Page 125 of Power Move

I followed her to the rows of clothes, picking out a few simple black dresses that I could pair with one of the fifty colorful cardigans I owned. I found two that worked by time Davey finally graced us with his presence.

“I’m so sorry,” he apologized earnestly. “Disaster. Chaos. But I’m back. Did you make any progress?”

“I found a few things,” I said as the perky saleswoman toted my clothes.

“Good. I’m glad. Did you get something to wear to dinner tomorrow?”

“What?” I asked.

“We’re having dinner with the family to celebrate the baby.”

“I know. Is it an induction? Do I need robes? Sacred underpants?”

He snickered. “Mum keeps it relatively formal. A dress or jacket sort of thing.”

I controlled the urge to roll my eyes. I’d hoped to get away with a sweater, leggings, and boots. Instead, I had to put on a work dress and heels. Just the thought made me want to revolt and say I didn’t want to come.

“That’s just… how it is. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.” Davey realized I was now evenlessenthusiastic.

“So, are we adding those to the registry or… buying them today?” The saleswoman returned.

“Registry?” Davey asked. “No. She needs the clothes. Why would we have a registry?”

“Most people… register for gifts,” the woman said, confused. “For their showers.”

“Oh, we won’t be doing that,” Davey said. “Whatever we need, we’ll either order or get today.”

My face fell. I hadn’t expected to care. After years of planning baby showers, I realized I’d never have one.

“You will have people who want to buy you some sweet gifts,” the saleswoman said. “And if you don’t register, you will have to explain what you do and don’t want. Trust me, you will thank me later.”

I shot Davey a look, telling him to shut up. I wasn’t about to argue, and he got himself in so much trouble over the last week that he knew better than to poke the bear. I wanted to trust him again. I wanted to fall in love with him—just like he wanted me to—but I couldn’t get there. Here was a man willing todoanything and buy me anything I needed or even wanted. He’d wait on me hand and foot. He did and said stupid things, but only because he wore his heart on his sleeve and I flustered him. Helovedme. Why couldn’t I love him back?

“Sure,” I said.

She left. “I will go grab the iPad!”

Davey said, “Eva, it’s gauche.”

“Davey, I have normal friends who would like to see a registry.”

“We don’t need people to buy us things.”

“And yet, we are here trying to also buy a present for Cordelia, yeah? Wouldn’t a registry help?”

“It cannot be that hard.”

“So, you do it. Find things for your sister and the baby.” I turned the request for emotional labor on him.

“Uh… sure.” Davey disappeared to where all the baby clothes lived.

I prepared to be unimpressed with his choices.

To my surprise—and relief—the woman broughtDaveythe iPad so he could input our details while I continued shopping. There was some justice in the world! I grinned at her as she passed, continuing to file through lines of strollers, cribs, and car seats.

“Are you finding everything alright?” An older woman approached.

“We’re browsing, thanks. The other woman is trying to walk my boyfriend through the registry he insists we don’t need.”