Page 122 of Lyric Squared

“Awwwwww. How was it?”

“Emotional. But I found out I am seven weeks and two days. We even heard the baby’s heartbeat and got some pictures of the little thing floating in my stomach.”

“You have to stop by when you have the time and show me. I’m so happy for you, Lyric. You deserve this. Plus, we will have babies in the same year. What a coincidence?”

“Right. There’s also the thing about telling Luca and Laike. I’m ready, now.”

“I knew you would be soon. These things aren’t easy, Lyric. I get why you waited. I would’ve done the same. But once they know, just think of how much freedom you’ll have and how much better you’ll feel. Just try not to stress it. That’s not good for you or the baby.”

“It’s hard not to. And not to mention that Keanu and I are still on ice,” I reminded her.

“I know. I think that once you guys talk it out, everything will be fine. You guys aren’t beyond repair. Just got some hurt feelings and bruised egos. That’s all. Let this be your first lesson. There will be more of them,” Ever expressed.

“I know,” I sighed, “I just pulled up to Maple Berries. I’m about to go in and have a bite to eat. Call me tomorrow? Or I’ll call you, maybe?”

“Sounds good to me. I love you, honey.”

“I love you back. Kiss Lucas for me. Tell him I’m coming to see him when you give me the green light, again.”

“You never had any other color,” she chuckled, “but, okay.”

“Later.” I ended the call, stopped at the valet booth, and slid out of my truck.

The same pain I’d felt in my back when stretching, I felt as my feet touched the pavement. I made a mental note to add random aches to the list of questions I’d began in my notes to ask Ever about pregnancy the next time I saw her.

“Good evening. Are the keys inside?” the attendant, who’d opened my door, asked.

“Yes. They’re inside.”

“Great. Simply text us when you’re ready for your vehicle. The number is on the slip that I just gave you. Have a great day,” he finished as I accepted the slip that I was handed.

I knew the process and the number was saved in my phone. I’d been serviced at Maple Berries Brunch House enough to have it down pact. When I stepped inside, the smell of delicious food hit me hard. I rejoiced inside when I didn’t feel the urge to puke my guts up. I made it to an empty table and had a seat. Before I was situated, a waitress greeted me with water from a glass pitcher and a smile.

“Welcome. Can I get you started with anything to drink?”

Your best mimosa, please,I wanted to say. But, I settled for, “Orange juice will be fine. I also know what I’d like to order.”

“Alright. What can I get for you?” She pulled out a pen and pad.

Her big, curly hair was stunning and so was her lean figure. The chocolate skin that set it all off was agonizingly beautiful and made me wonder what the hell her face routine was.

“I’ll have a chicken and cheese omelet, hold the bell peppers. I want some, but just a few. And a side of hashbrown and grits.”

I wasn’t sure where my appetite had come from but I wanted a little of everything.

“Add a side of fresh fruit and two slices of turkey bacon.”

“Got cha,” she replied, still scribbling in her notebook. “I’ll be right back with that orange juice.”

In the pit of my stomach, a deep, lingering pain appeared. Closing my eyes, I held the bottom of my stomach where it had surfaced and waited patiently for it to subside. I didn’t realize how long it had lasted or how intense it actually was until I noticed my bouncing leg and clenched fists once it subsided.

“Are you okay?” I opened my eyes to find my waitress standing beside me with my orange juice in her hand.

“Yes,” I told her, conjuring a smile that I didn’t even have to offer.

“Okay. Here’s your orange juice. Your food should be out shortly.”

“Thanks.”