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“That’s not necessary.”
“I want to do it. Please. It would be an honor to celebrate my niece or nephew.”
“Alright, but please don’t go overboard. I don’t want a huge, elaborate party. Keep it small and intimate.”
Savannah cocks her head to the side. “Like just the three of us? We could celebrate over brunch with just the three of us. A baby shower should have many guests.”
Francesca types on her phone. “Do you want a co-ed party or just ladies?”
“Uh, co-ed I guess.”
“Good, that’s what I was thinking. The guys will want to be there. Now, do you want a certain theme or color scheme?”
“Like what?” I ask, suddenly feeling overwhelmed.
“Teddy bears, ducks, rainbows, circuses, a cartoon character, or maybe sea creatures?”
Woah, that’s too much to consider.
She continues, oblivious to my mini freak out. “Ooh, we can do playful sharks because Joey plays for the Sharks, or what about greens and yellows, like a forest theme with all the baby animals?”
Her fingers type at the speed of lightning as she tries to jot down all her ideas.
“What about diaper cakes as the centerpieces? They are super cute and practical since you will use the diapers once the baby is born. What about games? I think we should do at least three, but do you think guests will want to play along?”
Savannah places her hand on Francesca’s, stopping her frantic typing. “Hey, I think you are starting to overwhelm Alexandra.”
“I’m already way past the starting line. That sounds like it’s going to be far from small and intimate.”
Francesca glances from Savannah to me. “I’m sorry, Alexandra. That was not my intent. Just leave all the tiny details to me and Savannah. We will plan the perfect baby shower for you.”
“Thanks. I would appreciate that. I don’t even know which hospital I’m going to deliver in. There are too many decisions to make, and I shouldn’t have to make them alone. I don’t want to make them alone, but I can’t just forgive what Joseph has said and done.”
Francesca and Savannah share a look, but neither of them speak.
“What is it? What are you two hiding from me?” I ask before taking a bite of my fried rice.
Francesca clicks and swipes on her phone before turning it around to show me the video footage from the gym at the arena.
Joseph, Rhett, Spencer, and Gage are working out and talking.
I pause the video. “Should I even be watching this? Where did you get this from? This is their private conversation.”
Savannah interjects. “Yes, you should. You need to watch this. Aren’t you curious to hear what the guys talk about when they are alone?”
“Sure, but it’s none of my business. If they wanted me to know what they talked about, they would tell me.”
Francesca hands me her phone. “How do you think I even knew about their conversation? I was told to download the video and show it to you.”
“By who?” I can’t imagine Joseph telling his sister to show me the video of a conversation he had with his three best friends.
“Just watch it, please.”
I huff and pout while debating if I should watch the video. “I feel like this is the moment I’ll see on replay as I stand at the pearly gates. They will ask me why I chose the immoral choiceto watch the video instead of turning it off and asking Joseph directly.”
“I’ll defend you and tell them I made you watch the video. I will take all responsibility for this event and you can get into Heaven with a clear conscience.”
Savannah nods. “Me too. I’ll take the blame off you.”