So far everything was coming together with no bumps in the road. And what surprised me more than anything was that my parents and Christians had become friends. It was like our families had got closer because of my little bloop. Even though Christian had cut everyone off from him except Elliot. And all Elliot knew was that Christian was somewhere in Africa for work. Well, supposedly I thought to myself.
But I was just so happy that I had everyone there for me, providing any support that I needed. And the next mission we had to do was plan the baby shower. But I was lucky that I didn't have to worry about it. Since Kate, Mia and Grace were gonna throw it and my mom had decided that she was gonna fly out to Seattle to help too. But we all decided that it was best to wait to throw the party until after the gender was revealed. And of course, they were going to throw a huge one, even after I asked them not to. But I let it go because it wasn't worth the fight.
I sighed happily because even though I missed Christian so much. My life was still moving on and work was going so well. I even got promoted to an editorial assistant at SIP. And when Roach was explaining my new position to me. He mentioned that if I kept working as hard as I am now. That in 6 months I would become the new assistant editor. It really was a dream come true.
First that and then in the same week, I had my four-month appointment to find out if I was having a boy or girl and I couldn't be more excited. I felt for some reason it would a girl only because of all the dreams I kept having of me meeting my baby. But Grace and my mom kept saying a boy with how low I was carrying. And Mia and Kate had even made bets against each other. Kate was saying boy and Mia said, girl. I personally didn't care either way.
The day before my appointment Grace had called me to ask me if she could come with Kate and I to my appointment with me. And I was more than excited for her to join us. Because Grace had become the second mom I never had. Always spoiling me even though I had told her she didn't have too. But she would tell me that I'm her daughter now and that I need to just accept everything it came with. I really didn't deserve her. I thought to myself.
When I woke the next day, I was so thrilled because today was the day. I smiled to myself as I held my hand on my stomach. And before I could even get out of bed. Kate was banging on my door.
"You up?" She asked excitedly through the door.
"Yes, yes. I just woke up a few minutes ago."
"Good, get up and get in the shower because I can't wait to see if I'm having a niece or nephew. And Grace is gonna be here in thirty minutes."
"Okay, but don't get your panties in a wad," I said laughing at Kate.
"I can't promise anything," Kate replied laughing along.
After twenty-five minutes, I'm all showered and ready to go. And I took a quick look in the mirror and smiled. Because I could see that I was finally showing. Wow, well I guess there's no way hiding you. I thought to myself with a grinned. So, I quickly turned off the light and headed for the living room to meet Kate.
She was evidently all ready to go sitting on the couch with a cup of coffee in her hand.
"Here, I have your tea ready for you." She said as she patted the seat next to her.
"Thank you, Kate I really appreciate it." And I say and sit down next to her, picking up the teabag and dunking it twice. Then setting it aside.
"Are you nervous?" She asked me as I took a sip of my tea.
"Well, not entirely," I told her with a shrug after I sat my cup down on the table.
"Ana, we can finally talk about names." She said with a blinding smile.
"Yeah, but I haven't really thought about it, to be honest," I tell her and truth be told, I really hadn't. I only had the middle name picked out. And that was only if my bloop ended up as a boy. But I was excited either way. And without realizing it, I let out a sad sigh as I picked up my tea and took another sip.
I really had been trying to think of a name. But I kept drawing a blank. And what sucked more than anything was the fact it made me realize how much I really missed Christian. He was the one who was supposed to help me pick out the name. He was supposed to be here, period. And yeah Kate's impute meant a lot. But it really wasn't the same. I miss you, Christian.
"Ana?" Kate asked me suddenly in a serious tone. "Where did you go?"
"Sorry," I said trying to lighten my mood. "I was just thinking about him," I told her weakly.
"Oh, Ana." She said wrapping her arm my shoulder and pulling me next to her. "I really don't know how your feeling because I never been in your situation. But I know heartbreaks take a long time to heal from. And some would say that getting under a new man helps but that's not advice I'd give you." Kate said trying to lighten the mood. And I couldn't help but laugh because sex was the last thing I wanted.
After a couple of seconds of us laughing; I finally hear a knock at the door and of course it had to be Grace. Thank heavens. I thought to myself.
