Nathan said. “She loves to hear herself talk. Is your dad single? Maybe we should set them up.”
“So you could be my stepbrother? It would be fun explaining that one to Max.”
Nathan laughed. “Good point.” He gestured to the Christmas tree. “It looks nice.”
“We decorated it Wednesday night.”
“We?”
“Me and Max, although admittedly I did most of the work.”
This wasn’t so bad. They were both being incredibly polite, but that beat having nothing to say at all.
Ana glanced at the clock. “Beth is going to be here soon. Why don’t I show you where everything is, so I don’t have to make her wait.” Although the idea of staying home with Nathan and Max was far more seductive right now. But as Beth had implored on the phone the other day, Ana needed to get out and have fun. And she would. She would force herself.
Nathan had already been through the bedtime routine several times, but she showed him where the clean diapers and wipes were, and the pajamas in case Max dirtied the ones he was wearing.
“I left instructions in the kitchen on how to make a bottle, but you’ve seen me do it before,” she told Nathan. “You have my cell number, so don’t hesitate to call if you need anything.”
“I’m sure I can manage,” he said. “Although lately I’ve developed a healthy respect for parents with young children. People don’t realize what a daunting responsibility it is. And you’re doing ninety-nine percent of the work.”
“It’s twice as hard for single moms,” she said as they walked back into the living room. “I’m fortunate that I have the financial means to raise my son however I choose. There are so many women who struggle on a daily basis, working two or three jobs to keep up. I’ve seriously been considering starting a local foundation for single mothers.”
“To help financially?”
“Financially, emotionally, whatever they need. We could offer job-training programs and legal help to get support from the deadbeat dads who refuse to own up to their responsibility.”
“It sounds like quite an undertaking.”
“Which is why I’ve only talked about starting it. For now at least, Max comes first.”
“I think you should do it,” he said.
It was definitely part of her long-term plans. And she couldn’t deny that the idea of being responsible for something so big and important was a bit intimidating. She didn’t even know for sure if it would be well received. Especially from someone like her. Despite having changed her ways, the press still liked to perpetuate the “party girl” persona. What if no one took her seriously?
She wouldn’t know until she tried.
Outside, Beth laid on the horn.
“That’s my ride,” she said. She pulled on her coat and grabbed her purse from the foyer table. She considered giving Max a kiss goodbye, but with Nathan holding him it might be a little weird. She blew him a kiss instead and said, “Bye, baby, I love you.”
“Have fun,” Nathan said.
“You too.” She forced herself to walk out the door and down to Beth’s car.
“So,” Beth said a she climbed in. “First time leaving Nathan and Max alone?”
Ana fastened her seat belt. “Yep.”
“Are you nervous?”
“A little, maybe. But I’m sure they’ll have fun.”
“How about you?” Beth asked with a mischievous smile. “Are you ready for some fun?”
Not just ready, she was long past due.
Nine
Despite the music and the dancing, and the delicious margaritas, not to mention the men who had asked her to dance, Ana just couldn’t seem to relax. All she could think about was Nathan and Max, and how she would much rather be at home with them than in this flashy, overrated meat market. But the flack she would get from Beth if she caught a cab home early wasn’t worth the trouble.
What had happened to the carefree party girl? The one who would crawl out of her skin at the thought of a night at home? The one who had always been in motion, always in high gear and looking forward to the next adventure. Had motherhood really changed her so much? Or had it been Nathan? Back when they had first begun dating, she suddenly became not so opposed to the idea of settling down.
“So I guess tonight wasn’t such a hot idea,” Beth said on the way home.
Was she really that transparent? Beth sounded so disappointed, Ana was overwhelmed with guilt. “I’m sorry. I guess I just miss Max.”
“We’ve been out lots of times since you had Max and missing him never stopped you