Later that night, I pull into the parking lot at Jacinto’s. A loud honk startles me so badly that I almost fall over when getting out.
“Regina!” I turn at the sound of Denise’s voice once I recover. She hops out of her car and runs toward me. She throws her arms around me and squeals, squeezing hard enough to make me gasp, even though she’s barely half my size.
I return her embrace with equal affection. “Denise! Oh my God, it’s so good to see you.”
“I know, it’s been like a year!” Denise says.
“It’s been a little over a month,” I laugh.
“Well, you look good, girlfriend! Lots of sex certainly suits you.”
“Oh my God, are you going to be like this all night?”
Regina grins evilly. “Yep! I want to hear all about your bazillionaire boyfriend, and don’t you dare leave out any deets.”
“Well, we’d better go inside and get this over with, then,” I say with mock exasperation.
A few minutes later we sit at our table enjoying appetizers and wine.
“So,” Denise says, “Tell me about it. I want all the details.” Her eyebrows waggle playfully as her wicked grin widens.
I roll my eyes and sigh heavily but then giggle. I can’t pretend any longer.
“To be honest, it’s amazing. The kids are wonderful and Ryan is so sweet. He’s kind and generous and, and…”
“Hung?”
I glare at her but again my attempt to be difficult ends with a giggle. I nod and lower my voice before looking around.
“Like a horse.”
“I knew it!” Denise crows happily. “Ryan Blythe just as hot in person as he is in the commercials, isn’t he?”
I look around, shushing her.
“Even hotter,” I admit in a whisper. “But it’s not just that; it’s everything. He’s so kind and sweet to me. I feel like I’m his girlfriend, and not just his kids’ nanny.”
“Like you’re his girlfriend?” Denise shakes her head at me like I’m a little child. “Where I come from, you call a girl a girlfriend when you’re having regular sex with her. In this case, you live with him and take care of his kids. Hell, you’re closer to a wife than a girlfriend.”
The thought makes my cheeks flush.
“Oh my god,” I stammer, even though the idea warms me from the inside. Wife. Girlfriend. It all sounds so right. Then, I shake my head playfully. “No, no. I’m just there to take care of his kids.” Denise stares at me meaningfully until I add, “And occasionally his erections.”
Denise giggles too, covering her mouth with her hand like we’re sharing a huge secret.
“Wow, I like this Regina! If I’d known all it took was an available dick to get you to loosen up, I would’ve set you up a long time ago. Not that any of the men I know could hope to compare to your bazillionaire Hercules or anything.”
“Denise, stop calling him bazillionaire or Hercules. It’s not like that. But yes, I didn’t realize I could have so many orgasms in a row.”
“Goddamn!” Denise almost screams with excitement. “Look at you! The billionaire’s girlfriend gets a little hanky-panky and now she’s got a stanky mouth. What would your parents say?”
“Billionaire’s wife,” I correct. “As you’re so fond of reminding me, I live with him now.”
“Of course, my apologies Lady Blythe!” she says. “Like I said, from babysitter to baby mama before the month is out!”
But then, that makes me pause.
“Ryan already has five kids,” I say. “He said he doesn’t want any more.”
Denise waves her hand.
“Yeah, whatever. Anyone with five kids would say that, but this guy can’t get enough of you, Regina. Besides, you want kids, don’t you? I’m sure you can convince him to come around.”
I nod, suddenly stricken. What if we begin dating for real, and Ryan sticks to his no-kids position? What will I do? My heart begins racing, but I force myself to calm down. We’re a long way from that point, and it’s no use getting worked up about it now.
The rest of dinner is more of the same. By the time we leave, I’ve laughed until my sides hurt, and stuffed myself full of tamales and margaritas. But as I drive home, the same thought lingers in the back of my mind. I’ve always wanted babies, but what if Ryan doesn’t want any more? Will we have a future then?
My heart heavy, I press my foot to the gas pedal and stare into the darkened night. Only time will tell, and right now, we’re not there yet.
Or so I tell myself.
11
Regina
The next morning, I startle awake, and suddenly, I know why I’ve been so tense since dinner last night.
My period is late. In fact, I don’t think I got my period last month either, after Ryan and I began sleeping together. Oh shit, oh shit! Why didn’t I notice? Usually, I’m like clockwork, but I guess between the fire and the excitement of being with the billionaire, it slipped my mind.