She looked into the faces of her friends and gave them a sad smile. It's nothing everyone hasn't heard a hundred times.
Refresh our memories, Mrs. Needleman said.
Ginger took a moment to collect her thoughts. Well, I guess you could say I found Larry doing the math tutor in the driveway because I needed to know the truth about my marriage. I guess I wasn't brave enough to see it without, you know, a few audiovisual aids.
Bea snorted.
Nicely put. Mrs. Needleman patted Ginger's hand in delight. Anything else?
Well, I guess you could say I was at Josie's wedding to meet Lucio.
Everyone nodded.
And that Lucio got thrown out of China so that he would be here in San Francisco to take pictures at Rick's wedding, so he could meet me.
More nods.
And I became friends with Josie, Rox, and Bea so that I would be a bridesmaid on that day, Ginger said.
And we became friends because we all had dogs, Bea added.
And we all had dogs because we thought they were more reliable than men, Josie said.
And I was so vain and self-centered that I ordered a size four bridesmaid dress, which cut off my air supply and caused me to faint, which meant Lucio had to carry me to my room and kiss me.
Which means this could go on forever, Roxie said, looking bored.
Mrs. Needleman giggled and her narrow shoulders bobbed up and down. She clapped her hands in delight.
That was your whole point, wasn't it? Bea asked.
Absolutely correct, my brilliant friend. Mrs. Needleman turned her attention to Ginger. Now, with that kind of cosmic context in mind, how in the world can any of us see this baby as a mistake, or a problem? Everything in Genevieve's life has led up to this momentthis child. There is a reason. There is always a reason.
Bea sniffed, wiping a tear from her eye. Josie put her arm around Bea and pulled her close. Roxie cracked her neck.
Well, then, I guess my next step will be to tell Lucio, Ginger said, her voice getting stronger. Then together we'll tell the boys. And I guesswow'we're going to have to tell Larry.
Ooh, ooh! Can I watch? Bea asked, clearly over her moment of sensitivity.
I just hope to hell it's a girl, Roxie said.
I didn't even think of that! Ginger straightened from her slump, suddenly brightening. I'm so used to having boys that I just assumed I had another one in there! But what if it really is a girl?
What would you name her? Josie asked.
HeatherLee? Bea suggested. HannaLynn?
Ginger shook her head, laughing. I'm sure that together we'll all come up with the perfect name.
Hey, Josie said, smiling shyly. Do you think you guys can help me come up with a name, too?
Everyone stared in silence.
My sister named Genghis, so I'm damn sure not asking her for suggestions when it comes to a baby.
What! Roxanne clutched at her heart.
The next five minutes were nothing but screams of happiness and jumping around and Bea letting loose with a few whoop-whoop-whoops of joy.
Does Rick know? Ginger squealed.
No. I'm telling him tonight, Josie said. So nobodyI mean nobodycan say a word to anyone, all right?
Same goes for me, actually, Ginger said. This is all just between the four of us She stopped herself, turning toward Mrs. Needleman. I mean the five of us.
The seven of us, Bea said, pointing at both Josie's and Ginger's bellies.
Mrs. Needleman giggled.
Come on up here, Bea said, walking over to the sofa and helping the older woman to her feet. We have a little ritual that we do. Maybe you'd like to be part of it.
Well, I'll certainly try my best, she said, joining in the circle.
Pile on, girls, Bea said, shoving her hand in the center, palm side down.
Ginger put her hand on top of Bea's. Roxie put hers on Ginger's. Josie took hold of Mrs. Needleman's arthritic hand and placed it gently over Roxie's, then put hers on top.
Josie went first. I pledge to enjoy every moment of this next phase of my life, to be open to all the adventures that lie ahead, no matter what is around the next corner. She winked at Mrs. Needleman.
Bea went next. I vow to provide rides to doctor's appointments or Lamaze classes or run out for pickles and baklava or anything else you girls might need in the coming months. Plus, I will learn everything I can about babysitting. But I won't make a pest of myself. Plus, I swear I won't tell Teeny about any of this.
