Chaos at Coconuts

by Beth Carter

  Vanessa glanced at Suzy who sat mum. Blowing her nose before continuing, she said, “Somehow, I thought convincing him to have sex with me, just once, would make our breaking up easier.” She buried her face in her hands. “I was stupid. It made it worse.” Wiping her nose with the back of her hand, she said, “Sorry. I’m sure you don’t want to hear intimate details about your son. I never dreamed I’d get pregnant the first time.” She threw both hands in the air. “What are the odds?”

  Suzy couldn’t speak.

  Vanessa continued. “I already love this baby. It’s a little piece of Jon and me.” Her voice broke. “I won’t blame you if you walk out that door right now but I thought you deserved to know.”

  Unable to breathe, Suzy glanced out the window at the cloudless blue sky, as if for an answer. She took a deep breath and weighed her comments before speaking. “Vanessa, I don’t know where to begin. Number one, I’m dumbfounded. Jon never told me he had sex with you. Then, again, I guess he wouldn’t. Maybe he was confused about his sexuality.” She scratched her head. “I’m shocked, perplexed, baffled, bamboozled, just pick an adjective.”

  Vanessa touched Suzy’s arm. “I don’t have any expectations. Jon made it clear he was coming out after graduation. He confided in me first, I suppose. At school, I remember he said he had to work up his nerve to tell you and especially his dad, saying he wanted to think about the best way to approach you both while he backpacked in Europe.” She shrugged. “Like I said, we were totally drunk. I practically begged him. We were both so smashed he may not even remember it.”

  Suzy rubbed her temples, feeling one of her famous headaches bearing down. She held up a hand. “I don’t need any more details. I believe you. Still, it’s a—”

  “I know. It’s a lot.”

  “How far along are you?” Suzy asked.

  “Twenty-eight weeks.”

  Suzy did a quick calculation. “That’s seven months, right? You’re two months from your due date?”

  Vanessa bobbed her head. “We can do a paternity test if you want.”

  Suzy reached across the table and gripped both of Vanessa’s hands. “Please stop crying. Stress isn’t good for you when you’re pregnant.”

  “Like I said, I believe you but I can’t speak for Jon. That’s up to him—and his partner. This is messy and quite the challenge.”

  Vanessa nodded. “I understand.” She sniffed. “Why do you think I’ve kept this a secret?” Her Adam’s apple moved as she attempted to swallow. “I’m afraid, Suzy. I don’t think I can raise a baby by myself. Plus, it’s way too late for—” She rubbed her belly. “Not that I could bring myself to do that anyway.”

  This time, Suzy’s eyes rimmed with tears. Her heart sank, lurched, but just as quickly, filled with love. She leaned forward. “Do you know the sex?”

  Vanessa’s eyes twinkled. “Yes.”

  “And?”

  Chapter 85

  Vanessa’s smile nearly reached both ears. “I’m having a girl. A sweet, precious baby girl.”

  Suzy’s thoughts raced at the thought of buying pink, dolls, ballet classes, and eventually getting mani-pedis with her—what would she be—oh, my God. A granddaughter. I’m going to have a granddaughter. Her pulse quickened as a server refilled her coffee and unknowing customers sang “Happy Birthday” to a friend.

  The impact of this momentous occasion enveloped her. Then her jubilation turned dark. What will Jon think? What will he do? He’ll want to be involved. Won’t he? What about Fernando? Will he leave Jon? Suzy was gleeful, nervous, excited, and afraid all at the same time.

  As she pondered the predicament, she studied Vanessa who looked like she was still in high school. Freckles dotted the bridge of her nose and a zit formed on her forehead. The mother-to-be had turned to Suzy for answers, for direction, and likely wanted Suzy to play a role in this child’s life. I want to be involved. I have to be involved. But what about Jon? A groan escaped her lips.

  “I knew you’d be disappointed.” Vanessa reached for her faded navy purse as she scooted toward the edge of her chair. “Forget I told you. I’ll figure this out. Don’t worry. I, we—” Her voice broke. “We don’t want to be an inconvenience.” She put one hand on the table and the other on the back of the chair as she endeavored to raise her bulging body.