"I'll get it," Kate said as she let me go to get the door. So, I quickly finished up my tea before walking over to collect my purse.
"Kate! Ana!" Grace said happily as I walked over to meet them. Grace pulled Kate into a hug and then me when I reach them both.
"Good to see you, Grace," I said with a smile hugging her back.
"Good to see you both," Grace said happily. "Are you both ready? Because I have the car on to keep us warm."
"Yep," I told her as I slipped my arms into my jacket and Kate did the same before grabbed her purse. I sighed happily as I followed Grace out the door while Kate locked up for us.
"Ana, you're glowing. I really feel pregnancy is really becoming for you." Grace said smiling at me. "And is that a baby bump finally poking out?" she asked in a proud grandma voice.
"Finally, someone noticed," I said with a smirk and as I turned to Kate to fake glare at her.
"Hey, I just thought it was gas," Kate said to mess with me.
"If this was gas," I said as I pointed to my stomach before climbing into the car. "You would know it," I said with a laugh because I had the worst pregnancy farts. And as the words left my mouth Grace and Kate couldn't help but join in.
"Oh, how I relate to that on a deep level," Grace said laughing.
"Was it really bad for when you were pregnant with Elliot?" I asked referring only to Elliot because Christian and Mia were adopted.
"Oh god, you could only imagine." She said laughing even harder. "And once he was born it transferred to him."
"Oh god, you are so right," Kate told us. "That man will eat something as simple as rice and oh my god." She said with disgust. "He's just lucky I love him cause if I didn't, I would have already left just because of the gas."
"I could only imagine how this baby will be once he or she is born," I said laughing.
"Ana, I really don't know if anyone has told you. But, the first poop this baby is the absolute worst. It like the worst color of tar and the smell." Grace said with absolute disgust.
"Oh, that just sounds wonderful," I said sarcastically and we all broke out laughing at my comment.
After that, the rest of the ride to the doctors was us just joking around and having a good time. We also made plans to go to lunch after. Which I was looking forward to since I was basically hungry 24/7.
Once we pulled up to the ob-gyn. I couldn't help but let out a sad sighed because times like this made me miss him even more. He should be here with you. But I tried to shake the thought out of my head as fast as it came. This is a happy day, no depressing thoughts. I tried to myself as I followed Kate and Grace into the office.
Once inside I walked up to the desk and wrote my name down on the sign-in sheet. Then add the time I arrived and of course the appointment time. When I was done, I smiled at the receptionist and headed over to where Kate and Grace had sat down.
"Here," Grace said suddenly as she pulled out a ziplocked bag of white cheddar cheez it's from her purse for me. Oh, Grace, you are a life saver.
"How did you know?" I asked her as I took the bag. How did this woman know my weakness?
"Well, when I was pregnant that was all I craved." She said with a shrug.
"Maybe it's a DNA thing." I said with a laugh as I opened the bag and took out a hand full and popped them into my mouth.
"What was the craziest thing you craved when you were pregnant?" Kate asked Grace suddenly.
"Well, ladies if I tell you guys. You both have to promise to not laugh." She said in serious tone. And of course, we both agreed we wouldn't. "Umm, well, this is something I'm not very proud of. But, when I was pregnant with Elliot. I had the weirdest craving for vanilla ice cream with beef jerky bits on top." She said shrugging her shoulders.
"What?" Kate asked in absolute shock. "You know he actually eats that Grace," Kate said with clear disgust in her voice.
"You're kidding," Grace said matching the same look of disgust that Kate had. "That's horrible and I can say this because I've had it." and once the words left her mouth she started laughing.
"You know, I've actually seen that firsthand, Grace. He gets a shake from Steak 'n Shake and then chops up jack links jerky in it." I said with disgust. "And of course, he tried to get me to try it. I almost puked at the site."
"Well, I'm not that surprised though. Because my son has always had the weirdest taste in food." She said as she shrugged her shoulders.
"Ana?" I suddenly hear my name and we all whipped our heads in the direction.
So, I quickly got up with Kate and Grace trailing behind and followed the nurse into the back. She first led me to get my weight checked. And then headed into the patient waiting room.
