Live, Laugh, Loathe

Chapter 17: Damon

Drew and Rachel are walking ahead of Collin and me, arm in arm, giggling.

Fucking music to my ears. Once we signed the papers in HR and a statement went out to everyone at the office, it's as if a huge weight had lifted off Drew's shoulders. She smiles more, isn't afraid to show off her growing belly, and just seems generally happier. Like she's now looking forward to the baby coming instead of dreading how people will take the news.

For the most part, the office seemed to take it in stride. I've heard a few disgruntled comments here and there, but they've been squashed. Yesterday, Matt sent out a company-wide email congratulating us, asking the office to contribute a few dollars to a pool, so they can buy us a baby gift. That seemed to kill any further grumbles.

Today, we've joined Collin and Rachel crib shopping. And let me tell ya, it's way more involved than you would expect. Who knew sleeping could be so complicated? First, you have to decide if you want a bassinet or a traditional crib. If you want a bassinet, do you want it in the room with you at first? Or in the nursery. If you go with a crib, which type do you want? Most these days have settings, so as the kid gets older, the base moves down. That way, the kid can't get out of bed. Then the style of the crib. Which, if you aren't careful, could do more harm than good, so make sure to read every review if you are looking at one.

Collin told me they've looked at over one hundred cribs, and Rachel still can't decide.

"Oh my god, no way!" Rachel shrieks, holding Drew by her shoulders aggressively. Drew's face has turned completely red. I'm instantly on alert.

"Damon!" Rachel's head snaps in my direction with alarming speed. "Did you know she's been with eight women?" Drew slaps a hand over her face and groans. Interesting.

"I did not. Is that why you forgot to remind me about a condom?" I tease, "You just weren't used to it?"

"Ha! You wish, jackass. I've been with plenty of men too." She shrugs, giving me a saucy look from under her eyelashes. My cock wakes up. Down, boy, we're in public. "I experimented a lot in college. And I can say, without a doubt, my most meaningful relationships were with women." She flicks her gaze over me in mock disdain. But I know better. She may pretend, but this thing between us, baby or not, is already deeper than anything she's had before.

"So, do you consider yourself bi then? I've had a lot of clients agonize over this question. Women and men who had relationships with same-sex partners but ultimately ended up in hetero-relationships." Rachel can't help herself sometimes. I can't decide if I should step in or not, but Drew doesn't seem to mind the slightly invasive questions.

"I'm definitely bisexual. I will admit, at first, I struggled with the same thing. I was casually dating a woman in college who told me I had to choose, that bisexuality wasn't real, and I internalized that for a few years. Now though, I'm comfortable in my sexuality."

"Oh, that's so wonderful. Hear that, Damon? If you're not careful, she'll find a nice woman to settle down with and raise your kid." Rachel then turns and skips away without a care in the world.

Collin slaps my shoulder, "I'm going to follow my wife and force her to purchase a crib. At this point, the baby will be here before the nursery is set up." I nod as he takes off down the aisle, chasing his waddling wife.

Drew gives me an uncertain look like she isn't sure what to say or do now that I know she's bi. I just reach down and link our hands, putting us into motion behind the crazy couple arguing over cribs.

"So, what. That's it? No, follow-up questions?" She looks up at me, a frown on her face. Almost like she's annoyed at how unbothered I am. Like she was gearing up for a fight and now has the wind taken out of her sails.