Page 82 of Power Move

“It will be fine,” Davey said. “I’m giving myself a hard time. I am sure it will work. We do the best we can.”

Dad changed the subject. “Well, the car is nice. It’s electric.”

“I’m getting a plug for the barn. I can charge it by the overhang,” I said.

“It seemed very fancy,” Mom agreed. “But that’s silly. Put the plug and charger in the garage. Maybe we’ll get a new-fangled car. We’re notthatold-school and redneck, Eva.”

“I didn’t want to impose?—”

“Well, you aren’t. And anyway, you aren’t planning on staying here, are you?” Dad asked.

“Oh… I we haven’t talked about that,” I sighed. “Way to make it awkward.”

“That isn’t true, Eva,” Davey outed me. “I’ve tried?—”

“To make me move up there.”

“Well, I think it would be better if I could be closer and could actually help you.”

“I agreed to the nanny.”

“Eva, that’s not the same thing.”

“You should move up there,” Mom said. “I hate to have to see you go, sweetheart, but… he’s right. You will want him nearby for help. And they will want to see their father. It’s a little silly to have him drive down here. Besides, Dad and I raised our children. We’ll be glad to take them on weekends sometimes, but having two babies in the house isn’t for us.”

I felt rejected. “Okay, well I didn’t realize I was getting evicted?—”

“Sweetie, you aren’t,” Dad said. “We just figured you’d want to move up there after you got a steady paycheck. This isn’t exactly the center of the universe. It’s exciting up there.”

I expected a superior look from Davey. Instead, his face showed sympathy.

“We’ll make it work,” Davey reiterated.

Mom slapped her knees, initiating a Midwestern Goodbye if I ever saw one. “It’s late. I should get you some towels and make sure the guest room is ready, David.”

“Oh, uh… you don’t need to go to any trouble,” Davey said. “Really, Mrs. Pavlak?—”

“You aren’t sleeping in her room,” Mom said. “And I won’t make you drive. Stay up. Talk to Eva. But, mind yourselves.”

Mom left. Dad soon said goodnight and disappeared.

“They realize I’m almost forty, right?” Davey winced. “And that… you’re pregnant with my children?”

“My mother is still very religious and traditional,” I said. “So, she’s going to make you earn it. And, Davey, we’re not having sex tonight. You knew that.”

“Did I?”

I rolled my eyes. “Do I look up to it? I’m not.”

“Oh… okay. I’m not upset just… I don’t know. This is peak awkwardness.”

“I know,” I laughed. “Fuck, it’s so weird.”

“It is worth it, though,” Davey said. “I will keep trying. Your parents care about you, Eva. I’m sorry that sort of blindsided you.”

“I’m fine.”

Davey moved next to me. “No, you’re not. I think I hurt your feelings about Mum not wanting a distraction. And I think your parents mean well, but it’s a complicated time.”