"Ana, you only gained 5 pounds since your last visit." Grace mused curiously. "I wonder if you're gonna be like me and not gain that much weight. But that makes me wonder more if you're having a boy. But we will all know the answer soon." She said gleefully.
"50 bucks here I come," Kate said as she rubbed her hands together like some evil character you would see on some Saturday morning cartoon. But I couldn't help but laugh at her.
"Knock knock." Said my Ob-gyn Doctor Greene through the door.
"Come in, were decent," I said laughing.
"Well, I would hope so. Because Kate and Grace are in here with you." Dr. Greene said laughing with me as she shook my hand. "I see that today is the day." She said happily as she walked over to her stool and slid it closer to sit next to me with her tablet in her hand.
"Yes!" I said excitedly.
"I'm waiting just for you to tell us it's a boy," Kate said excitedly.
"Oh yeah, the bet." Dr. Greene said. "What are you gonna do if it's a girl?"
"Let's not even discuss that. Because we all know it's a boy." Kate said stated matter-of-factly and once the words came out of her mouth. Dr. Greene, Grace, and I all started laughing.
"Anyways, Ana I'm gonna have the nurse bring in the ultrasound machine in here and then we can get started." Dr. Greene said with a smile. "Give me just two seconds."
And suddenly out of nowhere I became so nervous, and I didn't know why. But before I could really think about it the nurse was back wheeling in the machine. She shot us a polite smile and then left.
"See two seconds, alright Ana. I am gonna have you lie down on your back and lift your shirt. And then we can get started." Dr. Greene said happily; so I did as she asked. "Alright, so this gels gonna be cold. But you already know this."
"No problem, just do what you need to do," I told her and instantly Grace and Kate were by my side for support. Thank goodness. I instinctively reached out and took Kate's hand to try to help my nerves.
"Okay, so this is gonna be so quick. Are you guys ready?" Dr. Greene asked with a smirk on her face. I knew what she was playing at.
"Yes, tell us already," Kate said impatiently.
"Kate," I said in a serious tone.
"Sorry, I been waiting too long to know if I'm having a niece or nephew. I'm just so excited." Kate told us in a serious tone.
"Well, give me a minute and we will know." Dr. Green said as she took the wand and places it on my bloop. And within seconds, she was able to find my baby.
"Ahhh." Dr. Greene said with a huge smile. "That right there." She said pointing to the screen. "Is the baby's penis. Congratulation Ana." She said excitedly.
"It's a boy? Really? A boy? Oh my god." I said happily looking at the ultrasound monitor.
"I told you, Ana," Grace said as she congratulated me and leaned in to give me a hug.
"You know part of me wanted to play a joke on Kate." Dr. Greene said laughing. "But I couldn't do that. But this is wonderful news for you guys." She quickly took pictures with the machine. Some from one angle and some from another.
"Good thinking doc," Kate told her as she pulled me into a hug too.
I'm gonna have a little boy, a little copper headed boy, was all I could think over and over.
Once Dr. Greene was all done, she handed me several sonograph pictures of my boy. Not a bloop anymore. I thought enthusiastically as I placed my hand on my stomach.
"Oh Ana, I can't wait to meet my beautiful grandson," Graced told me with tears in her eyes.
"Aww Grace, don't cry; your gonna make me cry too," I said pulling her into another hug.
"I'm sorry, I'm so ecstatic to be a grandma. This is one of the best days of my life." She said hugging me back and I had to hold back my own tears.
"I'm so sorry to break this up. But I'm all done, Ana. Go ahead and make an appointment at the front desk and I'll see you in a month or so." Dr. Greene said to us.
"Sounds good and thank you so much, Dr. Greene," I told her as I wiped my stray tears.
Once I was all finished and my appointment was made. Grace, Kate, and I made our way out of the office; and headed to Grace's car.
"Ladies, I don't know about you. But I am truly on cloud nine right now." Grace said her eyes were sparkling with excitement.
"Me too Grace. I can't wait to meet my little boy." I replied and at the same time, I could see Kate pulling out her phone. "Let me guess, Mia?"
"Yep, that woman owes me 50 bucks." She said with the hugest smirk on her face. I just never understand how she could so competitive, but Elliot was exactly the same way.
