The Course of True Love Never Did Run Smooth, chapter 4
I sat back down at the dinner table with Joe, Adrienne and Billie Joe. Joe and I had decided to tell them about our 'news.' We talked it over, and we agreed it would be best to tell them as soon as possible. We hadn't told them yet, but we were going to any minute now.
At the moment, we were eating the dinner I had prepared. I didn't make chicken curry stir-fry like I had planned, because the smell of chicken made me nauseous now that I was pregnant. Instead I had made a roast. Beef didn't bug me at all. Just chicken and pork so far.
"Sadie this is a really good roast. It's cooked perfectly." Billie Joe said, sipping some of the white wine they had brought over.
"Thanks. I figured it was a special day so I'd make something nice."
Billie Joe looked at me oddly before speaking.
"But, we come over here all the time. What's so special about today?" He laughed.
I glanced at Joe, and he gave me a little nod and a smile before I spoke.
"Uh... me and Joe have a little announcement to make."
Adrienne's eyes widened and her mouth slowly opened and curled into a smile. Billie Joe just looked intently, totally not expecting what I was about to say.
I looked over at Joe again and he just laughed.
"Go on, tell them." He said, putting his hand on my shoulder. I looked back at Billie Joe and Adrienne, and told them.
"I... I'm pregnant."
Adrienne immediately put her hand to her mouth and shot up, running over to my side of the table to hug me. She was crying a little, which made me cry. We both looked over at Billie Joe, who was holding back tears. He got up and threw his arms around Joe.
"Joe my boy... you're gonna make a great Dad." Billie Joe said to his son, who had a grin plastered on his face. He let go of Joe and passed him on to his mom as he took my hands as he looked at me with those big green eyes. He leaned in and kissed my cheek, then whispered into my ear...
"Sadie. You're the daughter I never had. Thanks for making my son the happiest guy in the world. Oh... and thanks for making me a grandpa."
I laughed at that last little line and sniffed. He really was genuinely happy.
"My pleasure." I laughed.
This day was going better than expected. Sure, Joe's first reaction to the news wasn't great, but the little speech he gave me afterwards was worth it all. His parents were thrilled, even though Adrienne told me she and Bree had secretly known, which made me laugh. I should have never trusted big-mouthed Joanie with keeping my secret. And... who knew pregnancy tests didn't flush well? But... another thing I'm wondering. Why the hell do my friends look through garbage cans in church bathrooms?
The two proud grandparents-to-be left the house late at night, after I had told them not to tell my Dad. I was planning on telling him tonight. I was going to pay him a surprise visit and have a good long talk with him.
Once Adrienne and Billie Joe had left, I explained to Joe why I thought that maybe it would be good for me to tell my Dad alone. Joe understood fully, and agreed to stay at the house while I went over to my Dad's.
You see, my Dad and I were so close now. Whenever I called him we always talked for hours. I think it would be a little harder for him to talk openly while Joe was with me. I always knew that if it was just me around, he'd tell me anything.
I looked at the clock. It was 10:47. Dad was usually still up now. Probably watching television.
"Joe, I'm gonna head out now. Love you." I said, kissing him. I got up off the couch we had been sitting on and grabbed the keys to my MGA.
"Bye dear. Love you too." He said, with a content smile. He was going to be a great Dad. I just knew it.
I grabbed my brown soft coat since it was fairly chilly out. I waved goodbye as I stepped out the door that lead to our garage. I opened the door of the garage, and got into my car. I pulled out of the driveway, closed the door with the remote, and drove down the road as my CD player played 'The Way You Look Tonight' sing by Rod Stewart. Sappy Rod Stewart love ballads were my guilty pleasure.
My Dad only lived about five minutes away, so it really didn't take long to get to his place. The rumbling motor of my car must have grabbed his attention, because I saw his silhouette in the window get up from his spot on the couch. I pulled into his driveway and stepped out of my car. I walked up to his door, but he opened it before I knocked. He was wearing his scrubby old plaid bathrobe that he had for years, and his gray sweats.
"Hey Sadie. I didn't expect you to come over here at this hour. Come on in." He said, taking my coat.
"Thanks Dad." I said as he led me into the kitchen. I sat down on one of the stools by the counter as he grabbed a package of cocoa from the cupboard. He always made cocoa when I came over at night.
"So, how are things? What's new in Sadieworld?" He asked, filling his kettle with water and plugging it in.
"Everything's great. I'm working on some new stuff, and Joe's finishing a really cool article."
"That's good to hear. Unfortunately my life hasn't been that exciting. Well, Ramona has been giving me the regular update on how she's doing and whatnot. Christopher's liking school, and since he's gone for the day she's going to college. But you probably know that already since you're her sister." He laughed, sitting down across from me.
"True. Me and her are pretty close."
"Yeah. So, do you still talk to your other sister? Jackie?"
"Uh, every once in a while. Not too often. We aren't that close. But I'll be calling her up soon." I said, twirling a piece of blue hair. I was probably going to have big brown roots soon since I can't use hair dye now that I'm pregnant. Well, maybe I could use vegetable dye and go back to brown.
"Ah. So, weren't Billie Joe and Adrienne over at your place today?"
"Yeah. It was nice. I made a roast."
"A roast? You never make roast."
"Well, I felt like doing something different." I said, lying through my teeth. I wasn't as nervous getting ready to tell my Dad about the baby. I knew how he'd react. I know Dad like I know the back of my hand.
"That's cool. I had popcorn. Not exactly different, but I don't really have much motivation to cook something nice when I'm living alone." Dad sighed jokingly.
"Yeah well, cocoa and popcorn is good enough in my book."
"I'd like to read that book."
I laughed at Dad's remark. He always made me smile.
"Yeah... Hey Dad?"
"Hm?"
"Uh, I kind of want to talk to you about something." I said with a little smile.
"Sure, Uh, what's up?"
I took a breath, and eased him into it. I didn't want to just say it flat out. Knowing Dad that would probably leave him speechless.
"Well, me and Joe found out a little something just recently. Actually Joe found out this morning. I found out yesterday."
"Alright. Wait. Before you tell me whatever it is your talking about, I want to ask this. Is it work related?" He said with a grin.
