and forth banter.

  Max: So, what you’re saying is that I was just a piece of meat to you that night? ;)

  Me: Oh look, your brother is here. Have a good night.

  How do you reply to something like that without coming off like a slut?

  Max: You realize that sounds like a synopsis for a romance novel. Guy gets ditched by his one nighter who’s preggo with his baby for, dun dun duuuun his brother! Gasp!

  Me: Did you just type out “gasp”?

  I open up the door and step to the side for Davis to enter. He has grocery bags along with fast food bags, I notice.

  “Hey, sorry it’s your brother harassing me about you coming over.” I say waving my phone.

  “Harassing you? I didn’t tell him I was coming over.” He says setting his bags in the kitchen.

  “He wants to meet up to eat, he offered tonight, and I told him you were on your way. He said to not listen to you trash talk him.” I smile as my phone vibrates in my hand.

  Max: Isn’t that how they do it in romance novels? Ask Davis, he reads them.

  I laugh and set my phone down.

  “What?” He asks.

  “He said that you read romance novels and I should ask you if they actually spell out ‘gasp’ when it happens in the books.” I nudge him with my elbow.

  “I don’t read those. My girlfriend does. He found one in my room one day and since he keeps making fun of me.” Davis explains.

  “Hey, if you read them, more power to you. Those have some good suggestions sometimes on… things.” I offer. “So your brother said you and him have a date tomorrow night.”

  “I need to talk to Max about moving out and in with Kat. But geez, what didn’t you guys talk about?” He laughs.

  “Well, you know once you tell a man you’re with child, he lets his mouth run.” I joke.

  “I’m honestly surprised he was so level-headed.” Davis admits.

  “I am too. I don’t know him well enough to know what to expect, but you hear often enough bad reactions to that sort of news.”

  “My brother, while he’s been an asshole for most of the time I’ve lived with him, is a really good guy. He’s been handed some shitty cards and therefore he’s had bad taste, present company excluded but he’s turning shit around now.”

  “Did you see his new baby?” I ask referring to the motorcycle that he was pawing when I pulled up to his house earlier this afternoon.

  “You mean the one in you? That would be a no.” Davis asks confused.

  “He thought I was you when I first showed up, and he wanted you to see his new purchase. It was a motorcycle.”

  “Holy shit, he might have to trade it in for a mini-van now.” Davis laughs.

  I gasp. “Oh God. I’m going to be a parent. I don’t know how to be a parent.” I start to breathe heavily.

  Davis’s hand is rubbing my shoulder. “Tate, you’re a kindergarten teacher, out of everyone that I know, you would be more equipped than most on how to be a parent.”

  “I don’t keep the kids though, they go home, to their own parents.” A tear escapes and I struggle for a breath, I’m starting to hyperventilate.

  “Look, you got this. And my brother, he will get this too. You guys will co-parent and that little kid will have an awesome uncle who will spoil him rotten.” Davis is good at this.

  “Max and I didn’t even talk about logistics. Oh God, how is this going to work?” I grab a can of pineapples and open it as if I’m dehydrated.

  “You have 9 months to figure that out. You two have plenty of time to discuss the logistics.”

  “We’re going to meet up on Saturday and then he’s coming to the doctor’s appointment on Monday. Should I be nervous?” I ask feeling completely bare.

  “Not one bit. Like I said, my brother all around is a great guy. He’ll do the right thing and he’ll be a good dad.”

  “He mentioned his drinking.”

  “He told you that?” Davis asked.

  “Yeah. How well does he take stress?”

  “Honestly, I’m still trying to gauge that. I would say that growing up, he did great, but his drinking was provoked by an event that pummeled him. And since he’s come back from rehab, he’s been working a lot more, going to meetings and running. I would say he’s got new outlets now for his dependency on drinking.”

  “Like milkshakes.” I smile.

  Davis nods.

  I pick up the milkshake that Davis brought me with my burger and took a sip.

  I’ve got 9 months to figure this out.

  18

  Max

  After Tatum came and broke the news that I was a proud co-owner of a fetus swimming around in her, I needed to get rid of the tension that I felt brewing, but strangely, I still didn’t have the desire to drink, I was more anxious and over thinking things than anything. I should have gone to a meeting, but instead I jumped in the shower and just stood there for a good half hour with the water pouring over my shoulders. After I was finished, I spent some time texting back and forth with her, like we were teenagers

  At first, I was obsessed with the thought of her because she humped and dumped me, so the roles were reversed in the situation. I almost wanted to have a repeat performance, so I could have been the douche that I’ve been lately and make it right, at least in my mind. However now, the tables have definitely turned and as much as I’m scared to say completely out loud. I’m going to be a father and Tatum and I will have a relationship stemming from our one night of fun.

  This isn’t how I thought that becoming this role would pan out. No, I thought I would have been married to Betsy and then eventually she would kick out some puppies. Unfortunately, that ship has sailed. I’m moving on with my life, remaining healthy and holy fuck, I’m going to be a father. I think as I shake my head.

