Chapter 10
They were sitting in her living room, looking at photo albums when he noticed something.
"Wait a minute, what is this?" He pointed to a paper in the album.
"Oh, that's my confirmation announcement."
"Yeah, I can read that. But what is this word here?"
"Which word?"
"This one beginning with an E."
"Okay, I think we can put this book away now." She tried to close it.
He stood up, holding it high above her head where she couldn't reach it. "No, I have to know, I'm trying to read it. I think it's E-U-F-E-M-I-A. What the hell is that?"
"Never mind, Greg, just give me the book."
"And why is this strange word in between your first and last name?"
"Greg, please!"
"No, I have to know! Come on, what the hell is it?"
"It's my confirmation name, okay? Are you happy now?"
"Wait, you're kidding me, right? Your name is Marianne Eufemia Gregory? Eufemia? Okay, you never told me that your parents did drugs. From that name, I'd say serious drugs."
She sighed. "It was my great grandmother's name. My mom was really close to her grandmother and she died just before I was born. My dad wouldn't let her name me Eufemia, but he promised her she could give it to me as a confirmation name. So, yes, my name is Marianne Eufemia Gregory."
"MEG."
"What?"
"Your initials. They spell MEG."
"So?"
"So, I think that's what I'll call you."
"No, don't."
"Well, the alternative is I tell everyone your name is Eufemia.'
She sighed again. "Okay, okay. Wait a minute, that makes us Meg and Greg."
"Oh, god. On second thought, I won't call you Meg."
"No, now I like it. Meg and Greg." She saw his face, and smiled. "Of course, I could just come up with a nickname for you. Hmmm, how does Greggie sound?"
"Oh, god, okay, okay, Meg and Greg."
She smiled and put her arms around his neck. He pulled her close and kissed her.