"Why are you doing this to me kiddo?" I pouted as I stretched my jeans together. Once tied, it was definitely a lot more snug that it used to be. I looked at myself in the mirror and sighed; it just didn't look right. Begrudgingly I undid the button again and wrestled them back off me.
"Goodbye skinny jeans." I said, patting them fondly and reaching for a pair of black leggings instead. I paired them with a white tank top, a big denim shirt and flip flops. It was a pretty warm May we were experiencing and I happily floated around the streets. Every now and then I would catch sight of myself in a shop window and notice my small bump. To anyone who didn't know I was pregnant it would just look like bloating, but I knew and couldn't help but smile every time I saw it. Sure I was terrified but now that Billy had decided he wanted to be a part of it I had a little comfort. Even if it was the smallest role possible, it still made it easier knowing he was there – however frustrating he was.
"Hey, excuse me?" I heard a man say from behind me and I turned around.
"Yeah?" I asked, he looked young and had a tattoo on his neck but I didn't recognise him.
"This might sound random, but are you Leah?" he asked and I frowned with confusion.
"Yeah, why who are you?" I asked, watching as his face brightened and he smiled.
"I'm Joe; Billy's brother!" he said. That was one answer I wasn't expecting.
"Oh! Okay. I'm sorry but how do you know me?"
"I was there the night you two hooked up, in the Four Roses. I remember you, you're really pretty. I remember thinking you were really pretty that night." He babbled. He seemed extremely hyperactive.
"Right. Err... what was it you wanted?" I asked, trying not to sound rude but I had no idea what this kid was after.
"Just to say hi! Billy told me about the baby. I just wanted to make myself known to the mother of my future niece or nephew." He said happily. I was at a complete loss for words. There was no way this happy talkative kid was any relative of Billy's - let alone his brother!
"You look great by the way, love the outfit." He said with a wink and I just stared.
"You sure you're related to Billy?" I asked and he laughed, that's when I saw it. I had seen Billy smile at me on the nights we used to hook up, and Joe had the exact same smile as him.
"Pretty sure. Not your typical Darley, eh?" he asked.
"Definitely not." I smirked.
"I know right? Billy got all the alpha male genes I'm afraid. I'm the shorter, scrawny gay one with great hair." He chuckled.
"You're gay?" I asked blankly. I never would have thought anyone in Billy's inner circle would be gay, let alone be so upfront about it.
"Yep, could you not tell? Billy always said he knew before I did but I don't think so because I used to sing Aretha Franklin into my mom's hairbrush when no one was around." He said with another Billy-esque smile.
"Billy knows?" I asked again, unable to keep the surprise out of my voice.
"Yeah of course, he's my big brother. He's the first one I told." He shrugged and I nodded.
"Well, that's great. I'm sorry Joe but I need to keep going. It was nice to meet you." I said, still feeling strange about the whole situation and he nodded.
"Great to formally meet you, I'll see you again soon!" he said brightly and I walked away in a stunned daze.
The day of my scan arrived and I was excited as I flew around my apartment looking for my wedge heels. I had reluctantly gone and bought skinny jeans that had a stretchy waist – as long as I didn't look at the stretchy waist I felt fabulous again. Throwing on a skinny black and white cloth scarf over my flowing black tank top I was about to throw on some bracelets when my missing shoe caught my eye.
"Aha! There you are." I muttered to myself but just then there was a knock at the door. "Shit!" I swore and ran over to it, whoever it was they were just going to have to come back later because I was going to be late. It was already two. I opened it and Billy stood there looking expectantly.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, bewildered.
"You said two fifteen on Thursday, right?" he asked and I felt my eyebrows rise.
"Yeah. I did. I didn't think you'd want to come along."
"Look I said I'd be involved. This is being involved." He said, sounding a little annoyed at my surprise.
"Alright." I said and turned back around to fetch my shoes.
"Come on we'll be late!" he complained and I threw my shoes on quickly.
"you look a damn sight better than you did last week." He remarked as we walked to his car and I frowned.
"I love that you can compliment and insult me at the same time. And in equal measure!"
"I'm a talented guy." He answered as we back out of the car lot. I looked at my window and smirked to myself at that remark; he was indeed a very talented guy - when it came to matters of the bedroom. We'd had a lot of fun together during out hook ups; he would be perfect if it wasn't for his tendency to be a prick afterward.
"I met your brother a few days ago in the city." I said.
"Yeah? Where?" he asked, keeping his eyes on the road.
""He just came up to me on the street. He's not shy, is he?" I asked with a smile and Billy smirked.
"Nah that little shit head I told him not to do that. It's fuckin' creepy!"
"It's okay, he just wanted to say hi. He seems excited." I remarked.
"Yeah he is. Couldn't stop going on about being an uncle! He's a good kid." He added in an afterthought with a smile on his face and I grinned to myself again. Ever since Joe had told me about being gay and telling Billy first I had to admit, my respect for him increased.