  First things first, I need to obviously get to know Tatum. After all, she’s more than a conquest now and I should probably get my previous thoughts of reversing the roles thrown out the door. Sure, the thought of fucking her is still in my mind, purely on a basic level. I’ve made plans with her on Saturday and then I plan to be involved as much as she allows.

  Then I need to talk to Leo. I think as I pull out my phone to shoot him a text while I’m rearranging my life mentally.

  Then I need to go to Dane and Sterling’s and stay busy with them. And I shoot off a text to both of them that I’m coming over and to put some clothes on. I’m not feeling the itch necessarily to drink, since I’m staying focused on other things, while the itch still is in the back of my mind to casually have a drink – I’ve got other things now that will become more important, things like a baby on the way.

  * * *

  I walk into the Crawford’s home, and I hear laughter in the kitchen area.

  I turn the corner and Dane is sitting on the couch zoned out on the television with a beer in his hand. He jumps when he sees me and stands. He tries to hide his beer as he stands which is awkward.

  “Dude, I didn’t know you were coming over.” He says.

  “I texted you both. What’s going on?” Trying to get a look into the kitchen.

  “Candace is back in town. The girls are making Tacos, I’ve been forced out of my own kitchen.”

  Candace is a friend of ours who we all met through Betsy. She’s a humanitarian and basically travels the world and volunteers the majority of her time to undev
eloped areas. She’s into plants, likes studying them, so she finds volunteer opportunities in other countries to educate people on stuff like that, or just overall helping. She’s gets bored being in one spot as developed as the States fairly quickly Dane and Sterling met up with her on their honeymoon in Costa Rica during her last trip, she was supposed to be gone for 2 years. Has it been 2 years already?

  “Maxi-pad,” I hear from the kitchen and then a blur of a girl is rushed into me. I hug her and then hold her back.

  “Maxi-pad?” I question.

  “I heard you’ve been on your period since I’ve been gone. It’s only fitting.” She deadpans.

  I look to Dane and Sterling and neither of them look surprised.

  “I’ve been not myself, but I haven’t been pissy. Have I?” I ask Dane.

  “Well, your moods do fluctuate.” He shrugs.

  “You guys are assholes.” I smile, I pull Candace with my arm towards the kitchen. “Homecoming Tacos?”

  “You betcha. Mexican-American tacos can never compare to Costa Rican tacos.” She smiles as she starts to grate the cheese as she pushes her beer bottle out of my view.

  I take notice of that as well.

  “Alright, listen up. Dane, get over here,” I holler into the direction of the living room. Dane saunters in cautiously.

  “I will not break if I see you guys drinking beer or anything alcoholic. I am not a child that you guys need to coddle and hide from. I’m your friend, I’m a big boy and I can manage. If you want a beer, by all means have a beer. I’m man enough to keep myself in check.” I look each of them in the eye. Sterling has a huge smile on her face, like she’s proud of me.

  “Sorry. This is new territory.” Dane tries to explain.

  “Might as well get this over with. So yeah, well, I’ve got more new territory for you guys.” I smile and take a very deep breath. “So this afternoon, the information that I will be a… father… has come to my attention.” I close my eyes until I hear a scream and clapping. I open my eyes and Sterling is looking like a cheerleader behind the island.

  “No shit?” Dane asks.

  “No shit.”

  “So, who is the lucky lady?” Candace asks.

  “Actually, that’s funny.” I turn to Dane. “My vacation at the hotel, I met one of Davis’s co-workers and we well, you know.”

  “Wait, the chick you introduced me to?”

  “Tatum. Yeah.”

  “Oh I remember her from Davis’s BBQ. She’s really nice.” Sterling chimes in.

  “Am I the only one who didn’t know my brother threw a party while I was at rehab?”

  “I didn’t. But I doubt that counts since I wasn’t in the country, so I wasn’t invited.” Candace jokes.

  “So, a baby, how you handling this?” Sterling asks.

  “To be honest, I’m okay. Of course, I’m scared shitless, but I think I’m better mentally now versus 6 months ago. If this was then, I would be at the bottom of many glasses.” I explain sitting on the barstool off to the side.

  “No desire to take a drink?”

  “When she first said it, honestly I did a little bit. But I remedied that with my shake. I know I’m in the early recovery stage and there are triggers. I’m focusing on the here and now and I’m… well I’m here talking about how I feel right now. I wanted to talk to you guys about it, before I went to any meeting or talked about this with Leo or my sponsor. You guys should be the first to know these things.”

  “Have you called your sponsor?” Sterling, the voice of reason asks.

  “I sent him a text letting him know that I was going to call them in a few hours. Leo and I have plans to attend a meeting tomorrow morning and then yeah. I’m taking all the measured steps. One foot in front of the other.”

  “I’m proud of you. And excited.” Dane says clapping me on the back.

  “So Tatum, what’s going on with her?” Candace asks.

  “Davis is good friends with her. He actually went over to her house tonight. I offered, but it’s probably weird to inject myself right now. We’re going to meet up on Saturday and then Monday morning is the first doctor’s appointment.” Sterling pushes a glass of water in front of me and I take a sip.

