Page 33 of Power Move

“So, is the Zofran doing a better job?” She asked.

Eva nodded. “I think so. Not perfect, but it’s good.”

“And, Dad, is she eating better?”

She meant for me to respond.

“We’re not together,” Eva quickly jumped in. “We’re just… it’s a little complicated. He’s supportive, but we’re not like… a couple.”

“Oh, alright.” Dr. Howard noted something on our chart. “Totally fine. So, do youwanthim to have access to medical records or be your emergency contact? Right now, I have an Ellie Jamison on file.”

“Ellie is good for my contact,” Eva said. “And no. I don’t think that is necessary.”

The doctor didn’t skip a beat. “Will you be attending all of these appointments, Dad?”

She’d replaced my name withDad. I wondered if doctors treated Cal—Mr. Mayor—this way. Did they call him by his first name? Or did they refer to him as Mayor Markham? Why didEvaget a name, but I was just “dad”?

“I will be doing my best to,” I agreed. “Barring an emergency, I plan to be here for Eva.”

“Good, good. We love a dad who shows up. Eva, if there is ever a matter you want to discuss 1-on-1 or a procedure we need to do where you are not comfortable with Dad in the room, let me know.”

“Will do,” Eva agreed.

“Now, we will book you in for the scan within a month. We can do the NT test for Down’s as well as a genetic screen. At twenty-nine, you’re at low risk for both, but many people opt for the peace of mind.”

“I’ll do the scan,” Eva said. “But the test probably costs a fortune here in the US, right?”

“It usually runs a couple thousand since insurance only covers it if you’re over 35.”

“This country is a mess,” Eva groaned. “Well, then let’s just?—”

“Let’s have the test. I’m going to pick up the tab,” I offered.

“Davey, it’s not a fucking bar. You can’t just leave a card on file,” Eva snapped.

“I am not saying that, and you absolutely can.”

“You can,” Dr. Howard said. “We usually request you do that and then we process the cost of delivery over the next seven months, or you can pay the balance after the anatomy scan like most people do. Talk to billing on the way out.”

“This country is… odd,” Eva said. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be short. I had two pregnancies and IUI in the UK. My partner and I did it private pay, but it was through her insurance.”

The doctor’s eyebrows raised. Eva’s colorful history finally received a surprise reaction. I stifled a giggle. Our unfortunate hookup-cum-lovechild was fine, but Eva’s attempts to have a baby with a woman raised eyebrows.

“The UK. Well, why did you come back?” Dr. Howard asked.

Eva shifted uncomfortably. “We broke up. And… I took a job here.”

With my company. As my sister’s employee.

“Hope that is going well.”

“Oh, it sure is,” Eva said, flatly.

“Well, that’s all I have for you. Drop by billing and reception will schedule a follow-up.”

We did the compulsory bits—payment and scheduling an appointment. I sent a message to hold time on my calendar for a doctor’s appointment. Then came the awkward dance of seeing Ellie and trying to extricate myself. I knew Eva had probably thrown me under the bus to Ellie, so I expected a cold reception. Instead, Ellie was nice.

“Well, we’re good to go. Baby is healthy,” Eva gave Ellie a look at the ultrasound photos. “She’s doing well.”