“Stefh, Kevin’s coming over later,” Oliver called out from the living room. “Actually, a few of the guys are swinging by today.”
I poured the creamer packet into my coffee and stirred slowly, trying to figure out the reason for this so-called visit.
“What for?” I asked, curious. It hadn’t been long since our doctor’s appointment, and though I was feeling a bit better now, I wasn’t in the mood for company. Oliver, on the other hand, seemed to have bounced back faster… but guys always do, don’t they?
“Just a barbecue. I thought it’d be nice to have some friends over.” I grimaced at his words. That could only mean one thing—the guys and their partners would be coming, and I’d be stuck playing host to everyone. “I was thinking burgers?”
“Sounds fun. Do you need me to pick anything up?” I asked before taking a sip of my hot coffee, letting the warmth soothe my urge to find a deep hole to hide in until this barbecue was over.
“Nah, I’ll run out and grab everything.” He walked into the kitchen, looking sharp and smelling good. “You can prep the snacks and sides while I handle the burgers.” He grinned, snatching my coffee mug from my hand and taking a sip himself.
“Hey!” I crossed my arms and pouted. He winked at me before placing the mug back in my hand and kissing my cheek.
“I’ll be back soon, sweetie,” he whispered in my ear, planting another kiss on my cheek before turning and leaving the kitchen, once again leaving me alone in this house with my thoughts as my only company.
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“Where’s Oliver?” Vicky asked as she walked into my bedroom. Vicky had been one of my best friends since high school. I loved that woman and could trust her with my eyes closed.
I glanced at my watch, noticing it had already been three hours since Oliver left to do the shopping.
“He went to get everything for the barbecue,” I replied while finishing curling the last strand of my hair. Vicky flopped onto the bed behind me, watching me through the mirror in front of us. “What?” I shot her a look.
“He’s been leaving you alone a lot lately.” She propped her chin on her hand, keeping her head up, and blinked a couple of times—a habit of hers when she was trying to hint at something.
I knew exactly what she was thinking or implying, but I played dumb. “Why does Oliver keep leaving me alone when I’m vulnerable?”
Honestly, I’d been wondering the same thing, but I didn’t want to bother him. I know I’m not the only one struggling right now, and I truly believe he’s just trying to find a way to cope.
“That’s not true, Vicks,” I said, reaching for my makeup bag to put on a little makeup before Oliver got home and I had to get up and start setting everything up.
“Stefh, don’t try to cover for him. He hasn’t been supportive through all of this. I feel like I’ve been there for you more than he has lately…” She crossed her legs, sitting crisscross on the bed, not breaking eye contact with me.
“He’s trying to deal with everything, and so am I. We’re figuring things out.” I ignored her piercing gaze and kept applying a bit of eyeshadow.
“Whatever you say, Stefhany…” She leaned back on the bed and turned on the TV. “I just don’t want you to get hurt more than you already are.” She flipped through the channels, trying to find something to watch, knowing full well there’s never anything good on Sundays.
“I know Oliver, and I think we’ll be fine once we get through this. The first few days are the hardest.” I tried to excuse his recent behavior, though those words were more to convince myself than her. I didn’t have any other explanation to give, at least not until I could talk to Oliver.
I finished my makeup and decided to put on the dress Vicky and I had picked out. It was red and form-fitting. I couldn’t complain—I had an enviable figure—but right now, I’d rather have a baby bump than my flat stomach. The front door slammed, followed by the sound of a couple of bags hitting the floor. That could only mean one thing: Oliver was back.
I checked the time and frowned. It was almost two, and he’d left the house at nine. What had taken him so long?
“Stefh, I’m home!” he announced, as if I couldn’t hear him come in.
“Coming, babe, just need my shoes!” I looked at the heels in my hands. I was sure I’d spend the rest of the afternoon running around and tending to guests—those shoes wouldn’t cut it, even though I was dying to wear them. I sighed, smiled, and slipped on a pair of sneakers instead.
“Cute outfit, Stefh!” Vicky finally peeled her eyes away from the gossip show to check out my look. “Cute but comfy, I love it.” I smiled and winked at her.
“Let’s go!” I pulled her off the bed, mostly so she’d help me prep the snacks and condiments for the burgers.
“But it’s getting to the good part!” she protested as I dragged her down the hallway to her doom. We both hated the kitchen, but together, we managed just fine.
“Why’d it take you so long, babe?” I asked Oliver before he headed out to the backyard.
“Oh, that. I ran into a buddy at the store, and we got to talking. I completely lost track of time. When I checked the clock, I rushed back here and invited him over.”
“Okay, I was a little worried. I thought something might’ve happened to you.”
“Don’t worry, sweetie.” He kissed my forehead and headed out to the backyard, leaving me with a silly half-smile on my lips. These small moments with him were what kept our fractured relationship afloat.
I headed to the kitchen island where Oliver had left all the shopping bags and started unpacking items to have everything ready before the guests arrived.
“I don’t think that’s a good enough excuse,” Vicky whispered, her arm brushing mine as she stood close.
“Not today, Vicky. People will start showing up soon, and I want my head clear.” I gave her a sideways glance, hoping she’d take the hint.
She raised her hands in defense and stepped back toward the sodas, sticking her tongue out at me playfully before turning to help with the prep.
“Just an observation. It was a long time.”
“Not today, Vicks.” She shrugged and zipped her lips with her fingers.
Thankfully, the conversation about Oliver died there. The last thing I needed was to have the doubts I already carried swirling in my head. Today, I had to show up as a strong woman. Today, in front of everyone, I had to pretend I was okay.