You better not! Josie said.
Roxie looked at Mrs. Needleman, who nodded for her to go next. Roxie sighed before she made her contribution. Okay, she said. I give my word to all of you that I'll refrain from bad-mouthing men during your pregnancies because, well, men are how you got that way in the first place.
Everyone snickered.
And if they turn out to be boys I'll love them anyway, she added.
Thank you for that, Rox, Josie said.
They all turned to Mrs. Needleman, who giggled again. Is it my turn? she asked.
Yes! they all said together.
Can I say anything I want?
Of course!
All right, then. She cleared her throat. I promise to watch over each and every one of you, forever. Mrs. Needleman's eyes sparkled. She took her free hand and placed it on Ginger's belly, bending slightly to address whoever lurked inside. And that means you, little one. Then she touched Josie's stomach. And you, too, my dear.
Mrs. Needleman straightened and her eyes filled with happy tears. You have no idea how much joy you've brought to this little old woman, she said. I treasure you all.
By the time the boys got home, Ginger had showered, fixed her hair, got something in her stomach, and made herself presentable.
The boys didn't notice that anything was amiss. Of course, they were distracted by the bag of Doritos, the leftover apple pie, the frozen miniature bagel pizzas, and the half a gallon of orange juice they were hauling out of the refrigerator.
Josh ripped the foil cover off the pie tin, perplexed. Hey, how many pieces of this pie did you eat last night, Fatty McFatface?
Shut up, Faggy McFagtard, Jason said. I had one piece last night, like everyone did.
But there's only one piece left! Who's going to get to eat it? Josh moaned.
Ever heard of fractions, President Pissbrain?
Ginger sat down at the kitchen table, putting her hands in her lap, thinking back to when her boys didn't insult each other twenty-four/seven, to when they didn't have armpit hair, or Facebook accounts.
She remembered when she was pregnant with them. She loved being pregnant. She'd been equal parts thrilled and terrified. She'd read everything she could get her hands on, and knew on any given day what exact stage of development the babies had reached. She remembered feeling as if she were the center of the universe, the only woman who had ever been pregnant. She'd felt more specialand more beautifulthan at any other time in her life.
This time around, she would be less terrified and more knowledgeable. She would savor it instead of wishing the time would race by. She would feel even more special, because this baby wasn't planned. This baby had arrived in her life unexpectedly, just the way his or her father had.
Suddenly it dawned on Ginger that Josh and Jason would be well over sixteen when the baby was born. She gasped. They'd be thirty-four-year-old men by the time the baby graduated from high school! And she'd be fifty-eight!
What are you thinking about, Mumu? Josh asked. You okay?
Yeah, Jason said, putting the pizza bites in the microwave. Dad told us you were going through the change and that we could expect to see you freak out on a regular basis. So is that what you're doing now?
Ginger laughed at the irony. Just a couple months ago she was worried about whether to get a glycolic acid facial. Now she was worried about getting enough folic acid. Back then she was booking appointments with plastic surgeons who could make her look younger. Now she had to book an
appointment with an OB who specialized in older moms.
She smiled at her boys. I'm going through a change all right, but not the one your dad thinks.
Jason shoved a wad of Doritos in his mouth and looked at her for a minute, as if he were weighing her last statement. You know, Dad said he didn't appreciate all the time Lucio was spending with me. He said he thought Lucio was just pretending to like me and Josh so you'd let him move in here and sponge off your alimony.
He called him a freeloader, Josh said.
And a gigolo, Jason said.
And Dad said your work at Petography wasn't a real job, Josh said.
And he said he's going to come over here one day and kick Lucio's ass, Jason added.
Ginger began laughing in earnest. It was just too hilarious. Here she was, knocked up with the disingenuous, freeloading gigolo's baby and not even gainfully employed! Was Larry going to have a field day with that, or what?
She was laughing so hard she didn't hear the doorbell.
CHAPTER 18
Piers stayed for a quick cup of coffee, talking with the boys about his work. Eventually he told Jason they should be going. Do you mind if I speak with your mom for a moment? he asked Jason.
