Nick's Baby

by Hestand, Rita

  "Jackson," Nick smiled taking the first piece of pizza, "Now this is a pizza, with everything on it."

  Jackson smiled comfortably, loosening his tie and sitting in the other recliner, "Yes, it's called their special."

  "It's great, good as my Mama's and that's saying something."

  "That's right, you're Italian aren't you," Dorothy speculated helping herself to a piece.

  "Yeah," Nick chuckled, "But you know pizza is an American dish, and I've got to admit, it's as good as anything Italian."

  "I'm German myself, but I love a good pizza now and then," she chuckled, leaning back on the other side of the sofa from Nick.

  German? Kelsey never knew, had ever asked.

  "Say, do you guys watch 'Wheel of Fortune'?" Nick suddenly asked grabbing the remote and flipping until he found the program.

  Dorothy reared her head up instantly, her gray eyes lighting, and nodded, "Almost every night, and I'm pretty good at it, too."

  "How about you Jackson?" Nick asked.

  "I've caught the game a couple of times," he admitted, giving Kelsey a close look.

  For the first time in Kelsey's life, she was sitting in her living room, sharing a pizza with her secretary, her housekeeper and Nick, watching a game show and feeling more relaxed than she ever felt alone. She had a lot to learn about people, and it looked as though Nick was the one to teach her.

  What was it about Nick that brought out this warm kindred feeling? It suddenly felt very homey and comfortable. God, she was beginning to really care about this man. He had everyone wrapped around his finger, including her. And Kelsey knew it was no act, Nick was simply a nice guy and everyone responded to him. She liked him, and Kelsey hadn't liked many men, except maybe Jackson.

  "R—"

  "No, S," shouted Dorothy as she chuckled at herself.

  Jackson shook his head, "No, it's an L, I think."

  Kelsey glanced at the words on the screen but she couldn't make anything of them. She had never been good at games, never watched one all the way through. She hadn't played anything as a matter of fact!

  "Well I'll be damned," shouted Dorothy, then covered her mouth and glanced at them with a little chuckle.

  "You are good at this, Dorothy," Jackson said and smiled warmly.

  "It's been a secret dream of mine to go to Hollywood and play this game," she announced.

  "And I bet you'd win," Nick laughed. "You know Dorothy a person should follow up on their dreams."

  "Yeah, but it costs money," Dorothy added.

  "Doesn't Kelsey pay you enough? She certainly can afford to."

  "Well, yes, of course, but . . ."Dorothy found herself looking at Kelsey, Nick and Jackson for some kind of approval.

  "Maybe you should ask for a raise, Dorothy. How long you been working for her?"

  "Three years," Dorothy was obviously afraid to look at Kelsey now during this conversation, but Nick didn't mind. From the glances he'd been giving her all evening, he liked looking at her. He liked shocking her.

  "I suppose it is time I gave you one, Dorothy, you should have spoken up sooner." Kelsey admitted defensively.

  "Oh no ma'am," Dorothy began.

  Nick waved her down, "Take it Dorothy, Kelsey can afford it. See how easy it was. You should try it more often."

  Dorothy looked from one to the other and chuckled.

  Jackson sat back and seemed to be enjoying this conversation, a smug look of contentment on his face.

  "You know, we'll have to do this more often. I mean you are the people that mean the most to Kelsey, and you should be in on the arrangements for the baby. I'm sure she'd appreciate any advice you care to offer. She hasn't much experience with babies."

  How dare he say such a thing about her to them? How could she maintain respect if they thought her incapable? She could handle a baby. How hard could it be?

  The chatter went on aimlessly, for what seemed like hours, everyone in a jovial mood, except Kelsey.

  Then Jackson finally excused himself and left and Dorothy gathered up the mess and quietly retired, leaving Kelsey and Nick alone.

  Alone, now what would she do with him? She should say goodnight and send him on his way, but the day had been very enjoyable, thanks to Nick. She wanted his company, especially now that they were alone.

  Nick had other ideas. He took Kelsey in his arms and hugged her. She felt the immediate tension in his body, or was that hers? "I enjoyed the evening, Kelsey. I'm going to be tied up next weekend, but the following we'll get together and start picking out furniture, okay?"

