“Max doesn’t mind, Darling. He’s part of the family now.”
“Carry on like that and you’ll scare the poor man off.”
Max looked at me while Mom and Dad were having a spirited conversation and mouthed ‘I love you’. I mouthed it back and felt my heart grow bigger like The Grinch’s at Christmas.
* * *
“What did your folks say?”
“They’re so excited, Josie. I thought for sure Mom would have a kitten.”
“That’s sweet. And your dad?”
“He’s happy too. Mom almost died when he referred to her as a GILF.”
“No! How funny. But actually, I was referring to your Peter.”
I hadn’t thought to tell Peter that I was carrying his biological grandchild.
“Honestly, he hasn’t crossed my mind. I don’t know if I want to tell him yet.”
“I can understand that. I’m sorry for bringing it up.”
“Don’t be silly. I don’t know why I haven’t thought about telling Peter. It’s not as if we’re fighting or anything.”
“Do you think that perhaps once you tell him you’ll have to tell Max about him?”
Was Josie, right? Did I really want to tell Max that my father is an ex-con? No one, other than my folks and Josie, knew about Peter. Was he my dirty secret? The skeleton in my family closet?
“An excellent question.”
“I do try.”
“I guess now that you’ve brought him up I’ll have to give it serious thought.”
“I’m here for you, Angel.”
“Thanks, Josie. I’ll call you later. I’m about to leave for my appointment with the OBGYN.”
“Is Max going with you?”
“Yes.”
“You’ve got yourself a good one, Angel.”
“Don’t I know it?”
“I’m happy for you. Call me later and tell me what the doc said.”
“Will do.”
22
MAX
“Idon’t care if he’s the fucking president of the country! Tell him I’m not waiting a minute longer,” I snapped at the girl behind the desk.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Mikhailov. Mr. Spencer is running a bit behind. He will be with you in just a few minutes,” the girl stuttered.