"Alright ladies in the car, so we can get lunch," Grace told us and we shuffled in.
And the ride to the lunch was hilarious as we listened to Kate tell Mia that she owed her 50 bucks. And I couldn't help myself as I exhaled happily because in 6 short months. I would finally be meeting my little boy. I could already picture him looking like an exact carbon copy of Christian. But in baby form, My beautiful copper headed baby. And even though I didn't have Christian in my life. At least had you. I thought to myself as I looked out the car window, wondering where Christian was at this moment. 'You should be here' I wanted to scream so badly.
And of course, lunch with Grace and Kate went amazing. They kept asking what I should name my little boy. But I still wasn't sure. I really wished I could talk to Christian and get his input. But I knew that was a lost cause because the last time I tried calling him. I got an automatic recording telling the phone number wasn't in service. And I didn't know if it was because he blocked my phone number, or he just change his number. And I felt so scared to even ask Grace because I knew I didn't want to know the answer. So, I just decided to let it go.
Grace said her goodbyes as she dropped Kate and I off at our place. And before she drove away Grace told me that we needed to get together soon to discuss more about the baby shower. Especially now that we all knew I was having a boy.
I exhaled loudly as I sat down on the couch and Kate instantly came to join me with a smile. And not even seconds later she started in again about baby names even though we had discussed it at lunch. But she was so persistent.
"I don't understand why you have no idea what you want to name him, Ana," Kate told me. "I know we talked about this at lunch with Grace. But it's just us now."
"Well," I said with a sigh and decided to tell her one of the reasons why I just couldn't think of a name. "When I start thinking of names, I'm instantly reminded of him, Kate. I wish he was here, even if we aren't together. This little boy is just as much mine as he is just as much his." I told her as I put my head in my hands. And I knew I was supposed to be so excited to pick out names, but I really just missed him.
"Ana, well even though that piece of shit isn't here. I am, and I will always be here no matter what. Not to mention I will be so excited for you." Kate told me as she pulled me into a hug.
"Thank you, Kate, really. Thank you." I told her as I pulled away and tried to lighten the mood even though she wasn't gonna be happy. "and please don't be mad but I know what the middle name is gonna be, at least."
"Oh, please don't tell me your gonna name him after that asshole?"
"Kate, you may hate him but he's still the father of my child," I told her with a sad sigh. "And my baby deserves to have a father."
"Yeah, a non-existing one," Kate said with a sarcastic tone as she rolled her eyes at me. And honestly, I couldn't be mad at her because she was telling the truth. Christian was in all senses non-existing. It was like he disappeared off the face of the earth. "Well, at least he's getting his own identity and not being a junior." She said referring to the fact that I wasn't gonna name my boy Christian jr.
"Yeah, definitely not my style. But I'll come up with a name soon, I guess. Just keep me time Kate." I told her with a smile and she just nodded a 'Yes' to me.
After a couple of minutes of us both not talking, and I could tell that Kate was finally dropping the subject. I quickly got up and went to my room to focus on work.
Tomorrow I had a huge meeting with Boyce Fox and since he lived in New York. He couldn't just come into the office anytime when needed. So, it really made this a huge meeting for us. Not to mention we were finally gonna figure out all the fine details of his latest book, like packaging and his book tour. You know all the typical stuff that came with finishing and promoting a book. But I wasn't too worried because Boyce was a genius.
I was also excited to see Boyce because he was also one of my closest friends. Boyce and I met when I was just an assistant editor. They passed over his manuscript to me not thinking it was gonna be good. But after reading a couple of chapters. I couldn't put it done and I knew instantly that he was gonna be a huge success. So, I pushed really hard to the higher-ups that Boyce was gonna go places. And once I presented them with the fact that he had a huge internet following. They had agreed with me; I told them he was gonna top the charts; boy was I right. He had become a well-known author overnight. And even getting himself on the New York Times bestseller list and not just once but four times.
The next morning, I woke up in such a good mood. I was just so ecstatic to see my friend. So, I quickly got ready and headed out the door after saying goodbye to Kate.
I was practically bouncing up and down inside Wanda on my way to work. And since the office was so close to my house. The drive didn't take that long and after a couple of minutes; I was already pulling into my normal spot that was designated for me. So, I quickly got out of Wanda and headed into the office building.
