Page 154 of Babies for the Big Shot

As she pours the tea, I can’t help but notice how steady she is, how composed. It’s not an act. She’s simply at peace with herself, even in the face of something as intense as what she’s about to share.

“I’m Evelyn,” she says softly, offering me a cup, her gaze searching mine.

“Sara. Me and Nick are…” I don’t know how to say it, but I rub my belly.

I see her freeze. Just for a split second, everything changes.

Her eyes narrow slightly, studying my belly, and the calm, collected composure she’s had up until now shatters.

Her breath catches, and there’s a flash of something—surprise, maybe even concern—before she forces herself to steady.

She takes a deep breath and sets the teapot down, her fingers lingering just slightly on the handle.

“You’re… you’re pregnant?” she asks, the words almost soft, like she’s not sure she wants to confirm it.

I nod slowly, watching her carefully. “Yeah. It’s… Nick’s.”

My voice falters, unsure whether she’ll react with anger or something else. But I have to say it. I need her to know this is real.

Evelyn’s eyes widen just enough for me to see the shift. The veil of distance she had carefully put between us slips for a moment.

She’s not just looking at me anymore; she’s looking at something far deeper. Her fingers twitch at the edge of her cup and she inhales sharply, as if the air’s been knocked out of her.

For the first time since I walked in, I see the weight of the moment settle on her. She’s reacting to what it means. For Nick, for me, for all of them.

“Nick… is serious, then,” she murmurs, more to herself than to me.

Her eyes drift down to my belly again, and the softness in her expression gives way to something else. Something like recognition.

“I didn’t think he’d ever let anyone get this close. Especially not after… everything.”

I don’t know if I’m supposed to ask what she means byeverything, but I say nothing, choosing instead to let her guide the conversation.

She looks at me again, her gaze softening, almost in awe.

“He doesn’t let people in, Sara. Not the way he’s letting you in. And this…” She gestures toward my stomach. “This is huge.”

I swallow, a lump forming in my throat. I’m not sure what to say, so I stay quiet, hoping she’ll offer more.

And she does.

After a pause, Evelyn sets her cup on the table with a soft clink. She looks at me, her expression more open now, but still tinged with urgency.

“You’re serious about him, too, aren’t you?”

I don’t even hesitate. “Yeah. I am.”

She nods slowly, as if absorbing that, her eyes still locked on mine.

“I can see that,” she says quietly. Then, with a shake of her head, she exhales and seems to relax, her posture softening. “I didn’t expect… this. But if Nick’s serious about you… then I guess I should be, too. I’m his sister.”

Sister?

Now it’s my turn to stare in shock. Why didn’t I know this?

I swallow, taking the cup from her hands, but I don’t drink just yet. “He hasn’t really mentioned you…”

Evelyn studies me for a moment before nodding, as if she understands exactly what I mean, exactly what’s left unsaid. “That sounds about right.”