Then I wonder if I should do something about his level of seriousness. He’s probably so grave all the time because he’s the oldest and has certain obligations that come with that. I should tease him into relaxing some more. Like he might with someone he’s emotionally close and intimate with.
I wink. “Don’t you remember how they felt back at the party?”
“I remember everything about you at the party.”
Okay, still too somber. This is going to take more effort. Hm. I wonder what I can say to make him laugh. But my mind isn’t sharp enough at the moment. Slept well…but should have had some coffee. Some articles on Google say one cup of coffee a day is okay during pregnancy, but others say it’s not. I’d rather err on the side of caution. Hopefully Dr. Silverman will say a cup is okay.
Of course, with my luck she’ll say I can only have a shot of coffee so watered down that I can see the bottom of the glass.
My phone pings. It’s a text from Rafael, and he’s sent it to Pablo and Angel, too.
–Rafael: Hugo says you moved in with Edgar. Does this mean you changed your mind?
Ugh. Hugo and his big mouth.
–Pablo: He needs to fall in love with you. Make sure that happens.
–Angel: You need to invite us to the housewarming pa
rty. I need to check out this place he got for you. Hugo says it’s nice, but he’s easily impressed. Look at who he’s in love with.
Okay, this I can agree with, because Hugo should’ve fallen for a nice, sweet girl, not a shark like Samantha.
–Me: We haven’t even furnished the place yet, so nobody’s invited until then.
There. Neatly avoided Rafael’s question and ignored Pablo’s advice.
Then, before my older brother can follow up, I type up a total BS excuse, because if I tell them I’m going to see my new doctor, they’ll never let me go.
–Me: I gotta go. Client emergency.
Since I’m feeling slightly guilty about lying to my brothers, I text David and let him know I’m available any time his assistant is.
I get a response from a new number, who introduces herself as Erin.
–Erin: David told me to coordinate with you directly. How about 11:30 next Monday? I’m really swamped this week.
I check my calendar, then text back that it’s fine.
She asks me to message her when I arrive, so she can meet me in the lobby.
I enter the appointment in my calendar. I’m going to make this one even if a column of lava spews out of ground.
I put my phone away. Edgar gives me a sidelong glance.
“What’s that?”
“A new client appointment, plus my brothers. They want to see the place.”
He shrugs. “Invite them any time you want.”
“I told them not until it’s furnished. Believe me, they’re coming to nitpick and judge.” Even if Rafael and Pablo behave, Angel won’t. He’s probably already made a checklist of features he expects the penthouse to have. They really need to get some serious girlfriends so they can use all that testosterone-laden overprotectiveness on someone other than me.
“Judge what? Our home?”
The natural way Edgar says “our home” makes the air still in my lungs. I like the sound of that entirely too much. But I’m not going to admit to anything until I’m sure our feelings are mutual.
“Yes. To see if it’s good enough.” I shrug to feign nonchalance. “Just so you know, even if we aren’t done furnishing, they’re going to find a reason to come over. Most likely with food from either Tía Bea or Mom.”