Page 10 of The Logic of Loyalty

“Hmm? Oh. Um … nothing. No, I don’t know. I’m just … worried.”

She takes a deep breath, and then she lets it out in one fast confession. “IthinkBobbymightbecheatingonmewithaclient.” She gasps after finishing, then asks, “Did you get all that?”

Poor thing. “Oh, honey. I don’t know what to say.” I really don’t have an inkling of how to help her. Trevor’s never given me any sort of insecurity like that before. “How can I help you? What’s happening? Why would you think that?”

“Well, when we first met, when he first started working there? We used to go to lunch together all the time. Now, he’s always busy and cancelling on me. I know he got a promotion, and he’s up for another one. I thought I smelled perfume. Maybe vanilla and some flower? I—I don’t wear …” She trails off, her breath hitching on a quiet sob.

“Oh, baby doll. Do you wanna come hang out with the kids and me? I’ll let Josh know you’re coming.”

“No, no. I’m—” A deep sigh fills the gap.

“Bethy.”

“Fine. I’m fine, seriously. I think I’m just being a little dramatic. You know how I can be.”

No, I know how her family makes her believe she’s being dramatic. “Remember that I’m here if you ever need me. I’m happy to have you over.” She says something noncommittal, and we start talking about a bunch of local gossip, like Frankie from Piggies having to quit school to take care of her dad and the store. “I like that girl.”

“Me too!”

A few minutes after hanging up, the kitchen is sparkling clean, the baby is falling fast asleep in my arms while I feed him, and I’m staring at my beautiful son. He’s so healthy and wonderful. “Stop staring at me, Mom. It’s giving creeper vibes.”

“I don’t think you’re allowed to call me a creeper, you little turd.” He snorts, then checks the clock behind me. “Can we have lunch with Dad again sometime? I miss having him come hang out with us.”

“Oh, hun. Me too.” I ruffle his hair, making him scowl, and pick up my phone.

Paige

Your son is looking for a lunch date with his daddy. Any chance you’re free?

Hitting send, I watch the screen until sent appears, followed by the Received tag. When he doesn’t answer right away, I put my phone down. He’s been swamped at work. Our communication has suffered because of it. I wonder if he’s using his glasses. I bump Jacob’s shoulder with mine. “I’ll let you know as soon as Dad responds, okay, kid?” A tiny burp punctuates my words, and we both giggle at the baby.

My phone beeps with a notification.

Trevor

Sorry, love. Lunches have been claimed for the foreseeable future. Tell him I love him and will see him when we all get home for the day.

Paige

Claimed, huh? :) Anyone I should worry about?

Trevor

As if. Love ya.

As if. The two words keep me warm, but then I feel bad when my boy looks at me expectantly. “Sorry, kid. Dad’s booked up. We can go somewhere fun when this one is a little older, and we get the green light to go out, alright?”

Jacob gives me a dramatic sigh and agrees with obvious reluctance.

“Yes, Mother.” I snap my hand out and snatch the wretch by the arm and pull him into me for a big, suffocation momma hug.

“I love you, Booger.”

“Gah! Mom, let me go. Did the baby really just spit up on you? Oh, God. I’m going to puke.” I burst into laughter at his dramatics.

“Just you wait. This is tame when it comes to the messes babies make.” I can’t stop the fond curl of my lips as I consider the fact that Jacob is going to be a big brother.

And I need to find a way to tell Trevor.