Sure, he said. Let me get my backpack from my room.
Piers opened the patio doors and gestured for Ginger to walk with him outside. HeatherLynn was right at her heels. It was a cool October day, and Ginger pulled her cardigan close.
Is everything all right? she asked, noticing a nervous energy in Piers.
He laughed a little. That's what I wanted to discuss with you.
Ginger stopped walking, and placed her hand on Piers's forearm. Is it Lucio? Is he all right? She couldn't prevent the horrible thought from racing through her headsomething had happened to him before she could tell him about the baby!
He is fine, physically. That's not it. Piers pulled out a chair for her at the outdoor table. Maybe you should sit down.
She did, yanking the sweater tight across her chest, suddenly shivering. HeatherLynn put her paws on her shin, whimpering to be picked up.
I don't know you very well, Ginger, but you seem like a very nice woman, and so I believe it is my duty to tell you that Lucio may not be exactly what he seems.
Ginger's heart thudded. For a second, the blood pounded so hard in her head that she couldn't hear.
I don't understand, she whispered.
Piers looked racked with uncertainty. I love him. He is like a brother to me, he said, now near tears. But I can't just sit by and watch him do this to you, the way he's done it to so many women.
Do what? Ginger asked, her head suddenly clear, the blood rushing to her limbs. She knew she would have to fight the instinct to run awaythat was how much she did not want to hear what was coming next.
You know, Lucio is not very good at keeping relationships going. He left his home in Spain and has had no contact with anyone in his family. It's sad.
I knew that, Ginger said.
And he's walked away from every woman he ever professed to love. One of them was so mad she had him tossed out of China and let go from his Geographica contract as her way of getting revenge.
He has told me all about this.
And my late wife, Sylvie? He crushed her heart into a million pieces.
Ginger didn't like how this sounded. It was as if Piers were trying to poison her view of Lucio.
Unfortunately, that approach even spreads to his friends, Piers went on. When Sylvie died, he didn't even bother coming to the funeral.
Despite the fact that her hands were tucked under her arms, she felt them begin to shake.
What I need to tell you is that Lucky has taken an assignment very far away and plans to leave any day.
No.
He wouldn't do that.
HeatherLynn suddenly jumped from her curled-up position in Ginger's lap, letting loose with a string of high-pitched yips. Ginger's throat tightened. She began frowning. She ripped a hand free so she could tap her brow.
The assignment is in Mauritius. Are you familiar with it?
Did it matter where the hell it was? she wondered. If the man was leaving for Sacramento it would be a deal-breakersimply because he hadn't told her in advance.
HeatherLynn would not stop barking. Shush! Ginger hissed.
It's an independent island nation off the coast of Africa, in the Indian Ocean. It is famous for being the home of the dodo bird.
Ginger almost laughed. As Bea would say, What the fuck? Why did this guy feel compelled to give her a geography lesson when her world was falling down around her?
But wait.
Ginger leaned back in her chair and took a deep breath. She studied Piers's pained expression, his downturned mouth. She didn't really know Piers Skaarsgard. But she knew Lucio, and she loved him with everything in her. There was no way she would think the worst of Lucio simply because a near stranger told her to.
I don't believe you, she said. Ginger pointed her finger at him. Look, Piers, I don't know what game you're playing here, but Lucio wouldn't do that to me. I'm sure of it. I can only assume that you're trying to get back at him for something, but it's not going to work. Ginger adjusted the direction of her point, gesturing to the backyard gate that would take him to the driveway. You need to leave now.
Piers cast his eyes down and shook his head. He reached in his jacket pocket. Look at this first, he said, pulling out a folded document.
Ginger didn't reach for it. Whatever it is, I'm not interested.
Piers sighed. He unfolded the legal-size sheets of paper and held them in front of her. Ginger couldn't help it. She looked. It was a contract between Nature magazine and Lucio. She grabbed it, flipped through pages, and found where Lucio had signed and dated it. She threw it at Piers.