After saying 'hi' to the girl at the desk. I walked straight to the elevator since my office was on the 5th floor. I quickly pressed the button that said 5th and waited the couple minutes it took for the elevator to move up the floors.
Once the elevator dinged signaling that it was my stop, I got off. And swiftly made my way through the rows of cubicles and said all my normal hellos to all my colleagues.
Once I arrived at my office, I instantly turned on all the lights and set my bag down. I promptly walked around my desk so I could sit down in my big comfy chair and turn on my computer. But not even two seconds after sitting down, I hear a knock at my door. I smiled because I knew who it was, Hannah my assistant. And over the year and half of her and I working together, we had become great friends.
"Ana, good to see you. How was your day off?" She asked as she set my cup of tea in front of me with of course the teabag sitting on the side of the saucer.
"It was wonderful," I told her.
"So?" She asked with excitement in her eyes. "Boy or girl?" and I couldn't but laugh.
Everyone in the office was so delighted for me. Even though most of them didn't that Christian and I had broken up. But no one asked, so I didn't feel the need to tell them.
"My little bloop is a…," I trailed off for dramatic effect.
"Oh Ana, stop playing with me and tell me!"
"boy!" I said excitedly.
"I knew it!" She said and then quickly congratulated me.
"And what's funny is everyone but Mia knew it was a boy. I had a small feeling he was gonna be a girl only cause of my dreams, but I'm not complaining." I told her happily.
"Well, we know how adorable this little boy is gonna be. I mean look at his gorgeous mother. But I wonder if he's gonna look just like him."
"You know I was thinking the same thing. But anyway let's get back to business. Did you get everything I need for Boyce's arrival?" I asked quickly to get the subject off Christian.
"Of course, I did. Who do you think I am?" Hannah said as she put her hands on her hips for extra dramatic effect. And that put me over the edge, and I busted out laughing. Seconds later she joined in. "Here, the list for the tour date, have him look at them and decide if they are perfect for him. Also, all the covers you asked to be made is right here." She told me as she placed everything on my desk. "Oh, and here's that especially thing for Boyce that you asked for. Did you want me to wrap it?"
"No, that's it's perfect as it is. And thank you, Hannah, you really a lifesaver," I told her as I looked at the covers. And all of the different ones I had made looked exactly as Boyce had to describe to me. They just had different variations to each one. But I just really hoped he would love at least one of them.
"Do you need anything else before I go?" She asked me as she picked up her notebook off my desk.
"Nope and Boyce is gonna be at 12, right?" I asked to make sure I had the time correct.
"Wow, pregnancy brain must be hitting hard girl. No, he's supposed to be here at 11."
"Hey, I was just one hour off," I said as scowl and she just laughed at me.
"See you in a bit Ana and congratulations again on the little boy," Hannah said as she exited my office.
Once she was gone, I quickly turned on my computer and looked through all the emails. And before I got through the second page. I was startled by my cellphone ringing. Hmm who would be calling me now, they know I'm working. I thought to myself as I dug through my purse to get my phone.
"Ana!" the familiar voice said into the phone and I knew instantly who it was.
"Jose, how you been? Sorry I haven't called sooner. I have just been so busy with work."
"It's okay, and I'm been good. But I'm calling to remind you that we still need to go to lunch. You keep promising me and yet we haven't gone." And I could hear his typical pout through the phone.
"Probably sometime this week; I'm just super busy with work at the moment. I have Boyce Fox coming in the office today to discuss his newest novel." I said enthusiastically.
"That's wonderful news, but yes. Lunch this week or I'm gonna keep calling and bugging you, Ana." Jose said with a joke.
"Fine, I'll hold you to it then. But I need to let you go."
"Sure, sure. Bye Ana."
"Bye Jose," I told him and once he hung up. I finally let out the breath I didn't realize I was holding. I knew I was being a bad friend. But when he called my baby an 'it', it really bothered me.
Not to mention what was even weirder was whenever I was alone in my office. I would get a call from Jose. It's like he knows your all alone. I thought to myself but instantly shook off that thought. It had to be a coincidence, at least that what I told myself.
