Chapter 3
Gracie teased him with a laugh.
"Stop being so cheeky and just go make dinner," she said.
She sat me down on the couch with her, holding my hand, and just tossed whatever I was carrying aside.
She couldn't stop talking, sharing all the funny moments the baby had gotten up to lately.
Suddenly, she zoned out, staring toward the kitchen.
"You know, having a guy around isn't so bad. It actually brings a bit of that homey feeling," she said.
"Maybe I should just find a guy and settle down," she joked.
I heard the chopping in the kitchen pause for a moment.
If it were before, I'd have backed her up without a second thought.
But then, my throat was so dry that I couldn't even get a word out.
When we sat down to eat, the table was loaded with all of Gracie's favorite dishes.
Gracie was all smiles.
I wasn't picky, but I just didn't feel like eating.
Just then, the baby's cries came from the bedroom.
Gracie quickly put down her fork.
"The child's awake," she said.
Bruce stood up almost without thinking, giving her a reassuring look.
"I'll go check on him. You keep eating," he said.
I stopped myself from getting up too.
I watched as Bruce walked into the bedroom.
He came out holding the baby, soothing him like he'd done it a thousand times.
The baby stopped crying almost right away.
Both Bruce and Gracie let out a sigh of relief.
Watching them, I dug my nails into my palms, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill.
It took everything I had not to break down right then.
Gracie could tell something was up, so she tried to smooth things over.
"This little one is already so fussy, and he's only two months old," she said.
"Looks like Bruce's got this parenting thing down. You can just relax from now on," she added.
"Danielle, you're so lucky," she teased.
Bruce looked over at me and gave me a gentle smile.
But all I felt was how ironic it was.
After the meal, Gracie said she wanted to hang out with me all day.
For once, Bruce didn't go to the office, saying he wanted to be a good host.
Gracie grabbed a few bottles from the wine rack and set them out on the coffee table.
"It's been ages since I had a drink, ever since I got pregnant and had my son. You guys better drink with me and let me cut loose tonight," she said.
Bruce frowned as he watched Gracie open a bottle.
"You just had a baby. You really shouldn't be drinking much yet," he said.
Gracie pouted, not convinced at all.
"Come on, it's just a little. You know I used to drink way more than this," she shot back.
"Besides, I checked online that having a drink or two is totally fine," she added.
Bruce just sighed and reminded her, "Just this once."
I couldn't help but laugh.
They both paused, looking at me in surprise.
"What's so funny?" Bruce asked.
I composed myself and gave a small smile.
"Nothing. I just realized you're really someone with a big heart," I said.
His expression softened, and he reached over to ruffle my hair.
"Gracie's your best friend, so of course, she's my friend, too. It's only natural I care," he said.
Gracie smiled and passed me a bottle of wine.
But her smile was a bit strained.
"Danielle, it's been forever since we had a drink together. Tonight, let's not stop until we're wasted," she said.
After a few rounds, Gracie was looking tipsy, her eyes a little glazed over.
"I'm getting bored with these games. Let's try something new," she said.
I idly ran my finger along the rim of my glass, then suddenly spoke up, "Truth or dare? You guys in?"
The room instantly went quiet.
The only thing I could hear was the soft music coming from the big screen.
Bruce forced a smile.
"Why do you suddenly want to play this?" he asked.
But before I could get a word out, Gracie just face-planted onto the table.
There was a dull thud as her head hit the table.
She was clutching the wine bottle, muttering again and again, "Come on, Danielle, drink with me. I'm totally fine, not drunk at all."
My emotions were a mess, but I still helped her into the guest room.
I looked at her peaceful, sleeping face.
I couldn't help but wonder why the ones I cared about most ended up betraying me.
After I finished tidying up and slipped into bed, Bruce wrapped his arms around me from behind.
He kissed me, his voice tender and lingering, "Babe, kids are just so cute. Don't you want one of our own?"
"Don't worry, I swear I'll be the best husband and dad ever," he promised.
"If it's a boy, we'll toughen him up early and make him do all the chores. Boys are wild. Gotta train them from the start," he said.
"If it's a girl, she'll be our little princess. We'll spoil her so much, and no loser will ever get close to her," he added.
I said nothing in response.
He was off in his own world, dreaming about our future, not even noticing my eyes were red from holding back tears.
Thirst woke me up in the middle of the night, and I reached out beside me without thinking.
My hand brushed against something soft and squishy.
I flicked on the light and saw the baby, sound asleep, his tiny face peaceful as ever.
Bruce was nowhere to be seen.
From the guest room, I could hear hushed, suppressed voices.
"Bruce, my breasts feel so swollen. Can you give me a massage?" Gracie's voice was soft and teasing.
She grabbed Bruce's hand and pressed it to her chest, her voice playful and flirty.
Bruce's eyes grew darker, and his grip suddenly tightened.
Gracie couldn't help but let out a soft moan.
"Shouldn't you be looking for someone to marry? I'm not the one you should be asking for this," Bruce said.
Gracie leaned in, her tone mischievous. "What's wrong, Bruce? Are you jealous?"
Bruce didn't say a word.