"No, definitely not work related. Dad... I'm pregnant."
Dad just sat for a second, soaking in what I had just said. He started to smile a bit, and got up from his seat.
"Get over here." He said with open arms. I immediately got up and hugged him back. You know, it really made me smile, having a Dad like him. He always understands.
"So you just found out yesterday?" He asked me, grinning like a madman.
"Yeah. At the wedding."
"Oh jeez," Dad laughed. "I knew something was up. You were pretty quiet the whole night."
"Yup. Thanks to big-mouthed Joanie, Adrienne and Bree already knew. I asked her to pick up one of those test sticks for me." I said, letting go of my Dad.
"Hey, Billie Joe and Adrienne are gonna be grandparents for the first time! I just thought of that... " Dad said, grabbing the teakettle. He looked so happy. Really proud too. I was glad he reacted this way.
"Yup. They're really happy. So Dad, you're really okay about this? Tell me the truth. Are you truly happy, or are you freaking out inside but hiding it well?" I said with a serious look on my face. Well, I had a little bit of a smirk.
Dad put the kettle down on the counter and looked down for a second.
"Now why would I do that?"
"Dad I know how protective you are of me. You're a huge worrier despite your rock hard shell exterior." I said to him. I was quite amazed with how he looked now. He had really aged. I think the excessive drinking was showing up on his face. Well, he didn't drink as much anymore since he was retired, but still. And he also looked older because of his glasses. He wore them almost all the time now.
"Sadie... is it that obvious that I worry about you?"
"Absolutely."
Dad sighed, and then laughed a bit, while pouring the piping hot water into two mugs filled with cocoa powder. He took out two spoons and handed one to me, along with one of the mugs.
"Well... I'll level with you sport. I'm totally perplexed at the thought that you aren't little silent Sadie anymore, and you're an adult with a great job that you love, a house, a serious relationship with your boyfriend, and a kid on the way. It just blows my mind. You grew up so fast and I didn't really see it coming. Despite the fact that I'm really shocked, I'm really happy for you. I am." Dad said. You see, he wouldn't have said that if Joe were here. I'm a smart cookie.
"Dad... I totally understand. And, believe me you're not the only one who's shocked at how fast time has just flown by. I mean, I can't believe I've known you for a little over ten years now. It's crazy, I know." I laughed.
"Oh wow. You're right. It's been... ten years. Oh my God. It hasn't seemed like that long."
Dad and I finished our cocoa, and continued to talk. Dad was giving me some advice on raising a kid and whatnot. I could tell he really truly was happy about being a grandpa again. This was going to be grandkid number 3.
I glanced at the clock after our long chat.
"Holy crap. We've been talking for 4 hours. It's almost 3:00 am." I said, glancing at the clock.
"Yikes. Well, you should get back to Joe. He's your main man now." Dad said, putting our mugs in the sink.
"Yeah right Dad. You're still number one." I said, getting up from my seat laughing. Whenever I was with Dad we laughed lots.
"Aw, that's so Hallmark." Dad said, giving me a hug and a kiss goodbye.
Dad grabbed my coat from the coat rack and handed it to me. I put it on, and buttoned it up.
"Bye Dad. Love you."
"Love you too Sadie. Be good."
"You know I will." I laughed, as I left the house and got back into my car sleepily. I started the car and pulled out of the driveway, waving to Dad. He waved back, and I drove down the street back to my house where Joe was probably waiting.
Sure enough, once I got to the house he was laying in bed with his book light on, reading 'A Year in Provence,' a Maeve Binchy novel.
"Hey. I reckon you and your Dad had a good long talk." Joe said, putting his bookmark back into his book and setting it down on his bedside table.
"Yup. He's really happy. I'm glad. I didn't think he'd freak out on me like he did when Ramona first got pregnant. But that's mostly because she didn't have a job or any university degree yet. I'm glad she's got a job now though."
"Yeah. But she's gonna have to take another maternity leave with her next kid." Joe said as I slipped out of my clothes. I put on my bathrobe and walked over to the bathroom where I could wash my makeup off and brush my teeth.
I put some toothpaste on my brush and ran it under the tap for a second. I stuck it in my mouth and brushed at my teeth.
Suddenly I felt Joe's rough hands slink around my waist. He kissed my neck, which made me laugh. Unfortunately laughing with a mouth full of toothpaste is not a wise idea. The toothpaste leaked out of my mouth and landed in the sink while I continued to laugh. I kept brushing my teeth, trying not to laugh, as Joe was dancing behind me.
"Oh baby when you brush like thaaaaat, you make Joey go maaad. So be wiiiise, and keep onnnn, brushing your teeth like a hot Saaadiie." Joe sang, to the tune of 'Hips Don't Lie' with a fake Spanish accent.
"Joe I think you're insane." I said, rinsing my toothbrush and placing it on the counter. I grabbed my facecloth as Joe gyrated behind me still singing.
"Your gums don't lie and I'm starting to feel the vibe! Ah... . I don't know the rest." He said, still with a thick accent.
"Joe your dancing skills are exquisite. Where did you learn such intricate moves?" I laughed, wiping my makeup off.
"No comprende Senorita. Vayamos tienen sexo caliente, sucio mi minino."
I plopped my washcloth in the sink and turned around to Joe who was, yes, still dancing. I understood what he had just said fully. We both knew how to speak a little Spanish.
"Si, dejenos."
I woke up at 8:00 the next morning to the sound of my alarm. I had an interview with Vogue about my new line for this season. After that I had a photo shoot for my new line as well. The photographer wanted me to be in the shots as well, along with a couple models. I noticed I was queasy again, so I whipped over to the washroom.
As I was hunched over the toilet, Joe came into the washroom and stooped to my level.
"Morning babe. Do you need anything?" Joe said with sympathy in his voice.
I shook my head no as I got ready to throw up again. I was just gagging because I didn't have any fluids in my system to expel.
"Oh shit... Uh, this only lasts for a little while in the morning right?" Joe asked as he rubbed my back like he had the night before.
I nodded again and coughed, since there was a trace of fluid in my throat. It burned terribly, but I was fine.