"I wonder if paranoia is a symptom from pregnancy," I said out loud to myself and then let out a huge sigh.
After a couple of hours of working on everything need for Boyce's arrival. I decided it was time I took a break. So, I quickly turned back to my computer to see if I had any new emails. Most of them were the normal ones. But what caught my attention was an email in my inbox that had no email address attached to it. All it said, 'unknown sender' and when I opened it. I instantly started to panic because there was a picture of me walking down the street. And I had to do a double-take because it looked like one of those candid photos that you see of celebrities, but it was of me. What the fuck? I instantly thought. Who would be taking photos like this of me? I was nobody just Ana.
But before I can really start thinking about it; I'm startled by the intercom on my work phone.
"Ana! Boyce here." I hear Hannah say and I do my best to quickly shake the creepy photo of me out of my head. But when I turn back to my computer, the email with the photo is gone.
"What the fuck." I finally say out loud, confused as fuck.
"Ana? Are you okay?" I hear Hannah say back through the intercom.
"Yeah, sorry. I must be losing my mind, Send him." I tell her as I shake my head trying to clear my mind.
And two seconds later Boyce is walking into my office with a huge Boyce Fox smile on his face.
"Ana banana." Boyce call to me and I can't help but laugh as I get to my feet to meet him. He quickly pulls me into a hug. "It good to see you, what has it been, six months?"
"I don't know, but it's been too long," I say with a huge smile that matched his.
"Yes, and look at you, is that a baby bump I see?"
"Nah, its just gas," I say in a joking tone to mess with him and he starts laughing with me. "But yes, I'm officially 4 months as of yesterday."
"Congratulations Ana, really! If anyone is gonna be an amazing mother. It would be you."
"Thank you, Boyce, that means so much. But let talk about this later and catch up on everything for your new book." I said as I waved my hand to the chairs in front of my desk.
After we both sat down, I quickly pulled all the covers I had prepared for him. I also grabbed the list for all the tour dates with all the cities include.
"Here are some samples that I had made with all your specifications. What do you think?"
After a couple of minutes of him looking them all over. I'm pleasantly surprised to see him picked up the one I felt was right for his book. "Ana, I really don't know how you do it. I tell you my vision and then bam here it is." And I could see the sparkle in his eyes looking at the cover.
"Your very welcome, Boyce. I just had them made how you described them to me. So really you did all the work." I said shrugging my shoulders but pleased with myself. "And this here," I said referring to the tour dates. "Are these dates good for you?"
"Hmm, let me look at my calendar and compare." He told me as he pulled his phone out of pocket. And after a few moments, he looked at me with a smile. "All of them are good but this date." He said pointing at the date June 24. "That would be Marcus and I's anniversary."
"Oh, no need to explain anymore. I'll have that fixed for you; especially since I know the owner of that place. We can have it rescheduled to a different day and it's kind of perfect because the next stop is five days away. So, we can make that work without any problems."
"Perfect, I mean I know Marcus won't be mad at me for missing our five-year anniversary. But I actually made plans for us to have our vows renewed." Boyce said happily and I could see he really was pleased with himself.
"Does he know?" I asked curiously.
"No, that's the thing. I'm gonna surprise him at the restaurant that we had our first date at. And the owner and staff all know."
"That's so incredible, I better be getting an invite," I told him in a joking tone.
"Do you really think you even need to ask Ana. You are one of my best friends, of course, your gonna be there."
"I know, I was just messing with you," I say playfully.
"Anyways, I feel like we got all the business done. So, let me take you out to lunch. Since I'm such a rich author now thanks to you." Boyce said with a laugh.
"Rich huh?" I replied and forged a fake astonishment with him. "Are you sure?"
"Ana, stop messing with me and grab your purse." He told me as he got up and took a quick picture of the cover he picked out.
"Fine, but no need to take a picture," I said with a smile as I walked around my desk and pulled out the cover that I got framed for him.
"Ana, you didn't."
"I did," I said quite proud of myself. "I know how you love to frame each cover, so I figured that this would be a congratulation present on finishing another wonderful book."
