Page 75 of Power Move

“She’s already lost fifteen pounds,” I protested. “She’s struggled with food. It’s getting better, but… why would you say that?”

“Your wife is overweight. Plain and simple. It is a risk?—”

“Excuse me, but does that seem kindorhelpful?” I asked, sounding like my baby sister stopping an argument.

Eva patted my arm. “Stop. It’s not worth it.”

I felt the vein in my neck brush against the collar of my oxford shirt. “Sir, this woman is in great shape. Eva takes care of herself when her body allows. I don’t think it is helpful to suggest she fucking starve herself while growing multiple babies. Do you?”

“We would like to keep tabs on her weight. Overweight people?—”

“She is a person. A beautiful, smart, talented woman. And while you may claim you’re doing your job, you’re just being a judgy asshole.”

“That is youropinion. Science?—”

“Stop,” Eva held up her hand. “I don’t want to talk about it. Let’s just move on.”

I seethed, glaring at the doctor.

He continued, “We have a birth class for multiples starting in two months. I’d like you to consider it. Most parents find it helpful. We have special discussions about baby care and breastfeeding.”

Eva nodded, a shell of her former self.

He handed me an information packet, sent us to scheduling, and we said nothing until the elevator. Eva collapsed into a puddle of tears.

“Eva, I’m sorry he said those things.”

“Theyalldo,” Eva said. “And I’m a ‘small-fat’ you know. People don’t even really consider me ‘fat’ until it’s convenient. I’m used to all this rhetoric—his touting bad, biased science. But fighting him does no good, Davey. Trust me. It’s every doctor.”

“Well, when he does it around me, Iwillsay something,” I said. “You are a living human being. You’re the mother of my children. He doesn’t get to talk to you like that. Okay?”

She squeezed my hand. “Okay. I’m sorry for crying about the boys. I don’t want you to think I won’t love them. I will.”

I turned to her, with all the love in the world. “Of course you will. You’ll love them because they’re ours. And they will be loved—by everyone, I suspect.”

“We need to do so much,” Eva murmured.

“Like buy a car? Yeah. We do.” I chuckled. “It’s fine. We’ll do it tonight. One big thing off the list. The other stuff will happen. It will come together.”

Eva sighed as we left the elevator. “It’s good news, though. This is a relief.”

“It is. Oh, I almost forgot. Mum is having a party for her birthday this weekend. She wants to invite you.”

“Me?” Eva laughed. “Really?”

“Yeah. She wants you to come. She’s trying. I am as surprised as you. You don’t have to, but… it would be good.”

“For you or me?”

For me most of all.

“Look, I’ll go if you come with me to Ellie’s wedding. I’m getting nothing but pressure from her to bring a date. I don’t want to, but… it could be fun.”

“I would love to!” I jumped at the chance.

“What?” Eva said, surprised.

“Well, hot bridesmaids are sort of my thing,” I joked.