"Whoa, calm down. I'll get you some water." Joe said, grabbing a paper cup from the dispenser by the sink. He filled it with tap water, and I sipped it slowly.
"Thanks." I said, pushing my blue hair behind my ears. Joe kissed my temple and got up from where he was. We were both in our scrubby old bathrobes, looking like quite a mess. It's amazing how much better you look after you've had a shower. Oh, speaking of showers,
"Dibs on the upstairs shower."
"Damn. You got me again on that one." Joe said. "Oh and, what do you want for breakfast? Since most meats are making you queasy, and you don't eat egg."
"Uh, can you reopen that tub of frozen fruit in the freezer and make a smoothie or something?" I asked, flushing the toilet.
"My pleasure. Oh and, I have to drop off my article at the office. I want to take you out after that."
"Okay. But I have an interview and a photo shoot today, so I won't be home till six."
"That's alright. And, do you want me to set up an appointment with an obstetrician for you?"
I smiled at that. Joe had been really nice since I told him about the baby.
"That would be great. Thanks Joe."
"No problem. I'll be in the shower downstairs if you need me." Joe said, turning on his heel. He left the room and walked down the stairs to have his shower.
I was pretty sure I was done vomiting since nothing was in my system, so I started my shower.
I didn't have to put makeup on today since the makeup artists at the shoot were going to do it. I had modeled loads of times for my line. I've done runway stuff and photo shoots. I host parties, charity banquets, fashion shows, and all the good stuff.
I finished my shower quickly and got dressed. Since I was going out and was likely going to be photographed, I wanted to wear something bizarre as always. I put on a pair of green and yellow striped stockings; a red mod style mini dress with elbow-length sleeves, and grabbed a yellow scarf. I folded the scarf in half, and then tied it around my neck securely, so it looked like the scarves women wore in the fifties.
I dug out a pair of flats I had designed myself and slipped them on. I decided to put some glasses on since I wasn't wearing any makeup to the interview. I grabbed a pair of my sixties cat eye specs with little rhinestones around the rims, and I walked out of my bedroom. I plodded down the stairs, still feeling gross, but kept a smile on my face when I saw Joe dumping fruit into the blender.
"Hey. You're looking delightfully weird." Joe said. "Kind of mod... "
"Yeah, that's what I was going for. I would have put my hair in a beehive but I have that shoot today and I'm not supposed to put product in my hair, or wear any makeup."
"That's okay. You're gorgeous without it."
I laughed at that, and slid into the booth we always ate breakfast at. Joe put the cap on the blender, and turned it on. It made a terribly strident sound, which definitely woke me up.
After a minute he turned the blender off and poured the slushy substance into two glasses. He brought them over to the table and sat down with me.
"So, you're just dropping off the article today?" I asked Joe.
"Yup. That's all the work I have to do today." Joe said. "But I might do some grocery shopping."
I took a sip of my smoothie, and placed it back down on the table.
"That's cool. Oh and, I recall you previously mentioning something about wanting to take me out after I'm done work?" I asked cleverly.
"Oh yeah. Well, I'm not telling you anything about that. It's a surprise."
I giggled, quite excited by the word 'surprise.' I loved surprises.
"Really?" I said enthusiastically.
"Yup. Which means you can't ask me about it... or you might not get it."
I made a pretend gasp and took another sip of my drink. Joe laughed, shaking his head, and continued to drink his drink as well.
We sat in comfortable silence for a while, looking out the window at the porch that needed at good sweep. The swing on the apple tree in the middle of the yard was swaying back and forth slightly from the cool winds that always arrived around October.
We finished our breakfast around the same time, and Joe grabbed both our glasses. He plopped them in the sink, but I cleared my voice in a way that said, 'Don't even think about it.'
He got the idea, and put the dishes in the dishwasher. I didn't like the sink clean with dishes.
I laughed at Joe who sat down beside me in the booth and draped his arms around me lazily.
"Do you have to go to work?" He asked me with big sad eyes.
"Yes. Unless you want your baby to be poor and hungry."
"I don't want you to be hungry." He mumbled into my neck.
"I meant the fetus."
"Oh... I don't want it to be hungry either." He said, bringing his legs up and curling up into a ball on my lap. I laughed at him and kissed the top of his head. I always did that. I didn't have to stoop down that much. I was a couple inches taller than him.
We were silent for a while. I was twisting a little ringlet of dark brown hair on the top of his head. I hardly noticed that ten minutes had just flown by, and I had to be at this interview in twenty minutes.
"Shit. I got to head out now."
Joe got off of my lap and let me out of the booth, pinching my ass while I went into the foyer to grab my black trench coat and my keys.
"Ow! That hurt... " I said, pretending to look offended.
"Forgive thee, madam. Methinks your ass is fairest of all the asses." Joe said, trying his hand at Old English.
"Come hither." I laughed, while grabbing my coat and slipping it on.
Joe walked over and I gave him a quick kiss before leaving.
"Bye Joe."
"Bye dear."
I stepped out of the house and went into the garage. I chose to drive my MG. I only drove the Jaguar when I didn't want to get recognized, and Joe drove the Hybrid. He sometimes drove the van when we were traveling or if we had friends with us.
I pulled out of the driveway and made my way to Café Van Kleef, where I was meeting one of the journalists from Vogue.
I put on my Fiona Apple CD and hummed along to her cover of 'Across the Universe.' As I continued to drive I got caught up in my thoughts about what the press was going to be like when they found out I was pregnant. They'd have a heyday that's for sure. They always photographed me when I was out at restaurants or shopping. They'll probably snap some photos of me. Damn the people at the photo shoot for my new line, saying I can't wear makeup till I get there.
People oftentimes didn't recognize me because my hair colour was always changing, and I had a wide variety of outfits. But, knowing my peculiarity and eccentricity, some people spot me. So basically, my clothes and hair are either a disguise, or a dead giveaway.
My engine rumbled as it usually did as I turned a corner. It was an old car. My most prized possession though. I loved that car. Not obsessively though. I have my priorities in proper order.
But soon, all my priorities were going to be focused on one thing. The baby. I was getting more and more excited each minute. I couldn't wait to see if it was a girl or a boy. I wonder if Joe would be up for learning the gender at the doctor's appointment he's scheduling for me. It might prepare us a little more if we know. But then again, if we don't know it'll be a big surprise and it'll be really exciting. I'll ask Joe about it.