  "Nick I really . . ."

  But just then, Nick pulled her closer and kissed her tenderly on the lips. It was just enough to tantalize, not satiate, Kelsey's mind noted. And then he was gone. He was manipulating her, and he knew it.

  The next week flew by in a blur with business as usual at the office, and a phone call from Kelsey's mom. She was going to be in town next weekend. Jackson hadn't screened her calls, hadn't even been around to. It was like some sort of conspiracy, Kelsey decided.

  Oh dear, Nick would have to be put off, she decided with a little frown. As much as she didn't want him interfering in her life, she missed him already, and was looking forward to their next weekend together.

  "Nick, look, this is Kelsey." She said in a low voice, through the phone. "My mother is coming into town next weekend, so I'm afraid we'll have to reschedule the furniture trip."

  Kelsey had found herself agreeing to his shopping spree despite all her better intentions. Agreeing and looking forward to it.

  "Your mother, but that's great. I'd like to meet her. This is great babe; I'll see you Saturday then, bye."

  Kelsey bit her lip and Jackson walked into her office, noting the instant frown weaving across Kelsey's face, "Something wrong?"

  "Yes, something is wrong." She puckered her lips and knitted her brows. "Mother's coming to town, and Nick wants to meet her."

  "So, is that a real problem?"

  "Jackson?" Kelsey bellowed, unable to phantom what Jackson might be thinking, these days. "Nick has got to get out of my life. Mother doesn't know about the baby yet. And besides, I don't want her putting it all together or hurting Nick's feelings."

  "You can't hide a thing like this forever, Kelsey. She's going to find out, and she might as well meet Nick. At least she'll know the father and maybe it won't be so bad. Babies have a way of bringing people together. Better she know and like Nick then constantly bring him up in the future like a bad omen, right?"

  "You've got to be out of your mind, Jackson. Mother wants me to marry money. Not get pregnant by some—some . . ."

  What could she call Nick?

  "Nice person?" Jackson finished the sentence for her. His look said it all, she sounded like an aristocratic hypocrite.

  "Exactly," Kelsey fumed at her inability to make anyone see her point of view.

  "Well, maybe if she meets Nick, she won't try to marry you off to someone else so quickly at least."

  "Oh Jackson, I thought you'd understand, of all people. I thought I could count on you as an ally. But Nick's got you twisted around his finger too."

  "You can always count on me, but I like Nick. And I don't think it would be so bad if the two of you . . ."

  "Oh I knew that was how everyone would react. I can't let this go on any longer. Nick has to stop this."

  "It's his child too, Kelsey. He's only making sure you get off on the right foot. At least he isn't stranding you with a child, alone. He's shown more compassion over this baby than Ralph has shown in an entire marriage. How can you deny him the satisfaction of knowing he at least tried to make things right for the child's sake? I have to admire him for that, Kelsey, I’m sorry and anyone else would too. The man has character."

  "Oh I don't know what to do . . ." She twisted her hands in her lap.

  Jackson saw the tears coming and stood up and put his arm around her shoulders, "Maybe a good cry is exactly what you need."

  Emotion was
the last thing she wanted to give in to at the moment, but lately, she couldn't control that either. Tears seemed to come by the bucketful, and for no reason. Being pregnant sure took the starch out of her, she admitted.

  The next weekend Kelsey was about to bite into a sandwich when Nick walked in. Dorothy led him to the living room chuckling all the way. When Nick came in the with the game in his hand, "Wheel of Fortune", and Nick was all smiles as he approached Kelsey.

  Kelsey glanced at him, her anger fermenting, "Nick, I thought we cancelled this. My mother is due here any minute and I—"

  About that time, Dorothy showed Mrs. O'Sullivan in, too.

  "Kelsey, I—"

  "And you must be Mrs. O'Sullivan," Nick took her pale hand in his and brought it to his lips. The lovely older woman smiled at him, despite her obvious confusion. "I'm Nick Leonetti. You're just in time to go shopping with us, Mrs. O'Sullivan."

  "The man in concrete? Of course, Jackson mentioned you. Shopping. You're going shopping?"

  Kelsey opened her mouth to rephrase that statement, but Nick went on, "Yes, of course we are. For baby furniture."