"Ana, you really are a remarkable person. I genuinely don't know how I got so lucky meeting you. If you hadn't believed in me from day one. I certainly don't know where I would be." He told me and as the words left his mouth. I could already see tears forming in his eyes. Oh, Boyce.
"Boyce don't cry, cause you gonna make me cry," I told him as I handed the box of tissues on my desk to him.
"I'm sorry," He says wiping his tears away. "I'm just so thankful to you Ana, really." He told me sincerely.
"Look what you did," and as the words come out of my mouth; I'm crying too.
"Hey, I'm allowed to cry but you." He said through tears. "No one as beautiful as you Ana should ever cry. Now let's stop being sappy and go get lunch okay?"
"Okay," I said as I dabbed the corners of my eyes. Then I picked my purse up and quickly followed him to the door.
"Ladies first," He said holding the door for me.
After the quick walk to my car. I unlocked the doors and we got in.
The drive to the sub shop was quick drive; it was just a couple of streets down from my office. And I couldn't help the smile on my face the whole way there. It was always great to see Boyce because his presents just always poured out so much positivity.
And I was so lucky to just have Boyce and all my friends in life. It just helped me so much because when I was preoccupied with them. I didn't think about him and I was so grateful for that. But I knew once I was alone. The pain would come back. I sighed and tried to just worry about the present.
We finally pulled up to Mean Sandwiches and headed inside to order.
"Here." He told the cashier and he handed his card over to the girl.
"One of these times you are gonna have to let me pay.
"But I said I was taking you to lunch, Ana. Not the other way around."
"Yeah, but I have my own money too."
"And?" He asked as he put his card back in his wallet.
"Fine but you have to let me pay next time," I told him as we walked over to a table with our sandwiches.
"Sure, but that's if I let you." He with a chuckle.
"Boyce, one of these days I'm gonna be fast enough and grab the check before you."
"Good luck and I mean that. But I hear women get slower when they are pregnant." He said in a complete joking tone.
"You didn't just say that," and as the words leave my mouth I playfully swat at his arm.
"OWE." He said in such a dramatic tone to me. "Don't make me report you to HR for your abuse." And we both start laughing over his words.
"I wonder how Marcus puts up with."
"Oh, I wonder the same exact thing." He tells me as he takes a bite of his sub. "But let's not talk about him right now. I feel the hotter topic at hand is baby names."
"Oh really?" I ask as I raise an eyebrow at him.
"Yes, have you thought of any?"
"Well, not really and you're not the only one asking me. I just..." I say in between bites. "I mean I know what the middle name and last name will be."
"Well, what are they gonna be? And slow down woman, we don't need you choking on your food." And I can help but laugh at his words.
"Well," I say shallowing the food in my mouth. "The middle name will be Christian, and the last name is obviously Grey."
"That seems fitting I guess, even though he hurt you." He said with a sad sigh. "But names? You really got nothing?"
"Yeah, nothing. I just can't think of one. If you have ideas, please help a sister out."
"I mean, my brain is pretty amazing with ideas and names," He said purposely rubbing his ego in my face.
"Meh, I think you need a new one," I say joking with him.
"Hey, don't hurt my ego, cause we both know how big it is."
"I guess that impossible to hurt it than," I tell with a laugh. "Fine, give me your thoughts on names."
"Well, obviously you should name him Boyce," Boyce says with a smirk. "I mean my name is the best in the whole wide world."
"There's that ego again. But I don't feel Boyce Christian Grey flows."
"To me, it does but okay, okay. Let's be serious. Hmm," He said stroking his chin. "Well, what about…Jackson?"
"Nah, too common."
"Okay, how about Liam or Mason?"
"Nah, this baby doesn't seem like a Liam or Mason."
"Well, Elijah? Bruce?" He asked as he finished the last bites of his sandwich.
"Nah, I'm not feeling those either."
"Hmmm, I'm giving you all my best names here. What about Bryden? Or Theodore? Hmm no, wait Greyson. Or Christian." He said laughing.
"Okay, now you're just being messing with me. Christian is obviously a no. and Greyson Christian Grey is defiantly no."
"Hey, I'm trying here and you're not helping."
"Well try harder," I tell him in a joking tone.
