Page 94 of Power Move

I tried to calm Eva with back rubs. After a few minutes, she fell asleep. I grabbed a pillow to slide under her neck for support and slid from beneath her. Eva’s tired body barely moved. She was emotionally exhausted. All I could do was think about how angry I was. My mother might have been a classist asshole, but she wouldn’t have tolerated a rant like that aimed at my sisters. I was sure somehow it could be fixed, but I didn’t know how to get there.

26.ROOMMATES

Eva

“Eva, can I bother you?”

I looked up as Claire entered. “Sure. Of course.”

I stood, hoping my computer hid the fact that myworkpants were nothing more than a pair of flared yoga pants. I’d been at Davey’s for three days. Ellie brought me a restock of “forgiving” clothes, but even with a hair tie, none of my dress slacks convincingly fit me. The babies officially took over my body.

“So, my daughter is having surgery next week,” Claire said. “It’s very pressing. She fractured her elbow so badly that they need to put pins in. Damn monkey bars! I’d decided to go in Daphne’s place to London, but I don’t think I can swing it. And we need someone who both understands our need to get them on our devices and network and can read legalese. That leaves you. I didn’t know how you felt about going with David?”

“Uh… I…”

“I didn’t even know if you were allowed to travel.”

“I am,” I said. “I can, for all I know. But I don’t know how David feels about it.”

“I wanted to ask you before I asked him. Have you seen him this morning?”

“Not particularly,” I lied. “Just in passing.”

OfcourseI had. He’d woken me up and insisted on eating me out. We still hadn’t resolved what wewere, but we fucked like rabbits. Getting off was the best coping mechanism I had. Thankfully, he was good for that and a back rub afterwards.

“He’s in a good mood,” Claire said. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what the deal is. It’s awkward and Daphne being gone… I’m making it weird.”

“The whole us getting together before I started here—by accident—bit is what makes it weird,” I said. “Sorry. And the babies are fine. It’s not like there’s anything wrong there. But it’s still awkward.”

“I am glad all is well there. If you two aren’t on good terms?—”

“We’re fine,” I said. “Do you think tryingnotto make it weird is… in-fact… making it weird?”

“A little. I think we’re all just holding our breath until we can tell everyone or… not.”

“That has to come from David.”

“I think he’s afraid to say anything without your go-ahead.”

I rolled my eyes. “Ofcoursehe is.”

“Maybe talk to him while you’re in London? Not to… tell you what to say, but it might be helpful if we could at least tell direct reports.”

“What, you don’t think they can tell I’m pregnant, right?” I joked. “None of my slacks fit. I’m barely still making it into my tops. It’s a hot mess.”

“Get the stretchy pants. They are ugly, but you’ll thank yourself.”

“Thanks,” I said. “Do you want me to talk to David?”

“If you don’t mind. My morning is?—”

“Got it,” I said. “I hope the surgery goes well and she’s back to monkeying around soon.”

“Me, too. Thanks.”

Claire dipped. I pulled up my yoga pants and decided to see what Davey’s schedule looked like. His assistant glared. She hadit in for me since discovering we were scheduling time off together. I knew she thought we were having an affair. The truth, however, was worse.

I peered into the room through the windows, watching David talk on the phone.