"That's ridiculous. This is a big account for you. You've already committed."
He placed a plate in front of her loaded with turkey bacon, cheesy eggs and pancakes. All of her favorites.
"Billie, please sit. Eat," he said, gesturing to me.
"Looks delicious," I said, taking the seat across from Marley.
"You have to stay over, Rick," Marley said, scooping eggs on both plates.
Since I was Rick's assistant, I also understood the importance of him staying there. There were meetings he needed to attend and presentations he had to give.
"I'm here," I offered. I gave him a meaningful look. His nod was slight but he understood.
"I'll probably be working late most nights this week anyway," she said, the sentence interrupted by her long yawn.
Poor sister.
"Again? This is getting out of hand."
She shrugged. "Since Henley retired, his son's been running us ragged trying to gear up for the winter line."
"You need to tell them you can't stay late."
"What makes you think I can't?" she asked, her voice sharp.
"Because you're exhausted and pregnant."
"They expect all of us to work. I can't be a special case. They're not going to make an exception for me."
He didn't say it, but I was sure Rick and I were having the exact same thought. She was a special case.
"Then quit."
"I've been there for a long time. I enjoy my job. Are you going to spend the last morning I see you for three days arguing with me?"
His jaw tightened and a vein pulsed at his neck, until he threw up his hands and stormed into the kitchen.
"I'm going to get some milk. Want anything?" I asked.
She shook her head, mumbling, "He's grumpy today."
Rick's knuckles were white from grasping the edge of the counter, his head bent.
"You're not going to tell her?"
"I'm not sure if I should. It wouldn't make a difference, and she'd just feel guilty about it."
"Why are they back? The terrors?"
"Hormones," he said, saying the word as if it was something dirty.
"So it's the pregnancy?"
He turned around, his deep breath holding too much weight for one person. "She can't take her medication."
"Are there no other options?"
His lips curved, but the expression was much too tense and sad to be a smile. "Not if she wants to have the baby … and she does. We've discussed that at length. I don't know what to do here."
I put a hand on his shoulder. "I'm here. I'll watch out for her. She'll be fine. Tell me what else I can do."
"On Thursday, she has a doctor's appointment."
"You want me to go with her?"
"I'm meeting her there. I organized my flight around it so I'd have enough time to get to the doctors, but in case anything happens and I can't be there, I'd appreciate if you could go with her. It's routine, but … well, nothing about this pregnancy is routine."
"No problem, Rick."
"Can you call or text me every morning or night? Let me know what's happening here? I can jump on the next flight if it's bad."
"I will." I glanced at my watch. "You need to go."
"You're a good assistant, Billie. Keeping me on my feet," he said.
"Well, unless you want to walk to Boston, I'd suggest you get a move on, boss."
I followed him out to the living room.
"Goodbye, sweetheart," he said, kissing Marley's check.
"Wait, that's not a proper kiss." She slid her chair back and stood. "I'm going to walk you to the door."
He picked up his luggage, sliding an arm around her. I shouldn't have watched. It wasn't my place, but I often made the excuse that I was a writer and eavesdropping was a necessity in my profession. Plus, it was hard to look away from Marley and Rick. The bond between them acted like a magnet.
He pressed his lips to her forehead.
"I'm sorry we fought. I didn't mean to snap at you," she said, adjusting his tie.
"You didn't."
"You make ten times more money than me, but you have to understand that my job is very important to me."
"It's not about the money, sweetheart. It never was. I'd want you to quit no matter how much or how little you make. At least consider going part-time."
"There aren't any part-time positions. I can't be one of those people that sits at home all day and eats ice cream." She tilted her head back at me. "No offense, Billie."
"I wasn't offended until you said that," I replied, busying myself with taking a second helping of eggs. Rick looked a little shocked. Although he'd been with us for a long time, he hadn't figured us all out yet. Marley was making a joke, trying to lighten the tension, and I had no problem being the subject matter.
"We'll talk when I get back." He took her in his arms, dipped her slightly, and gave her one of those movie kisses, where I could almost hear the music intensify and see the spotlight on them.
He steadied her in place and dropped to his knees, and pressed his lips against her stomach. "Bye-bye, baby. Daddy will be home in a few days, but I'll call you every night and Mommy will hold the phone to her belly so you can hear me."
I stood and approached Marley as Rick left. We watched him pull out of the driveway in the way they do on fifties sitcoms. She put her arm around me.
"I had a night terror, didn't I?"
"Um … I … How did you know?"
"I may not have punched or bitten him, but I could see it in his face." She turned to me. "And yours."
Chapter Ten
Marley didn't have another terror while Rick was gone-thank God for that. On Thursday, we were hosting the whole family for supper. Rick's flight was on time, so he was able to meet Marley at the doctor's. Marley left work early for her appointment, and she planned to be home around four to start cooking.
At half past, I started worrying and texted her. I got no answer. So I texted Rick with the same result.
At five, I called both of them. Nothing.
By half past five, I called the doctor's office, which was closed, but the doctor's answering service said they'd patch the message. The doctor called me back immediately and informed me they'd left at three-thirty. Where could they be?
The family was supposed to be here at six. I tried not to panic. I started the sauce for Marley and set the table, managing to call both of them in the few minutes between each activity.
I thought about calling Stevie or Mom, but they would just panic right along with me. I stared at my phone and dialed his number instead. He'd be getting ready for his shift about now. I wasn't sure what Evan would be able to do for me, but I had to talk to someone. And for some reason the only someone I wanted was him. We'd hung out a few times and texted each other. Even though I yearned for him in other ways, I was content … no, honored to have his friendship.
"Hey, girl," his deep, raspy voice greeted after the first ring.
"Hi, Evan."
"What's wrong?"
"How do you know something's wrong?"
"I can feel it from here, Price. I can hear it in your voice. Talk to me."
"My sister's pregnant. She went to the doctor's and was supposed to be home two hours ago. I called the doctor and she left on time. I don't know what to do." I spoke so fast each word mingled with the next.
"First, calm down and take a deep breath."
I did as he'd asked.
"Slow breaths."
I didn't realize how much I needed the air until he'd said that.
"Two hours isn't that long. She could have stopped to eat or run an errand."
"She's not answering her phone. We're having a family dinner tonight. She wouldn't be late."
"Do you want me to come there? I can pick you up and we can look for her."
The sound of the door opening filled me with relief. "They're here. I'm good. Thanks Evan."
"Any time, Billie. Call me later."
"I will."
I sprinted to the door, ready to barrage them with questions, but the looks on their faces halted me. Marley gave me one of her signature ‘I'm fine' smiles, but it had never fooled me, especially when Rick looked as if he'd seen a ghost.
"The baby?" I asked, as a tear slid down my check.
"The baby's good. Healthy," Marley said, cupping my chin. "I have to get started on dinner. I'm running so late. Sorry I didn't call you back. Traffic."
"I started the sauce."
"Thanks, Billie."
She walked toward the kitchen.
"Let me help," I said.