I kept driving and noticed a fair bit of people staring at me. I stopped at a red light and a photographer took loads of photos of me. I turned towards him, and waved, smiling. I was in a friendly mood.
The light turned green and I continued to drive. I drummed my fingers against the steering wheel as another thought popped into my head.
I'm gonna gain a lot of weight. My mom gained sixty pounds with me. But then again, she did the Jane Fonda work out twice a day, and lost all the weight and more after two months. My mom was freakishly skinny.
I looked down at my legs. I'd miss them legs. And my butt. Oh how I loved my butt. And my stomach. And my toned arms. I give Angela Basset a run for her money... .
Oh well. I'll find a way to work it off.
I eventually made it to Café Van Kleef and I parked my car in the lot. I zipped up the cover so no one would steal it, and I walked into the joint with my head down so I wouldn't be too easily noticed. I saw a woman in the back in one of the couches stand up and walk up to me, laptop at hand. She had dark brown hair pulled tightly into a bun, and was wearing a black pantsuit. Not too bad. I wear suits a lot. I go for the Annie Hall look every now and then.
"Hello Miss Wright. I'm Glenda."
"Oh, call me Sadie." I said, taking off my coat. We walked over to the sofas in the back and I sat down on one. Glenda sat in the other one and initiated conversation.
"Well it's a pleasure meeting you Sadie. The Vogue readers will be thrilled to find that we're interviewing you."
"Oh well thank you Glenda. I really enjoy interviews." I said politely as a waitress came along.
"Hi, can I get you anything?" She asked with a depressed tone.
"Oh uh, I'd like a cranberry muffin and a glass of diet raspberry Italian Soda please." I said.
"And I'd like a decaf low fat mocha chip cappuccino with no foam." Glenda said in one breath.
"Alright. I'll be right back with your orders." The waitress said gloomily.
As she walked away Glenda set up her laptop and started to type.
"Now Miss Wright, it is true that you are infamous for your interesting outfit choices, yet you are one of the biggest designer names in North America, and quite popular in Europe and Australia. Tell me, why do you think your designs appeal to the public, even though the public doesn't always agree with what you wear?" She said, laughing a bit. I wasn't the least bit offended by this woman's question. I was excited to answer.
I laughed a little before answering, and she continued to type.
"Well, I think change is good. As a result, I have many different styles of clothing I've created that appeal to many different people. That's why my clothing is popular. But, I don't necessarily think that my outfit choices for myself really affect the decisions of people who buy my clothes. If I end up wearing something that someone may think is hideous one day, but that someone happens to walk by one of my outlets and see an article of clothing they like, or they see someone wearing something I've designed, they will probably want to buy something of mine."
Glenda typed away furiously while replying.
"I see. Now Sadie, is it true that your boyfriend of six years, journalist Joe Armstrong may be modeling some of your clothes in upcoming ads."
"That is most definitely not true. Joe, whom I've actually been with for seven years, likes to keep a low profile. I asked him if he felt like modeling for my stuff once, but he said he'd rather get some old beach hunk that likes the spotlight to do it. Despite his interesting clothing choices similar to mine, Joe is pretty shy."
"Shy? Really? That's quite surprising. Are you shy?"
"Definitely not. There's not a single shy particle in me. I'm pure extrovert." I laughed. The waitress came along with our drinks and my muffin. I took a bite into a muffin and leaned back in my seat a little while Glenda paused to sip her coffee that was surprisingly small. The name was larger than the drink itself.
"Well that's good. Now Sadie, do you believe that your personality is reflected in your clothing?"
"Of course. My designs are like my children. They all have little bits of me. All my lines have different fathers though. My new line is a crossbreed between New York City and me. It's a great city. New York has a style all its own. Kind of bohemian, a little chic, a little bit of lots of things."
Glenda laughed after hearing my reply.
"It's funny how you call New York City your line's father. And other cities that have fathered your previous lines?"
The interview continued to go along smoothly. She asked me a couple more questions, and reminded me about tomorrow's photo shoot for the cover of Vogue, which I had totally not known about. Nobody tells me these things. Jeez.
We shook hands, and I left the café in a bit of a hurry. I had to get to the photo shoot for my new line now. I hopped into my car and drove off down the street. The studio where we were taking the photos wasn't that far away.
I accidentally ran through a light that had just turned red, but no one noticed, so I'm okay. I made a turn and finally made my way to the Frank Tapia Studio. I parked my car and made my way in and was immediately bombarded by makeup artists and hairstylists.
"Miss Wright, come with us. We have a short time slot so we're gonna do this quickly." A lady said, pulling me towards a little booth where she was gonna do my hair.
"Alright. So what are you doing with my hair?" I asked."
"Well, we're gonna put you in a wig actually. A long, dirty blond one. We're going to portray a very seventies style look. Sort of, like a flower child look."
Flower child? Sweet. I've always been set on the fact that I was born in the wrong era.
"Alright. And what about makeup?"
"Subtle. Not too much. Very natural. I'm not doing it though. Someone else is."
"Alright. I'm up for it."
***
Joey's POV
4:30
I had just arrived back from a little bookshop where I purchased a copy of 'What to Expect When You're Expecting.' Sadie would definitely want to read this.
I also dropped off my article to my boss. She hasn't read it yet but I'm sure she'll like it.
Now that I was home, I was planning that special night for Sadie. She was going to be really surprised with what I got her. First off, I had made reservations at Yoshi's Japanese Restaurant. A live jazz band was going to play tonight as always, and Sadie loved jazz.
Secondly, I purchased a little something for Sadie. I remember how much she wants to go to the Santorini Islands in Greece someday, so I got 2 plane tickets for us to leave in a week. We'll be gone for eight days.
I also made an appointment for us in 2 days to go to the doctor for an ultrasound to see the baby. That's not part of the surprise of course. She already knows about that.
But last, I got something really special that she won't know about until we're back from Greece. Mark, who happens to be a contractor, is going to furnish a baby room for Sadie. We decided on painting the walls pale green and white, and it'll be in the biggest guest room. The one right beside our bedroom. It has a little balcony like the one in our room. Sadie will love it. I'm sure of it.
