The Miami Diaries Book 6

Chapter 3

T/W: Minor alarm over pregnancy issues

***
Lex

Cass calls me, checking in and seeing if Aria, Steve and me are interested in going to the zoo this weekend.

"Sounds fun," I say. "I'll ask Steve when he gets home."

"It would be fun," Cass says. "Aaron loves seeing the animals."

"Ari, too." I look over at Aria, who's currently putting all her stuffed animals and baby to bed.

"It wouldn't be too difficult for you, would you?" I smile. Cass has been an amazing friend to me. I'm so grateful for her.

"I think I could manage for a few hours," I joke. "And if I get too worn out, we'll just go home."

"All right." Cass pauses to help Aaron with something. Hard to believe he's over a year old now.

"Bet you wish this one would hurry up, huh?" Cass asks.

"I do. But hopefully time will speed up some," I reply.

"You'll certainly have your hands full once the baby does arrive," Cass says.

"No kidding. But I'm sure Mom will be more than happy to help." Cass laughs.

"Oh, I'm sure! Well, if you get too overwhelmed, just let me know. I'm happy to help as well."

"Thanks," I say. "It's much appreciated."

"Of course," Cass says.

****
"You really wanna walk around the zoo for a few hours?" Steve looks skeptical when I ask him about going to the zoo.

"Steve, I'll be fine," I tell him. He thinks for several minutes.

"I guess if you're really feeling up to it. Ari would enjoy it."

"She will." I give Steve a mischievous grin. "So will you." Steve chuckles.

"I will."

"Oh, maybe we could invite Knox," I suggest. Steve immediately looks wary.

"Why?"

"Because," I say. "I think it'd be good for him. He doesn't have much of a social life."

"He might be uncomfortable," Steve says, looking uncomfortable himself.

"Only if certain people make him uncomfortable," I retort. Steve sighs.

"You can ask him," he says. "But I doubt he'll accept your invitation."

***
The next morning, when Knox accompanies Aria and I on our morning walk, I ask him if he'd like to come to the zoo with us. Knox looks extremely taken aback.

"You'd really want me to...come?"

"Yes," I say. Knox stares straight ahead, Otto's leash slack in his hands. Since he's wearing his sunglasses, I can't tell what he's thinking.

"Wow. That's very thoughtful of you," Knox murmurs.

"Why shouldn't I ask you?" I say. "We are friends."

"Yeah. It's just..." Knox trails off.

"You mean because of my husband?"

"Yeah."

"He knows and understands that we're friends," I say. Knox doesn't say anything for several minutes.

"Thanks, Lex," he says. "I'll have to let you know. I might be on call."