  Suzy held her hands straight out. “No, no, no. I didn’t mean to groan. It’s not what you think. Please sit down. I’m not disappointed in the least. Actually, even though it’s a total shock—a colossal one—I’m excited about the baby. We have a lot to sort out, though. I’m trying to figure out how you and I should approach Jon and Fernando.”

  “Really? You’re not disappointed?” Vanessa asked.

  “Really.”

  Vanessa sat back down, put her head on the table, and wept.

  Suzy scanned the restaurant. A few onlookers and employees turned in their direction. “Please stop crying. We’ll figure this out.”

  Vanessa raised her head and met Suzy’s eyes. Her face was beet red. “You have no idea how relieved I am. My parents have practically disowned me.”

  Suzy’s eyebrows knitted. “Why?”

  “Because I’m not married. My dad is a preacher and he’s embarrassed. He doesn’t want his church family to know. He’s afraid they’ll fire him. He said he’s too old to start over with a new congregation.”

  Suzy frowned. “That surprises me. I’m sure his church members would be supportive. Grace and forgiveness, after all.”

  Vanessa shook her head. “I see my parents’ point. I don’t want to disgrace them.”

  Suzy’s thoughts swirled, thinking about Vanessa’s unsupportive parents. “Where are you living?”

  “With my aunt and uncle.”

  Suzy put her hand over Vanessa’s. “You don’t have to go through this alone. I’ll help you, and hopefully, Jon will want to be involved . . . in some way. I’m not quite sure how but we’ll figure this out together.”

  Chapter 86

  The following morning Suzy felt tremendous guilt as she ignored a call from Jon. She had never done that before but hadn’t yet formulated a pregnancy announcement plan. She chewed on her pink nail. Jon was likely calling to discuss his beach nuptials. He’d ask if she had locked in wedding resorts.

  Suzy’s stomach flip-flopped as she wondered whether she should pull a shocker and have Vanessa meet them for a meal. Maybe if Jon saw the visual of his child inside his old girlfriend, he’d welcome the news. Her mind flitted to Fernando. She knew Jon loved his fiancé but maybe, just maybe, they could all find a way to be involved with the baby and be one big happy family.

  Or not.

  Her stomach churned at what would likely be their shocked, flabbergasted reactions. Suzy made extra-strong coffee and was happy Ken was already at work and Izzy was at school, so she could sort her thoughts.

  Her phone rang a second time. She glanced at the screen. Jon is persistent today. She texted that she would call him after a quick shower. Her thoughts tumbled like socks in a dryer as she washed her hair. After Suzy toweled off, she texted and asked Jon to meet for lunch at Rosa’s Mexican Restaurant. He loved Mexican and happily agreed.

  While she drove, Suzy turned the radio nearly full volume to drown out her nervous thoughts about the upcoming conversation. She arrived at the restaurant in record time and scooted into a red booth. Within minutes, her son slid into the seat across from her.

  Jon grinned. “You’ve been hard to reach today.” He rubbed his hands together. “Ready to talk about the wedding? We’ve got to nail this down, Mom.”

  Suzy’s stomach tightened as remorse consumed her for withholding the baby information. But she couldn’t open with that bombshell. She stalled. “I’m starving. Mind if we eat first?”

  Jon shrugged. “I can always eat.”
>
  A server brought diet sodas and a platter of chips, salsa, and guacamole.

  After wolfing down half a basket of chips, Jon searched his mother’s face. “You’re quiet, Mom. Everything okay at home? I know Izzy is a handful and that runaway/abduction/whatever it was had to be taxing. Now, I’m pressuring you too.”

  Suzy waved her hand in the air. “You’re not pressuring me. I’m fine. Everyone’s fine.”

  The server reappeared to take their order. Suzy ordered a taco salad and Jon ordered chicken enchiladas. After the waitress left, Suzy’s heart thrashed. Maybe I shouldn’t have invited Vanessa. This is going to be too much of a shock. I need to be loyal to my son and tell him before she arrives. Her mouth went dry. She swallowed. “Jon, I have something to tell you. Something very important. I want you to listen closely.”