At the moment, we were eating the dinner I had prepared. I didn't make chicken curry stir-fry like I had planned, because the smell of chicken made me nauseous now that I was pregnant. Instead I had made a roast. Beef didn't bug me at all. Just chicken and pork so far.
"Sadie this is a really good roast. It's cooked perfectly." Billie Joe said, sipping some of the white wine they had brought over.
"Thanks. I figured it was a special day so I'd make something nice."
Billie Joe looked at me oddly before speaking.
"But, we come over here all the time. What's so special about today?" He laughed.
I glanced at Joe, and he gave me a little nod and a smile before I spoke.
"Uh... me and Joe have a little announcement to make."
Adrienne's eyes widened and her mouth slowly opened and curled into a smile. Billie Joe just looked intently, totally not expecting what I was about to say.
I looked over at Joe again and he just laughed.
"Go on, tell them." He said, putting his hand on my shoulder. I looked back at Billie Joe and Adrienne, and told them.
"I... I'm pregnant."
Adrienne immediately put her hand to her mouth and shot up, running over to my side of the table to hug me. She was crying a little, which made me cry. We both looked over at Billie Joe, who was holding back tears. He got up and threw his arms around Joe.
"Joe my boy... you're gonna make a great Dad." Billie Joe said to his son, who had a grin plastered on his face. He let go of Joe and passed him on to his mom as he took my hands as he looked at me with those big green eyes. He leaned in and kissed my cheek, then whispered into my ear...
"Sadie. You're the daughter I never had. Thanks for making my son the happiest guy in the world. Oh... and thanks for making me a grandpa."
I laughed at that last little line and sniffed. He really was genuinely happy.
"My pleasure." I laughed.
This day was going better than expected. Sure, Joe's first reaction to the news wasn't great, but the little speech he gave me afterwards was worth it all. His parents were thrilled, even though Adrienne told me she and Bree had secretly known, which made me laugh. I should have never trusted big-mouthed Joanie with keeping my secret. And... who knew pregnancy tests didn't flush well? But... another thing I'm wondering. Why the hell do my friends look through garbage cans in church bathrooms?
The two proud grandparents-to-be left the house late at night, after I had told them not to tell my Dad. I was planning on telling him tonight. I was going to pay him a surprise visit and have a good long talk with him.
Once Adrienne and Billie Joe had left, I explained to Joe why I thought that maybe it would be good for me to tell my Dad alone. Joe understood fully, and agreed to stay at the house while I went over to my Dad's.
You see, my Dad and I were so close now. Whenever I called him we always talked for hours. I think it would be a little harder for him to talk openly while Joe was with me. I always knew that if it was just me around, he'd tell me anything.
I looked at the clock. It was 10:47. Dad was usually still up now. Probably watching television.
"Joe, I'm gonna head out now. Love you." I said, kissing him. I got up off the couch we had been sitting on and grabbed the keys to my MGA.
"Bye dear. Love you too." He said, with a content smile. He was going to be a great Dad. I just knew it.
I grabbed my brown soft coat since it was fairly chilly out. I waved goodbye as I stepped out the door that lead to our garage. I opened the door of the garage, and got into my car. I pulled out of the driveway, closed the door with the remote, and drove down the road as my CD player played 'The Way You Look Tonight' sing by Rod Stewart. Sappy Rod Stewart love ballads were my guilty pleasure.
My Dad only lived about five minutes away, so it really didn't take long to get to his place. The rumbling motor of my car must have grabbed his attention, because I saw his silhouette in the window get up from his spot on the couch. I pulled into his driveway and stepped out of my car. I walked up to his door, but he opened it before I knocked. He was wearing his scrubby old plaid bathrobe that he had for years, and his gray sweats.
"Hey Sadie. I didn't expect you to come over here at this hour. Come on in." He said, taking my coat.
"Thanks Dad." I said as he led me into the kitchen. I sat down on one of the stools by the counter as he grabbed a package of cocoa from the cupboard. He always made cocoa when I came over at night.
"So, how are things? What's new in Sadieworld?" He asked, filling his kettle with water and plugging it in.
"Everything's great. I'm working on some new stuff, and Joe's finishing a really cool article."
"That's good to hear. Unfortunately my life hasn't been that exciting. Well, Ramona has been giving me the regular update on how she's doing and whatnot. Christopher's liking school, and since he's gone for the day she's going to college. But you probably know that already since you're her sister." He laughed, sitting down across from me.
"True. Me and her are pretty close."
"Yeah. So, do you still talk to your other sister? Jackie?"
"Uh, every once in a while. Not too often. We aren't that close. But I'll be calling her up soon." I said, twirling a piece of blue hair. I was probably going to have big brown roots soon since I can't use hair dye now that I'm pregnant. Well, maybe I could use vegetable dye and go back to brown.
"Ah. So, weren't Billie Joe and Adrienne over at your place today?"
"Yeah. It was nice. I made a roast."
"A roast? You never make roast."
"Well, I felt like doing something different." I said, lying through my teeth. I wasn't as nervous getting ready to tell my Dad about the baby. I knew how he'd react. I know Dad like I know the back of my hand.
"That's cool. I had popcorn. Not exactly different, but I don't really have much motivation to cook something nice when I'm living alone." Dad sighed jokingly.
"Yeah well, cocoa and popcorn is good enough in my book."
"I'd like to read that book."
I laughed at Dad's remark. He always made me smile.
"Yeah... Hey Dad?"
"Hm?"
"Uh, I kind of want to talk to you about something." I said with a little smile.
"Sure, Uh, what's up?"
I took a breath, and eased him into it. I didn't want to just say it flat out. Knowing Dad that would probably leave him speechless.
"Well, me and Joe found out a little something just recently. Actually Joe found out this morning. I found out yesterday."
"Alright. Wait. Before you tell me whatever it is your talking about, I want to ask this. Is it work related?" He said with a grin.
"No, definitely not work related. Dad... I'm pregnant."
Dad just sat for a second, soaking in what I had just said. He started to smile a bit, and got up from his seat.
