Chapter 4
The two friends spent the afternoon getting caught up on the time they’d been apart. Sarah told Becca all about going to Virginia for Christmas and taping the Valentine’s Special. She also told her about the cruise which was a huge success.
It was getting late and Sarah knew Howie would be home soon. She also figured Becca would be headed home wanting to be with Nick for the evening. Instead, she got a bigger surprise than having her best friend show up to keep her company.
"What’s in the refrig for dinner?" asked Becca.
"I don’t know. Howie’s been doing everything. Why?
"I thought I’d start dinner for him."
"Bec, you don’t have to do that. Howie will be here soon."
"I don’t mind. I’m gonna invite myself to dinner too," said Becca as she got up. "Think you can handle Garrett?"
"Oh, I’m sure I can….but don’t you want to go home?"
"To what? An empty house?" remarked Becca coolly.
"Where’s Nick?"
"Hmmm…what’s today? He could be doing community service or he might be with his buddies or he might be at the studio. At any rate, he won’t be home before midnight."
Becca disappeared into the kitchen making it difficult for Sarah to question her.
Sarah leaned back and looked down at Garrett as he snoozed peacefully beside her. Something was definitely wrong between Becca and Nick but she’d promised Howie to stay out of it. When Kevin had called them to tell them about Nick’s arrest, Howie had told Sarah he would handle it. Unfortunately, he hadn’t been able to catch up with Nick yet to hear his side of it.
"Your daddy certainly has a knack for screwing up royally," mumbled Sarah as she caressed the soft blonde hair of the baby.
Becca eventually returned having put dinner in to cook and the two resumed their conversation. Sarah was careful to avoid the topic of Nick but she watched Becca closely and could tell that her friend was not happy.
Around five, Sarah got up saying, "I’ll be back in a minute."
"What’s wrong?" questioned Becca with concern. Sarah had stopped in the middle of the conversation.
"Nothing. Just need to get something," called Sarah as she waddled to the kitchen. A minute later, she returned with an opened beer in one hand and a juice box in the other.
"Nice duck impersonation," teased Becca.
Sarah smirked, "Oh bite me!!"
As Sarah sat down, the front door burst open and Jesse came bounding in! "Mommy!! We’re HOOME!"
Becca looked at Sarah in disbelief, "How did you do that? I never heard a thing!"
Sarah laughed as Jesse wrapped her arms around her. "I knew it was time for them to be here…..and I saw the lights on Howie’s car when he pulled in the driveway."
"Hey, Aunt Becca!" beamed Jesse as she took the juice box Sarah handed her.
"Did you have fun in school today?" asked Becca.
"Yep!! Daddy came to eat lunch with me today!" announced Jesse as Howie joined them.
Leaning over to give Sarah a kiss and take the beer she handed him, he asked, "Did you ladies have a good visit?"
"Umm," said Sarah as she leaned her head against him. "It was WONDERFUL!! Thank you for calling her."
"Anything for my angel," smiled Howie. "Becca, I can’t thank you enough for coming out here. Need a hand getting Garrett’s things together?"
"Not just yet. I’m staying for dinner which is in the oven now cooking."
"Aunt Becca!!! You should see all the cool things I got from Santa!!"
"Why don’t you show Aunt Becca what you got?" suggested Howie.
"Come with me?" begged Jesse.
"Sure!"
"Jess…don’t spill your juice!" called Sarah as Jesse pulled Becca down the hall
to her room. When they were gone, Sarah said, "’D’, something is wrong with Nick
and Becca."
"Why? What did she say?" he asked as he sat on the edge of the couch next to
Sarah.
Sarah told Howie about the comments Becca made about Nick not being home until midnight. "I’m worried, Howie. Reality has set in and I’m not sure they’re dealing with it very well."
"I’ll talk to Becca before she leaves. How are my little darlings doing?" asked Howie as he placed his hand on her stomach.
"They’re calm right now, THANKFULLY, but earlier, they were having a karate match in there," whispered Sarah as she closed her eyes to enjoy Howie’s touch. She loved the feel of his hands on her stomach, easing the movement of the babies or the discomfort of the stretching.
The couple talked while Jesse showed Becca her Christmas gifts and when they returned, Jesse showed Sarah her work from the day. Howie watched Becca closely and could tell Sarah was right, not that he had doubted her. He would have to talk to her before she left for sure and he would HAVE to catch up with Nick too.