Lucio was leaving her. Just as she feared. And she was pregnant with his child.
HeatherLynn wouldn't shut up.
Inadvertently, Ginger let out a tiny mewl of agony. Piers did not miss it.
I am so sorry to cause you pain by telling you. He reached out, stroking her cheek with his long, cool fingers. HeatherLynn growled and then snapped at Piers's hand. He pulled away quickly but not quickly enoughGinger saw a flash of red blood on his knuckle.
I need to go lie down, Ginger said, putting Heather-Lynn on the patio. She didn't apologize for her dog's behavior. Part of her was glad HeatherLynn bit the messenger.
Piers briefly scowled at the dog before he returned his attention to Ginger. You have no idea how I debated whether to tell you. It has been eating me alive for days. I have been lost.
You knew about this last night?
Yes, he said.
Ginger thought of how sweet Lucio had been the night before, offering to get her sweater, clearing the table, holding her in his arms before he left, telling her he worried about her health, that he loved her with all his soul.
Ha! No wonder Piers had stared at them when they'd kissed at this very table last night. No wonder he'd looked surprised! Piers knew! He knew Lucio was about to break her heart, the way he'd broken Sylvie's heart and the hearts of who knew how many others?
Ginger felt as if she were going to be sick.
Oh, my God, she whispered, bringing a hand up to her shaking lips. What had Roxie told her last month? The only thing worse than a man abandoning you is a man abandoning you when you're carrying his baby
And just that morning, Roxie had called Lucio a low-down, dirty, no-good, chicken-shit motherfucker. And Ginger had defended him!
Perhaps I've made a mistake telling you.
Ginger snapped to, noticing Piers sitting next to her. She'd almost forgotten he was there. No. I needed to know.
Maybe I should show Jason my work some other time.
Just then, Jason poked his head out of the patio doors. We going? he asked.
Piers looked to Ginger, his eyes full of sorrow.
No. Go ahead and take him. Can you bring him back by nine?
Sure.
Ginger got up from the chair. She nearly tripped over HeatherLynn, the dog was sticking so close to her feet.
Have a good time, Jase, Ginger said, trying to pretend as if her world had not just spun off its axis as she walked them to the door. Next, she poked her head into the family room to see Joshua watching TV. She went up to her room and collapsed on the edge of the bed. HeatherLynn leaned against her ankle, looking nervous. Ginger picked up the phone and called Bea.
I need you guys. Ginger began to cry. I need help.
Seven at Starbucks, Bea said, not even asking what had happened.
Great, Ginger said, knowing that it wasn't great. Nothing was great. And she knew there was no way she'd be able to keep it together until seven.
Fuck that, Bea said abruptly. I'll pick you up in a half hour. Hang on, Ginger. I'm on my way.
She smiled, the relief flooding over her. Mrs. Needleman had been right about Bea. She was something else.
You've got a cool apartment, Jason said, looking around at Piers's place. He'd seen it before, when he was here with Lucio getting the equipment, but he thought it was the polite thing to say. Besides, he hadn't really had much time to wander around while he was here with Luciothey just got the stuff and left.
Jason's eyes scanned all the large photographs on the walls.
Your pictures are totally ridonkulous! Jason said. All of these are yours, right, man?
Every one of them, Piers said, following Jason as he went from picture to picture. This is the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez disaster. These are sandhill cranes on the Butte River here in California. This a juvenile Kodiak bear on the Kenai River of Alaska.
God! That fish is flying right into his mouth! Jason said, amazed.
It's a salmon.
That is the coolest picture I've ever seen. How did you get it?
Piers laughed. By lying on my belly in the muck for six hours, waiting for the sun to rise and for a bear to show up.
No way. Jason couldn't believe it.
That is half the job of being a photographerwaiting around, getting filthy, and staying awake for that second that makes it all worth it.
Dude, Jason said. His eyes scanned the dozens of other photos in the room. Hey, that's Lucio! Jason walked over to the framed photograph on a ledge that separated the kitchen from the living room.
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