"Get over here." He said with open arms. I immediately got up and hugged him back. You know, it really made me smile, having a Dad like him. He always understands.
"So you just found out yesterday?" He asked me, grinning like a madman.
"Yeah. At the wedding."
"Oh jeez," Dad laughed. "I knew something was up. You were pretty quiet the whole night."
"Yup. Thanks to big-mouthed Joanie, Adrienne and Bree already knew. I asked her to pick up one of those test sticks for me." I said, letting go of my Dad.
"Hey, Billie Joe and Adrienne are gonna be grandparents for the first time! I just thought of that... " Dad said, grabbing the teakettle. He looked so happy. Really proud too. I was glad he reacted this way.
"Yup. They're really happy. So Dad, you're really okay about this? Tell me the truth. Are you truly happy, or are you freaking out inside but hiding it well?" I said with a serious look on my face. Well, I had a little bit of a smirk.
Dad put the kettle down on the counter and looked down for a second.
"Now why would I do that?"
"Dad I know how protective you are of me. You're a huge worrier despite your rock hard shell exterior." I said to him. I was quite amazed with how he looked now. He had really aged. I think the excessive drinking was showing up on his face. Well, he didn't drink as much anymore since he was retired, but still. And he also looked older because of his glasses. He wore them almost all the time now.
"Sadie... is it that obvious that I worry about you?"
"Absolutely."
Dad sighed, and then laughed a bit, while pouring the piping hot water into two mugs filled with cocoa powder. He took out two spoons and handed one to me, along with one of the mugs.
"Well... I'll level with you sport. I'm totally perplexed at the thought that you aren't little silent Sadie anymore, and you're an adult with a great job that you love, a house, a serious relationship with your boyfriend, and a kid on the way. It just blows my mind. You grew up so fast and I didn't really see it coming. Despite the fact that I'm really shocked, I'm really happy for you. I am." Dad said. You see, he wouldn't have said that if Joe were here. I'm a smart cookie.
"Dad... I totally understand. And, believe me you're not the only one who's shocked at how fast time has just flown by. I mean, I can't believe I've known you for a little over ten years now. It's crazy, I know." I laughed.
"Oh wow. You're right. It's been... ten years. Oh my God. It hasn't seemed like that long."
Dad and I finished our cocoa, and continued to talk. Dad was giving me some advice on raising a kid and whatnot. I could tell he really truly was happy about being a grandpa again. This was going to be grandkid number 3.
I glanced at the clock after our long chat.
"Holy crap. We've been talking for 4 hours. It's almost 3:00 am." I said, glancing at the clock.
"Yikes. Well, you should get back to Joe. He's your main man now." Dad said, putting our mugs in the sink.
"Yeah right Dad. You're still number one." I said, getting up from my seat laughing. Whenever I was with Dad we laughed lots.
"Aw, that's so Hallmark." Dad said, giving me a hug and a kiss goodbye.
Dad grabbed my coat from the coat rack and handed it to me. I put it on, and buttoned it up.
"Bye Dad. Love you."
"Love you too Sadie. Be good."
"You know I will." I laughed, as I left the house and got back into my car sleepily. I started the car and pulled out of the driveway, waving to Dad. He waved back, and I drove down the street back to my house where Joe was probably waiting.
Sure enough, once I got to the house he was laying in bed with his book light on, reading 'A Year in Provence,' a Maeve Binchy novel.
"Hey. I reckon you and your Dad had a good long talk." Joe said, putting his bookmark back into his book and setting it down on his bedside table.
"Yup. He's really happy. I'm glad. I didn't think he'd freak out on me like he did when Ramona first got pregnant. But that's mostly because she didn't have a job or any university degree yet. I'm glad she's got a job now though."
"Yeah. But she's gonna have to take another maternity leave with her next kid." Joe said as I slipped out of my clothes. I put on my bathrobe and walked over to the bathroom where I could wash my makeup off and brush my teeth.
I put some toothpaste on my brush and ran it under the tap for a second. I stuck it in my mouth and brushed at my teeth.
Suddenly I felt Joe's rough hands slink around my waist. He kissed my neck, which made me laugh. Unfortunately laughing with a mouth full of toothpaste is not a wise idea. The toothpaste leaked out of my mouth and landed in the sink while I continued to laugh. I kept brushing my teeth, trying not to laugh, as Joe was dancing behind me.
"Oh baby when you brush like thaaaaat, you make Joey go maaad. So be wiiiise, and keep onnnn, brushing your teeth like a hot Saaadiie." Joe sang, to the tune of 'Hips Don't Lie' with a fake Spanish accent.
"Joe I think you're insane." I said, rinsing my toothbrush and placing it on the counter. I grabbed my facecloth as Joe gyrated behind me still singing.
"Your gums don't lie and I'm starting to feel the vibe! Ah... . I don't know the rest." He said, still with a thick accent.
"Joe your dancing skills are exquisite. Where did you learn such intricate moves?" I laughed, wiping my makeup off.
"No comprende Senorita. Vayamos tienen sexo caliente, sucio mi minino."
I plopped my washcloth in the sink and turned around to Joe who was, yes, still dancing. I understood what he had just said fully. We both knew how to speak a little Spanish.
"Si, dejenos."
I woke up at 8:00 the next morning to the sound of my alarm. I had an interview with Vogue about my new line for this season. After that I had a photo shoot for my new line as well. The photographer wanted me to be in the shots as well, along with a couple models. I noticed I was queasy again, so I whipped over to the washroom.
As I was hunched over the toilet, Joe came into the washroom and stooped to my level.
"Morning babe. Do you need anything?" Joe said with sympathy in his voice.
I shook my head no as I got ready to throw up again. I was just gagging because I didn't have any fluids in my system to expel.
"Oh shit... Uh, this only lasts for a little while in the morning right?" Joe asked as he rubbed my back like he had the night before.
I nodded again and coughed, since there was a trace of fluid in my throat. It burned terribly, but I was fine.
"Whoa, calm down. I'll get you some water." Joe said, grabbing a paper cup from the dispenser by the sink. He filled it with tap water, and I sipped it slowly.