  Kelsey swallowed hard, it was too late it was out now. She didn't dare look at either of them. She knew her face was hot, her hands were sweating, and her nerves were close to a breaking point.

  "Baby furn—" Then it must have dawned on Mrs. O'Sullivan for she smiled brightly and immediately went to Kelsey's side. "Kelsey, you're pregnant?"

  "Yes, mother," Kelsey responded dully, shooting Nick an acid smile.

  "But when, I mean how. I mean—"

  "She's going on the third month, isn't she lovely, Mrs. O'Sullivan. Look at her beautiful face. I think pregnant women are the most beautiful women in the world, don't you agree? We couldn't be happier."

  "You're the man in concrete?" Mrs. O'Sullivan repeated just before she shook his hand and smiled into his face.

  "Concrete?" Nick questioned. "No ma'am. Construction."

  "Oh dear, Kelsey, do you want to explain all this?" Mrs. O'Sullivan plopped into the nearest chair and looked from one to the other. But even the elder Mrs. O'Sullivan found it hard not respond to Nick's warm regard. He could be charming, Kelsey admitted to herself.

  "We don't have time, right now, but I'll explain as much as I can on the way to the furniture store." Nick insisted, taking her hand and guiding her back to her feet and towards the front door.

  Kelsey slipped into her shoes, grabbed her jacket and followed them out the door. What kind of game was Nick playing, she wondered. Oh, she never should have let things get so out of hand. Now everything was out of her control.

  But again she was surprised at how easily Nick handled the entire afternoon. Before she knew it, her mother was laughing and agreeing with practically everything Nick said.

  Kelsey was speechless.

  "Now what do you think, Mrs. O'Sullivan, we've painted the baby room yellow, which goes better, maple, cherry, or plain white?"

  "Oh I've always liked white in a baby's room, it looks so much more sanitary and easier to see where the dirt is."

  "You are so right, I'm so glad you came to see us. You are great at picking out furniture. And a grandmother should be involved in these things, too. Now, we'll need several things. Bumper pads, blankets, crib mobiles, sheets, the works. Would you mind picking something out for us? We can't make up our minds, and a grandmother should have some choices in this too, don't you agree?"

  "I most certainly do, young man. And thank you for being so perceptive. Kelsey, I like your young man. Yes, I do. He's got grit." Mrs. O'Sullivan was laughing as she rummaged through the stack of quilts and blankets. Kelsey had never seen her mother so happy.

  After loading the car with baby supplies they headed back to Kelsey's.

  Kelsey was about to find a way to get rid of Nick, but he beat her to the punch. "Now, we're going to our house for supper and I want no argument. Mama has cooked one of her specialties and is anxious to meet you, Mrs. O'Sullivan."

  Kelsey was agape. What could she say now? He had taken control again, and her mother was loving it.

  This would never do. She couldn't let him get away with this again.

  "Oh, please Nick, I hate for your mother to go to so much trouble for us. We can eat out, tonight."

  "Nonsense, Mama's expecting us in an hour. Why don't the two of you go wash up and we'll go right over." Nick insisted with a smile.

  "But—"

  "I'd love to, Nick, and thank you so much for inviting us." Mrs. O'Sullivan was saying. "Come along dear. I'm anxious to meet his mother. It's so nice for him to invite us."

  Kelsey went to her bedroom and closed the door, unable to do anything but throw pillows at the bed. He was doing it again.

  Mrs. O'Sullivan barged in on her with a big smile and hug for her. Kelsey hadn't expected or wanted her smile, but she liked the hug and gave in. How many times had she longed for a hug and not received one?

  "What a lovely man, where ever did you find him, Kelsey?"

  "I put an ad in the paper." Kelsey stated simply.

  "Honestly darling, I'm serious. He's fabulous. Oh, I'm so excited about the baby. Wait till your father hears. You've wanted children so long, you must be ecstatic. And your Nick is absolutely divine. And so-o handsome."

  "Yes mother, he is, but—"

  "I never thought I'd like a common man, but this Nick of yours is a darling. He's got a head on his shoulders, too, and so thoughtful of others. Oh, Charles will be so delighted you've married someone with such common sense. Your father never liked the stuffy sort, you know. And to be frank I was beginning to think it a lost cause, but you've hit the jackpot with this young man. I can't wait to tell Charles all about him."

