Page 58 of Afterglow

What the fuck is a sugar glider?

I try and fail to hold back a bark of laughter when I see Bryce’s text, which means I end up spewing hot tea out of my mouth and all over my desk.

Dammit.

Reaching for a bunch of napkins from a drawer, I mop up the mess with one hand while I text him back with the other.

Me

What the hell kind of question is that?

Bryce

The stupid app says the baby is the size of a sugar glider today.

Ohhh, okay, this makes more sense now. I haven’t checked the app yet because I woke up late, barely had time for the world’s quickest shower, and had to scarf down an English muffin on the way to work. I even had to send my assistant out to get my tea. And it’s now sprinkled across my desk.

Me

I didn’t know you had the app…

This knowledge gives me a fluttery sensation in my stomach… One I wish were real and coming from the baby. But alas, two weeks after our last appointment, I still haven’t felt anything.

Bryce

I do.

(image of a sugar glider)

But I may delete it, because what on earth are they thinking comparing our baby to this thing?

I smother another laugh and ignore the renewed flutter at him calling it “our” baby. It is our baby, so that shouldn’t evoke such a reaction.

Me

It’s kind of cute…

Bryce

Look how huge its eyes are? I feel like it’s staring into my soul.

Me

You’re thinking too hard about this.

Bryce

Probably.

How’s your day going?

A knock draws my attention and reveals Vivian watching me from the open doorway. “You wanted to talk to me?” she asks with one brow raised.

I set the phone down and stand, smoothing my skirt. “Yes, but I was going to come to you. You didn’t—”

“Nonsense, I had to drop something in Veronica’s office anyway. Is now a good time?” She glances at where I put my phone.

I slide it further along my desk and sit down again. “Absolutely,” I say, but my hands are starting to feel a little sweaty. She takes the seat across from me and it feels totally foreign—me on this side of the desk and her on the other.