"Thanks." I said, pushing my blue hair behind my ears. Joe kissed my temple and got up from where he was. We were both in our scrubby old bathrobes, looking like quite a mess. It's amazing how much better you look after you've had a shower. Oh, speaking of showers,
"Dibs on the upstairs shower."
"Damn. You got me again on that one." Joe said. "Oh and, what do you want for breakfast? Since most meats are making you queasy, and you don't eat egg."
"Uh, can you reopen that tub of frozen fruit in the freezer and make a smoothie or something?" I asked, flushing the toilet.
"My pleasure. Oh and, I have to drop off my article at the office. I want to take you out after that."
"Okay. But I have an interview and a photo shoot today, so I won't be home till six."
"That's alright. And, do you want me to set up an appointment with an obstetrician for you?"
I smiled at that. Joe had been really nice since I told him about the baby.
"That would be great. Thanks Joe."
"No problem. I'll be in the shower downstairs if you need me." Joe said, turning on his heel. He left the room and walked down the stairs to have his shower.
I was pretty sure I was done vomiting since nothing was in my system, so I started my shower.
I didn't have to put makeup on today since the makeup artists at the shoot were going to do it. I had modeled loads of times for my line. I've done runway stuff and photo shoots. I host parties, charity banquets, fashion shows, and all the good stuff.
I finished my shower quickly and got dressed. Since I was going out and was likely going to be photographed, I wanted to wear something bizarre as always. I put on a pair of green and yellow striped stockings; a red mod style mini dress with elbow-length sleeves, and grabbed a yellow scarf. I folded the scarf in half, and then tied it around my neck securely, so it looked like the scarves women wore in the fifties.
I dug out a pair of flats I had designed myself and slipped them on. I decided to put some glasses on since I wasn't wearing any makeup to the interview. I grabbed a pair of my sixties cat eye specs with little rhinestones around the rims, and I walked out of my bedroom. I plodded down the stairs, still feeling gross, but kept a smile on my face when I saw Joe dumping fruit into the blender.
"Hey. You're looking delightfully weird." Joe said. "Kind of mod... "
"Yeah, that's what I was going for. I would have put my hair in a beehive but I have that shoot today and I'm not supposed to put product in my hair, or wear any makeup."
"That's okay. You're gorgeous without it."
I laughed at that, and slid into the booth we always ate breakfast at. Joe put the cap on the blender, and turned it on. It made a terribly strident sound, which definitely woke me up.
After a minute he turned the blender off and poured the slushy substance into two glasses. He brought them over to the table and sat down with me.
"So, you're just dropping off the article today?" I asked Joe.
"Yup. That's all the work I have to do today." Joe said. "But I might do some grocery shopping."
I took a sip of my smoothie, and placed it back down on the table.
"That's cool. Oh and, I recall you previously mentioning something about wanting to take me out after I'm done work?" I asked cleverly.
"Oh yeah. Well, I'm not telling you anything about that. It's a surprise."
I giggled, quite excited by the word 'surprise.' I loved surprises.
"Really?" I said enthusiastically.
"Yup. Which means you can't ask me about it... or you might not get it."
I made a pretend gasp and took another sip of my drink. Joe laughed, shaking his head, and continued to drink his drink as well.
We sat in comfortable silence for a while, looking out the window at the porch that needed at good sweep. The swing on the apple tree in the middle of the yard was swaying back and forth slightly from the cool winds that always arrived around October.
We finished our breakfast around the same time, and Joe grabbed both our glasses. He plopped them in the sink, but I cleared my voice in a way that said, 'Don't even think about it.'
He got the idea, and put the dishes in the dishwasher. I didn't like the sink clean with dishes.
I laughed at Joe who sat down beside me in the booth and draped his arms around me lazily.
"Do you have to go to work?" He asked me with big sad eyes.
"Yes. Unless you want your baby to be poor and hungry."
"I don't want you to be hungry." He mumbled into my neck.
"I meant the fetus."
"Oh... I don't want it to be hungry either." He said, bringing his legs up and curling up into a ball on my lap. I laughed at him and kissed the top of his head. I always did that. I didn't have to stoop down that much. I was a couple inches taller than him.
We were silent for a while. I was twisting a little ringlet of dark brown hair on the top of his head. I hardly noticed that ten minutes had just flown by, and I had to be at this interview in twenty minutes.
"Shit. I got to head out now."
Joe got off of my lap and let me out of the booth, pinching my ass while I went into the foyer to grab my black trench coat and my keys.
"Ow! That hurt... " I said, pretending to look offended.
"Forgive thee, madam. Methinks your ass is fairest of all the asses." Joe said, trying his hand at Old English.
"Come hither." I laughed, while grabbing my coat and slipping it on.
Joe walked over and I gave him a quick kiss before leaving.
"Bye Joe."
"Bye dear."
I stepped out of the house and went into the garage. I chose to drive my MG. I only drove the Jaguar when I didn't want to get recognized, and Joe drove the Hybrid. He sometimes drove the van when we were traveling or if we had friends with us.
I pulled out of the driveway and made my way to Café Van Kleef, where I was meeting one of the journalists from Vogue.
I put on my Fiona Apple CD and hummed along to her cover of 'Across the Universe.' As I continued to drive I got caught up in my thoughts about what the press was going to be like when they found out I was pregnant. They'd have a heyday that's for sure. They always photographed me when I was out at restaurants or shopping. They'll probably snap some photos of me. Damn the people at the photo shoot for my new line, saying I can't wear makeup till I get there.
People oftentimes didn't recognize me because my hair colour was always changing, and I had a wide variety of outfits. But, knowing my peculiarity and eccentricity, some people spot me. So basically, my clothes and hair are either a disguise, or a dead giveaway.
My engine rumbled as it usually did as I turned a corner. It was an old car. My most prized possession though. I loved that car. Not obsessively though. I have my priorities in proper order.
But soon, all my priorities were going to be focused on one thing. The baby. I was getting more and more excited each minute. I couldn't wait to see if it was a girl or a boy. I wonder if Joe would be up for learning the gender at the doctor's appointment he's scheduling for me. It might prepare us a little more if we know. But then again, if we don't know it'll be a big surprise and it'll be really exciting. I'll ask Joe about it.