  He frowned while munching on a chip. “Are you and Ken getting a divorce?”

  “No, nothing like that.”

  He smiled broadly. “You found the perfect beach wedding spot, didn’t you? I knew you’d come through. You always do.” Jon reached for his phone and began texting. “Fernando has a hair appointment. I wish he were here to hear this. Maybe he can drop by later.”

  Suzy breathed a sigh of relief that Fernando wasn’t there. One difficult conversation a day was enough. She cleared her throat. “It’s not about the wedding.” She splayed her hands on the table. “Let me rephrase that. What I have to tell you could affect your wedding.”

  Jon glanced up from his phone mid-text. “Why are you being so mysterious? You’re acting weird.”

  Suzy tugged on her green blouse. “I don’t know how to tell you this but-”

  He groaned. “Just spit it out. You know I hate drama.”

  Suzy’s eyes welled with tears. “Vanessa is pregnant.”

  “Cool. She always wanted kids.” Jon smiled as the server delivered his enchilada. He scooped a big bite of guacamole and held it in mid-air. “A baby. Wow.”

  Even though it was lunch, Suzy ordered a glass of merlot, deciding it might calm her nerves. She waited until it was delivered and guzzled half before continuing.

  “Mom. Whoa. Slow down. It’s the middle of the day. At this rate, I’ll have to drive you home.”

  Unable to eat, Suzy regarded Jon squarely in the eyes. She leaned forward. “Jon—”

  “You look pale, Mom. Do you feel okay?”

  The server brought another bowl of chips and refilled their drinks. Suzy snapped at the unknowing waitress. “May we have some privacy?”

  Jon’s eyebrows shot up. “Geeze. You’re uptight. Will you tell me what this is about already? If there’s a wedding delay or if you have a conflict with a big-budget wedding, Fernando and I will understand. I know our wedding is your gift to us. You can push ours back a month or two. We’re in love. If we have to wait a little longer, it won’t kill us.” He leaned back and crossed his arms. “That’s it, isn’t it? There’s a conflict.”

  Suzy weighed her response before answering. “There’s definitely a conflict.”

  Chapter 87

  Suzy took a bite of taco salad but had lost her appetite. She set the fork down, put her hand on Jon’s arm, and spoke in a soft tone. “Listen very closely, son. Vanessa’s baby is yours.” Pausing for a second to see if the news had registered, which it apparently hadn’t by the look on his blank face, she continued, “I’m sorry to drop this bombshell and know it’s a huge shock.” She blew out her breath. “This is probably the last thing you wanted to hear. I just found out yesterday. Vanessa called and asked to meet with me.”

  After blurting out the stunning news, Suzy leaned against the red velvet cushioned bench seat as she focused on her son’s solemn face. Seconds seemed like hours as she waited for his response.

  He didn’t say a word.

  Jon sat stock still. Suzy noticed his jaw clenched when he finally found words. “My life is fucked. Fernando will leave me. I finally came out, got my life in order, and am the happiest I’ve ever been. Ever.” He slammed the table with his fist. “How is this even possible?”

  “Does your prom ring a bell?”

  Jon’s face fell. He shoved his food to the other side of the table so hard the plate nearly fell on the floor.

  “Jon, I know this is a shock—”

  “A shock? A fucking shock? It’s more like an earthquake, tornado, hurricane, and volcano all on the same fucking day, at the same fucking moment.”

  “We’re talking about a child, not the weather,” Suzy said.

  Jon narrowed his eyes. “And Vanessa thinks this is my problem now?”

  Suzy didn’t know what she expected but it wasn’t a cocky attitude from her normally sweet son. “This isn’t like you. Think about the baby. Think about Vanessa.”

  Jon raised his voice. “I finally got my life in order. Fernando and I are getting mar—” his voice broke, “and now . . . this. I love him. I don’t love Vanessa. That was high school pretend-to-be-like-everyone-else love. Puppy love, if that. As far as I’m concerned we were just good friends. She wanted more but I didn’t, I couldn’t . . .” He buried his face in his hands. “This is un-fucking believable.”

