California Girls
“There’s something going on, Zennie,” Dr. Chen said flatly. “I’m not much of a people person, but even I’ve been able to guess that. So far it’s not affecting your work, and I’m grateful, but I would like to know what the problem is. Maybe I can help.”
The unexpected offer made her smile. Dr. Chen helping her while she was pregnant. Um, no.
“I’m fine,” she began.
He raised his eyebrows. “I’ve always trusted your integrity. Don’t make me doubt it now.”
Ouch. “I’m fine,” she repeated. “But there has been a change in my life.” She hesitated, wondering if she could put off the conversation a few more months. That had been her initial plan, but now she was stuck.
“I’m pregnant,” she said, meeting his steady gaze. She explained about the artificial insemination and Bernie and how far along she was.
“I’m healthy and I have excellent medical care. There’s no reason to assume I won’t be able to continue working in the OR for several more months.”
She’d meant to stop there. That was all the man needed to know. But somehow she found herself continuing to talk.
“It’s just so much harder than I thought it would be,” she admitted. “I feel emotional all the time. The smells aren’t getting to me, so that’s good, and I don’t have morning sickness, but my body is changing and the food I have to eat is disgusting. I thought I ate fairly healthy but I am so sick of being told how many servings of dairy I need in a day. I have to cut back on my running and I miss coffee and wine and I know this is a good thing and I love my friend, but sometimes I feel really alone and scared and then I start crying.”
On cue, tears filled her eyes. “See? It’s a nightmare and now I’m worried you’ll take me out of rotation.”
Dr. Chen opened a drawer and pulled out a box of tissues. She grabbed one and blotted her eyes.
“Are you wearing support stockings?” he asked.
“Huh?”
“Support stockings. You’re at risk for varicose veins and the support stockings will help with that.”
“I’m wearing them.” And they were one more insult to her life. “I thought I’d be a better person. I thought I’d get pregnant and be happy the whole time and I’m not. I don’t want an abortion or anything, but this is a lot harder than I thought. My mom isn’t very understanding and some of my friends have been awful. Clark’s back in my life, which is weird, but nice. He’s a good guy. We’re just friends this time, and I like that.”
“I have no idea who Clark is.”
“I know. Sorry. I’ll stop talking now.” She consciously pressed her lips together in an effort to silence the flow of words.
“Zennie, you’re the best nurse on my team. I don’t want to lose you. I’m glad you told me what’s going on.” He leaned toward her. “You’re doing a good thing. Of course you have doubts—you’re human and this is a huge thing to take on. But you’ll get through it. As for work, I’m going to trust you to tell me when you aren’t comfortable handling the long hours on your feet. Given how fit you are and your age, I’m guessing you can go several months, but at some point, you’re going to have to transfer out of the unit.”
More tears. “I don’t want to.”
He smiled. “I don’t, either, but it will just be temporary. Trust me, I’ll be counting the days until your return.”
“You promise?”
The smile widened. “Yes. Now to get yourself through this, work on strengthening your core and your back. That will help you manage the standing. Also, get Clark to rub your feet for twenty minutes a day. Studies show it helps with lower leg circulation.” He winked. “And I’ve heard it feels nice.”
Zennie had wild thoughts about Dr. Chen doing just that with Mrs. Chen. The man had depths. Who knew?
“Children are a blessing,” he continued. “Not many people can do what you’re doing. Remember that. You’re an amazing person.”
“I mostly feel crabby.”
“That’s okay, too. Anything else?”
“Nope. I believe in one big secret at a time and I already have mine.”
“I’m proud of you, Zennie. You should be proud of yourself, as well.”
His words touched her. “Thank you. I’ll try.” And if that didn’t work, there were always the foot rubs.
* * *
Ali closed her eyes as Finola applied eyeliner. “I could have done this myself,” she said. “It’s my left arm that’s broken, not my right.”
But she wasn’t complaining. It was nice to have her sister fussing over her, like she had when they’d been kids.
Finola had texted both her sisters to talk about the motorbike accident. That exchange had led to a three-way conversation about Ali’s broken arm and Mom showing up in the ER. Her relationship with Daniel had tumbled out. While Ali had expected to be scolded, both her sisters had been supportive. When Finola had learned of the dinner with Daniel’s parents, she’d insisted on coming by to help Ali get ready.
“I want to be here.” Finola added more eye shadow. “I’m sorry about what I said before. About Daniel.”
Ali involuntarily opened her eyes. “It’s okay.”
“It’s not. I’ll make an excuse and tell you I was in a bad place, but that’s not good enough. I should have been more supportive.” She smiled. “Obviously I was wrong about how he felt about you.”
Ali felt herself flush. “He’s, um, pretty into this.”
“Then he’s a lucky guy.” Finola’s smile was kind. “You’re happy. Really happy. I can see it in your face. Don’t take this wrong, but you weren’t like this with Glen.”
“I know. The breakup was awful, but honestly the logistics of canceling the wedding were harder than losing him.”
“We all make mistakes. You learned from yours and you’re moving on with your life.”
Ali smiled. “I made Glen pay for half my VISA bill. I marched into his office and stared him down. When he asked about the engagement ring, I quoted California law—I get to keep it.”
“Good for you.”
“I’m not going to. I’m waiting a bit before I return it. I have no interest in what he gave me.” Plus she saw returning the ring as proof that she had moved on. Things were looking up, she thought happily. Finola had come around and even her mother had texted a semi-apology for how she’d been at the emergency room.
“Look at you,” Finola teased, as she reached for the mascara. “All grown up and happy in your new life.”
There was more, Ali thought with a bit of pride. Daniel had said he loved her. She wasn’t ready to share that with the world, not until she was sure her feelings were true love and not just a combination of hot sex and gratitude. Also, she’d killed at her interview, and starting in two weeks she was officially the new warehouse manager. She’d also decided to get her degree. Come September she would be taking two night classes at community college. She would get her degree in business management then conquer the world, with Daniel at her side.
“How are you doing?” Ali asked.
Finola finished with the mascara. She picked up an eyebrow pencil. “I’m dealing.”
“Mom said you’d moved back in.”
“Yes, well, Nigel’s at the house.”
Ali sat up straighter. “He’s done with Treasure?”
“So it seems.”
“Are you two…”
Finola wrinkled her nose. “We’re not getting back together.” She held up a hand. “We shouldn’t get into this now. You have your dinner and I don’t want you thinking about me. I’m okay. Sad and disappointed in both of us, but okay.”
“You’re getting a divorce?”
Finola nodded. “We’ve already talked to our respective lawyers. The house will be going up for sale. I’m going to stay with Mom until she lists her place, then I’ll find a rental near the studio.”
Ali hugged her. “I’m sorry. I’m so mad at him.”
“Thanks, but you don’t have to be. He was wrong to have the affair, but I screwed up, too. Just not so publicly.”
Ali was surprised. This Finola was different. Less brash, more thoughtful. Tragedy had a way of burning away the surface of a person, leaving what was underneath. In her sister’s case, that was a good thing.
“Let me know how I can help,” she said.
“Thanks. I’m okay. Like I said, I’m sad, but I’m okay. Now enough about me. We’re going to talk about how great you look and how much Daniel’s parents are going to adore you.”
Ali bit her lower lip. “Yes, well, they’ve already met me. As Glen’s fiancé.”
“You’re right. I’d forgotten that. Do you have any idea how it’s going to go?”
“Other than awkwardly? Not really.”
Ninety minutes later, as Ali and Daniel walked up the front walk to his parents’ beautiful Calabasas home, she hadn’t changed her mind.