  "But we're not—"

  "Oh now, don't be so timid about all this fuss darling. I can see you haven't legally married yet, but that's merely a matter of time. You youngsters these days just don't do things in the right order, but not to worry. That man loves you; I can see it every time he looks at you. Charles will love him, too. I love him. Oh, you've made me so happy Kelsey."

  Her mother cried and grabbed her again.

  Happy? Her mother was happy about Nick? What could she do? She said nothing. Because if she opened her mouth right now, the wrong thing would come out.

  Two hours later, Nick, Kelsey and her mother arrived at Nick's house. Kelsey said very little, but let the two of them manage conversation on their own.

  But when Mama Leonetti welcomed Kelsey, she finally began to relax a little. How could she not love Nick's mother who opened her arms and her heart to her.

  "Don't be afraid, little one. I'm very happy for you and my Nicky. And at last, I'll be a grandmother."

  Tina and Tony came in, and all the introductions were made. Tina hugged Kelsey and smiled, "I'm so happy for you. I'm going to be an Aunt. And this makes you an Uncle, little brother. And now, the odds are evening out some, I have a sister, too."

  Mama glanced at the senior Mrs. O'Sullivan and pulled her aside, "My house is not elegant, but it's a good neighborhood, and I have plenty of food on the table. And all thanks to my son, Nicky."

  "It's lovely, so homey. I feel right at home, Rosa. And you have such lovely children." Mrs. O'Sullivan smiled.

  Everyone was getting along famously, except Kelsey. So when dinner was done, and Nick and Mrs. O'Sullivan went to sit on the front porch, Kelsey helped Tina and Mama Rosa with the dishes.

  "Don't fret so much, Kelsey. It will all work out."

  "I didn't expect this," Kelsey started to explain.

  "No one does, it just sorta happens. Life is in the hands of the creator, Kelsey. You have a Leonetti inside you now, and we take care of our own. Your mother is a fine woman. I like her."

  "I've never seen her like this," Kelsey began, her own astonishment fogging her mind from what she wanted to tell Nick's mother.

  "She loves you very much, and she's happy about the baby, what more can you want from her?" Mama Rosa smiled.


  "Mother's usually, such a stuff shirt," Kelsey began.

  "Becoming a grandmother can take the stuff right out of the shirt," Mama Rosa chuckled.

  "You think that's it?"

  "I know it is." All mothers raise their children and wait for the day that they can again have babies in their lives."

  "Mama Rosa, I don't think it's fair to delude you . . ."

  "I know you and my Nicky have some problems to work out. What young couple doesn't? I'm praying they work out in my favor. I so love big weddings."

  "But Mama . . ."

  Tina smiled, "It must be heaven to be so in love. Nicky is a changed man. He's so happy right now. So in love."

  "In love?" Kelsey nearly choked. Yes, she was in love with Nick, but that wasn't enough, and she knew it. The fact that she could admit it so easily to herself scared her witless.

  How could she make them understand that Nick wanted his baby, not her? She couldn't hurt their feelings after they had been so wonderful to her, so welcoming, so accepting.

  She needed to make things clear, so they would understand, and she was on the verge of explaining the whole thing to them when Nick walked in.

  "Hate to break this up girls, but your mother is wearing herself thin Kelsey. She's so keyed up about the baby and . . . us that she's worn herself to a frazzle. Maybe I should take you home now."

  "Well I . . ." Kelsey needed to finish explaining. "I was just telling—"

  "That can wait, babe." Nick directed her from the kitchen with a firm hold on her elbow.

  Nick drove them home, talking with the senior Mrs. O'Sullivan and occasionally glancing at Kelsey.

  When he said goodnight, he pulled Kelsey to one side. "We'll set up a few more practice runs on the doll in a couple of weeks."

  "Practice runs?"

  "Sure, you know, practice bathing, diapering, burping, the baby. There is still a lot to buy, toys, books. I want us to read to the kid, too. We don't need to wait, they say the baby can hear and comprehend many things before it's even born. And I think we should join one of those Lamaze classes. What do you think?"