  “It only takes one time,” Suzy said a little too sternly.

  Jon spoke through clenched teeth. “Why does Vanessa want to ruin my life? I thought we were friends.” He crossed his arms. “How does she even know it’s mine?”

  Suzy glanced at her watch. “She’ll be here any minute. You can ask her.”

  “Nice, Mom. Real nice.” Jon jumped up and galloped like a race horse out the back door. Suzy’s mouth fell open as she watched her son bolt out of the restaurant. Tears pricked her eyes. I don’t know what I expected but it sure as hell wasn’t this.

  Chapter 88

  As if on cue, Vanessa shuffled into Rosa’s, stood in the front entrance, and scanned the restaurant, obviously searching for their table. Suzy rushed toward her and hugged the pregnant woman, saying, “I told Jon. He’s a little upset. Okay, he’s a lot upset but maybe—”

  “I knew it.” Vanessa turned on her heel and headed back toward the front door. In doing so, she twisted her ankle and nearly fell. Suzy reached for her but Jon was already at Vanessa’s side steadying her.

  “God, you’re as big as my car,” Jon said.

  His statement broke the strain. Vanessa laughed and so did he. Suzy breathed a sigh relief. She whispered in his ear, “Thank you for coming back. I love you.”

  He shrugged, never taking his gaze off his high school girlfriend’s big belly.

  Suzy steered them toward the table. “Let’s sit down before there are any more mishaps.”

  Jon sat by his mom as Vanessa clumsily slid onto the cushioned seat. The mother and son had to pull the table forward so she had enough room for her round tummy.

  Suzy noticed Jon couldn’t take his eyes off Vanessa’s baby bump. “We’ve eaten, sort of. Are you hungry? It’s on me.”

  Vanessa’s head bobbed. “I crave Mexican food constantly. How did you know?”

  Suzy chuckled. “I did too.”

  The server reappeared and eyed Suzy cautiously. “Okay for me to approach now?”

  “Sorry I snapped earlier.”

  The waitress shrugged, pulled out a notepad, and turned to Vanessa who ordered a bean burrito, rice, and water. “I’ve got to get my protein.”

  Jon watched her every move. “Long time no see.”

  She nodded. “Seven months.”

  His eyes bulged. “You’re due in two months?”

  She rubbed her belly. “Yup. How was Europe?”

  Jon exchanged glances with Suzy. “It was fun, and eventful, you might say.” He pointed toward her baby bump. “Not quite as eventful as your news.”

  Suzy observed their awkwardnes
s and wondered if she should leave but knew her son needed her support now more than ever.

  “Why don’t you tell Jon the sex of the baby?” Suzy suggested.

  Jon’s mouth fell open. “You already know?”

  Vanessa grinned. “It’s a girl.”

  “A girl,” he repeated. “Are you ready to be a parent because I’m not ready . . .” His voice trailed off.

  Vanessa twirled her straw. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. I’m excited to meet her but know it’ll be hard to be a single mom.”

  Jon let out a long whistle. “So you don’t expect me to marry you?”

  Vanessa shook her head. “Of course not.”

  He managed a half-smile. “That’s a huge relief.”

  Suzy leaned toward Vanessa. “I’m offering free, unlimited babysitting services any time.” She peered at Jon. “I’ve had twenty-four hours to let this sink in. I know it’s a jolt, son. I didn’t know how to spring the news on you. It’s impossible to ease into this one.”

  “You could say that again. A text or email wouldn’t have gone over well.”

  Suzy eyed both of them. “I decided you two needed to see one another. There was no stress-free way to broach this-this sweet bundle of conundrum.” Suzy turned toward Jon. “You are the father, after all.”

  He turned toward Vanessa. “How do you know it’s mine?”

  “Easy. I haven’t been with anyone else. Remember the prom? Remember my yellow-sequined dress that got ripped? Remember that horrible Strawberry Hill we drank too much of? Remember—”

  Jon held a hand in the air in an obvious attempt to get her to stop. “I remember most of it. It was a mis—” He stopped himself. “When I went to Europe, I met . . .”