I kept driving and noticed a fair bit of people staring at me. I stopped at a red light and a photographer took loads of photos of me. I turned towards him, and waved, smiling. I was in a friendly mood.
The light turned green and I continued to drive. I drummed my fingers against the steering wheel as another thought popped into my head.
I'm gonna gain a lot of weight. My mom gained sixty pounds with me. But then again, she did the Jane Fonda work out twice a day, and lost all the weight and more after two months. My mom was freakishly skinny.
I looked down at my legs. I'd miss them legs. And my butt. Oh how I loved my butt. And my stomach. And my toned arms. I give Angela Basset a run for her money... .
Oh well. I'll find a way to work it off.
I eventually made it to Café Van Kleef and I parked my car in the lot. I zipped up the cover so no one would steal it, and I walked into the joint with my head down so I wouldn't be too easily noticed. I saw a woman in the back in one of the couches stand up and walk up to me, laptop at hand. She had dark brown hair pulled tightly into a bun, and was wearing a black pantsuit. Not too bad. I wear suits a lot. I go for the Annie Hall look every now and then.
"Hello Miss Wright. I'm Glenda."
"Oh, call me Sadie." I said, taking off my coat. We walked over to the sofas in the back and I sat down on one. Glenda sat in the other one and initiated conversation.
"Well it's a pleasure meeting you Sadie. The Vogue readers will be thrilled to find that we're interviewing you."
"Oh well thank you Glenda. I really enjoy interviews." I said politely as a waitress came along.
"Hi, can I get you anything?" She asked with a depressed tone.
"Oh uh, I'd like a cranberry muffin and a glass of diet raspberry Italian Soda please." I said.
"And I'd like a decaf low fat mocha chip cappuccino with no foam." Glenda said in one breath.
"Alright. I'll be right back with your orders." The waitress said gloomily.
As she walked away Glenda set up her laptop and started to type.
"Now Miss Wright, it is true that you are infamous for your interesting outfit choices, yet you are one of the biggest designer names in North America, and quite popular in Europe and Australia. Tell me, why do you think your designs appeal to the public, even though the public doesn't always agree with what you wear?" She said, laughing a bit. I wasn't the least bit offended by this woman's question. I was excited to answer.
I laughed a little before answering, and she continued to type.
"Well, I think change is good. As a result, I have many different styles of clothing I've created that appeal to many different people. That's why my clothing is popular. But, I don't necessarily think that my outfit choices for myself really affect the decisions of people who buy my clothes. If I end up wearing something that someone may think is hideous one day, but that someone happens to walk by one of my outlets and see an article of clothing they like, or they see someone wearing something I've designed, they will probably want to buy something of mine."
Glenda typed away furiously while replying.
"I see. Now Sadie, is it true that your boyfriend of six years, journalist Joe Armstrong may be modeling some of your clothes in upcoming ads."
"That is most definitely not true. Joe, whom I've actually been with for seven years, likes to keep a low profile. I asked him if he felt like modeling for my stuff once, but he said he'd rather get some old beach hunk that likes the spotlight to do it. Despite his interesting clothing choices similar to mine, Joe is pretty shy."
"Shy? Really? That's quite surprising. Are you shy?"
"Definitely not. There's not a single shy particle in me. I'm pure extrovert." I laughed. The waitress came along with our drinks and my muffin. I took a bite into a muffin and leaned back in my seat a little while Glenda paused to sip her coffee that was surprisingly small. The name was larger than the drink itself.
"Well that's good. Now Sadie, do you believe that your personality is reflected in your clothing?"
"Of course. My designs are like my children. They all have little bits of me. All my lines have different fathers though. My new line is a crossbreed between New York City and me. It's a great city. New York has a style all its own. Kind of bohemian, a little chic, a little bit of lots of things."
Glenda laughed after hearing my reply.
"It's funny how you call New York City your line's father. And other cities that have fathered your previous lines?"
The interview continued to go along smoothly. She asked me a couple more questions, and reminded me about tomorrow's photo shoot for the cover of Vogue, which I had totally not known about. Nobody tells me these things. Jeez.
We shook hands, and I left the café in a bit of a hurry. I had to get to the photo shoot for my new line now. I hopped into my car and drove off down the street. The studio where we were taking the photos wasn't that far away.
I accidentally ran through a light that had just turned red, but no one noticed, so I'm okay. I made a turn and finally made my way to the Frank Tapia Studio. I parked my car and made my way in and was immediately bombarded by makeup artists and hairstylists.
"Miss Wright, come with us. We have a short time slot so we're gonna do this quickly." A lady said, pulling me towards a little booth where she was gonna do my hair.
"Alright. So what are you doing with my hair?" I asked."
"Well, we're gonna put you in a wig actually. A long, dirty blond one. We're going to portray a very seventies style look. Sort of, like a flower child look."
Flower child? Sweet. I've always been set on the fact that I was born in the wrong era.
"Alright. And what about makeup?"
"Subtle. Not too much. Very natural. I'm not doing it though. Someone else is."
"Alright. I'm up for it."
***
Joey's POV
4:30
I had just arrived back from a little bookshop where I purchased a copy of 'What to Expect When You're Expecting.' Sadie would definitely want to read this.
I also dropped off my article to my boss. She hasn't read it yet but I'm sure she'll like it.
Now that I was home, I was planning that special night for Sadie. She was going to be really surprised with what I got her. First off, I had made reservations at Yoshi's Japanese Restaurant. A live jazz band was going to play tonight as always, and Sadie loved jazz.
Secondly, I purchased a little something for Sadie. I remember how much she wants to go to the Santorini Islands in Greece someday, so I got 2 plane tickets for us to leave in a week. We'll be gone for eight days.
I also made an appointment for us in 2 days to go to the doctor for an ultrasound to see the baby. That's not part of the surprise of course. She already knows about that.
But last, I got something really special that she won't know about until we're back from Greece. Mark, who happens to be a contractor, is going to furnish a baby room for Sadie. We decided on painting the walls pale green and white, and it'll be in the biggest guest room. The one right beside our bedroom. It has a little balcony like the one in our room. Sadie will love it. I'm sure of it.
