Love Her - Andrea Johnston Page 0,15
of the most fulfilling of my life. For the first time in years, I’ve felt like I was part of something and contributing to the world instead of watching it pass me by. Of course, I walked into utter chaos and a boss who looked like he was ready to break at any moment.
Thankfully, Brian and I hit it off immediately. He was relieved I had just obtained my certificate in not only medical billing and coding but also office procedures and management. I was grateful he didn’t feel the need to micromanage me. We both win and have fallen into a comfortable routine. I’m ridiculously excited to be working and putting my new skills to use. I’ve accomplished at least a month’s work in just a few days.
His wife, Gigi, stopped by on my first day with an assortment of flowers and a huge hug of gratitude. She chatted me up like we were long-lost friends and before I knew what was happening, she invited me to a wine party and some sort of romance night that I’m almost positive will not be rated PG. It was a strange feeling, to have someone want to include me in something. Not since elementary school, have I had close friends. My adult friendships have been more like glorified acquaintances. While I take ownership for the friendships I could have had growing up, as an adult it is simply the harsh reality of the lifestyle I lived alongside my then husband. And, of course, the consequences of moving back to Lexington where I’m still that bitch from high school.
Speaking of Brian’s wife, the door opens with a flourish and the aroma of pizza greets us. With her dark hair piled high on her head in a messy bun and her shirt pulled tight across her swollen abdomen, she’s the epitome of glowing mom-to-be.
“Special delivery!” she announces while placing the box on the counter in front of me. Gigi’s warm smile exudes pure joy and it’s hard to not return it.
“Hey, honey. What do you have there?” Brian asks as he steps around her, his arm wrapping around her waist as he places a kiss to her temple. Peering up at him, she props up on her toes, lips puckered for a kiss.
Deep inside me, a green-eyed monster peeks up from where I’ve kept it hidden. It isn’t an angry jealousy or even true jealousy. It’s more envy. Wonder. A wonder of what it’s like to feel completely euphoric at the sight of your partner. Knowing there is another person in the world who is as happy to see you as you are them. I never had that with my ex-husband or anyone before him.
Other than my parents and children, I’m not even sure I’ve felt truly loved. How pathetic is that? Very.
“Well, I woke up this morning after dreaming of pizza. I really wanted a chicken jalapeno with creamy garlic sauce but then I remembered what happened last time,” she says, pausing to look my way. “His son did not approve of jalapenos and threw a tantrum that I’m almost certain included kicking my kidneys. No more spicy peppers until this guy is born.” Her hand rests on her belly as she looks off longingly. Truthfully, I don’t know if it’s the thought of her child or the pizza that has her looking so wistful.
Lifting the lid, Brian lets out a groan of pleasure as he picks a piece of pepperoni off a slice and pops it in his mouth. “Thanks babe. This beats the protein shake I was going to mix up. Come on, Lis, set the phones to voicemail and let’s dig into this pie.”
I hesitate only for a second before he shouts over his shoulder, “Don’t even think of saying no.”
Well, okay then.
Doing as instructed, I join Brian and Gigi in the small breakroom for lunch. Passing out slices, Gigi hums to herself and pokes fun at her husband before settling into her seat. It’s quiet in the room as we all dig into the lunch. The kids love pizza, but I try not to indulge too often. Carbs have never been my friend and while they are delicious and bring complete joy to my life, Shakira said it best when she said, “hips don’t lie.”
“Lis, Brian said you have two little ones? What are their names?”
Scoffing a bit, I smile and say, “I’m not sure they’re little anymore. Clem is ten and Jacob just turned eight. They both