"Fine, Kevin, Johnathan, David, Michael, Philip, Toby, Anthony, Weston, Vincent, Miles. Come on woman do any of those name ring bell that say, 'pick me'."
And I couldn't help but laugh. "I'm sorry but no. I guess I'm just hopeless and this little boy won't have a name." I said completely joking.
"You really are." And put his hand back on his chin and made an 'I'm thinking face'. "Braxton, Caesar, Harrison, umm..." He said trailing off.
"I kind of like Caesar but that's not a yes. More, more, more and more."
"How do you like Caesar though? That name makes me think of that dictator."
"I don't know, tell me more names," I said again and he let out an exasperated sigh.
"Damian, Travis, Tristian, Jake and or Jacob, Silas, Steven."
"Silas sounds good too, I'll add that to list." And as the words came out, I see Boyce roll his eyes at me.
"You know, you should just let me decide because you are so Indecisive."
"And? I want my little boy to have a name that is strong and powerful." And as the words out of my mouth, were both laughing now.
"You would but all I got to say is good luck on that. Your kid could turn out to be as soft as a marshmallow."
"Like you?"
"There you go, trying to hurt my unbreakable ego."
"Hey, it's my job to do so," I said with shrugging. "But more names."
"Fine, but you're not gonna be happy with any of them. Decan, Justin, Emmett, Ryker, Maddox, Malachi."
"Oh, add Decan too."
"You really like the weird names don't you." He said with a frown.
"Ehh, I like names that are not common apparently."
"Sure, but when I think of Decan. I think Decan Frost from the movie Blade."
"Of course, you would," I say rolling my eyes at him. "Fine, we will scratch that off the list."
"Victor, Hayden, Graham, Jasper, Tommy. Do any of those ring a bell for you."
"Hayden is cute too," I say smiling.
"So far, you like Caesar, Silas, and Hayden. I mean why don't you just name him those names and we could be done here." He said with a smirk.
"No, and I don't know if I even like those names anyway. Like I said before, maybe I'm just hopeless."
"I don't think you are though," Boyce said sincerely. "I mean you did say you wanted a strong and powerful name. And I can't think of any more at this point. So, I'll tell you what, I'll compose an email of names when I get home and you can pick from that." He said with a proud smile with his idea.
"I like that idea. Thank you, Boyce."
"You're more than welcome and you know what. Next time we do eat out. You will be paying since I am offering my services for free here." He says in a joking manner. "I still think you should just go with the name Boyce." And I couldn't help but roll my eyes at him and ignore his last comment.
"Well that seems fair, anywhere you want to go will be my treat."
"Okay, now tell me how things been beside that? Have you started your newest project yet?"
"You mean for that dipshit, Jonathan Birch? He screwed me over, I wrote his book exactly how he wanted it and he said it was garbage. Told me to rewrite it, so I told him he could shove up his ass." I said annoyedly.
"Are you kidding me? What a fucking asshole." Boyce said as he took a sip of his drink and continued. "You should become a writer yourself Ana, you have all the potential. You just need to write all your ideas down."
"I don't know If I could though. I mean technically I am a writer but for others. But me be in the spotlight." I said. "It would just flop."
"Ana, you need to give yourself more credit. Because you and I both know you have some amazing ideas. When I'm stuck with a plot for my books. You are always there giving me tips."
"I don't know Boyce; I just don't see me as a writer," I told him with a sigh.
"Well, give it a try and if you flop. Well, you flop, but at least you tried right?"
"I guess, I'll think about it."
"No don't think, do." He told me sternly.
"Fine, I will try it. But don't laugh at me If I fail."
"I couldn't laugh at you for trying, but when you trip over your own two feet. Like you do a lot, then I will laugh. But not this, you really have amazing potential."
"Fine Boyce, I'll write something up when I have time. Which…" I say as I look at my watch. "I probably should get back to work."
"Just tell them you were wooing your author." He said in a fake serious tone.
"Right? Because you so need all the wooing. What would Marcus think?" I said laughing at him.
"He would cheer me on," Boyce said now full-on laughing with me. "And tell me to get pictures."
"Would he now?" I say and quickly stick my tongue out at him.
"Matter of fact hold that pose." He tells me as he's pulling out his phone.