  I ate the homecoming tacos with my friends and then excused myself to head back home. On the way home, I called my sponsor and gave him the run-down. It was a thought provoking conversation and while I completely agree that this is a monumental life change, it might be one of the best ones I could have at this point in time.

  * * *

  Tatum texted me her address to pick her up for lunch at noon. I park my car at the curb and walk up the small steps to her complex. I locate her name on the gate and press it for her to buzz me in. She lets me in within seconds and I’m strolling in. It’s a fairly small complex, but it’s run down and dirty. There’s a gentleman sitting on the 2nd floor, on his balcony smoking weed and talking loudly on his phone. I find her door and knock gently. She opens and steps aside to let me in.

  She’s dressed in a multi-colored skirt and a solid v-neck t-shirt. It’s San Diego, so it’s always nice weather and today couldn’t be further from the truth. She looks nervous as she steps aside to allow me in and closes the door behind me.

  “I’m almost ready, can I get you something to drink?” She asks walking further into her apartment.

  I look around at my surroundings. It’s an open space, not big and not small. I see the hallway which leads to the bedroom, I assume the only bedroom in the apartment and then the bathroom.

  “I’m fine, thank you.” My palms are sweaty, so I hide them in my pockets. “Have you lived here long?” I ask.

  “Yeah, I moved in here a few years ago.” She smiles as she puts items into her bag. She wraps her bag around her shoulder and looks up.

  “You ready?” I ask.

  “You have a car right, not just that motorcycle?” She looks nervous again.

  “Yes, I figured you wouldn’t want to ride on the bike.” I smile when she returns it back to me.

  I place my hand at the small of her back as we walk to my car and I can feel her shiver. I open the door for her and return to the driver’s side.

  “Okay, so I’ve done a little reading and I know you crave pineapples but is there anything else that you will or will not eat right now?”

  “No chicken and no bacon.” She said quietly.

  “No bacon? That’s abnormal,” I joke.

  “Tell me about it. I could eat bacon with every meal, but now the smell makes me want to puke. And just chicken, yuck. I actually haven’t come face to face with it yet, but I read in a book that it reminds the parent of a child and therefore automatically is a common no-no.” She pinches her nose and gives a stink face that is too adorable for words.

  “Pizza?” I ask.

  “Pizza is always a winner. Always.” She smiles and nods eagerly.

  “Awesome, I know just the place. It’s actually real close to here, by the grocery store off College.”

  “I love, love, love that place. That’s perfect.”

  We ride the 10 minutes to the pizza place in silence. We order and then take our seats to wait for the pizza to be ready.

  “So, we’re going to be parents.” I exhale.

  “We are. Weird huh?” She asks.

  “What?”

  “We were probably both thinking we wouldn’t see each other again and here we are.”

  “It’s definitely unexpected. But I was thinking of turning the tables on you once I found out you knew Davis, if we’re being honest.” I admit.

  “Turn the tables?” She asks.

  “Well, I’m known to be a dick. I’ll throw that out there. Or at least I can be. I’m working on that part. I’ve been sleeping around while I’ve been in my constant drunk faze. And you humped and dumped me, I was gonna try to, I don’t know coheres you into sleeping with me again, so I can hump and dump you.” I shrug.

  “Hump and dump. Is that what I did?” She asks
shocked.

  “Pretty much. You stole my opportunity away from me, and at first when I thought there could be a potential 2nd go of it that was my initial thought. Of course, I’ve grown slightly in the week and half since I thought that.”

  “Someone can grow so much in that amount of time.” She deadpans.

  “You’d be amazed.” I nod.

  “So, you’re a slut?” She asks.

  “Getting right down to the point, I see.”

  “You opened that one up. So how many other baby mama’s do you have? Will little peanut have a sibling?”

  I laugh hard. “You’re the only one out there. At least that I’m aware of. I’ve been consistent with protection. Apparently not 100% though.”

  She nods her head. A waitress comes by and places the pizza on the table before us and I can see Tatum’s eyes watering over the pineapple I made sure was put on the pizza. She licks her lips as she places a piece on her plate, she then rubs her hands together, looks up at me and then dives into her piece. It’s comical, almost cartoon-like and quite adorable. She smiles as she’s chewing and I’m certain I heard her moan.

  “So what about you?” I ask.

  “What about me?” She wipes off some pizza sauce from her chin.

  “Well, we’ve already gone over how you humped and dumped me. Is that, a regular occurrence, will I need to contend with others?” I don’t know what I’m really asking her.

  “Remember I told you that you were the only fellow that I had slept with in the past 6 months?” She asks, almost irritated.

  “Yes.” I hang my head feeling like a complete asshole for practically asking her if she was a slut.

  “Look, Max. I normally don’t sleep with someone that I first meet. You apparently charmed the pants right off of me. I’m a red blooded woman and I’m horny as the next girl, I’m not apologizing for that. I don’t sleep around, and it’s likely that I won’t even for the next 9 or however months. We had a good time, as you put it I humped and dumped you. Sorry to take your man card away from you.” She takes a large bite out of her pizza and chews looking me dead in the eyes.