One moment changed my night, and one night altered my life. I was content with my job as a receptionist. Right? Sure, I complained about it, but who doesn't occasionally complain about what they do? I knew I'd have my label one day, and I was working towards it while planning for the future. Then he came into my life. Why was he placed there, that one night in New York, at that precise moment?
Why did I fall so hard for him, despite the gravity of the situation? Why did he have to return after I shut him out? What if I had stayed at home and never visited the rooftop bar? What if I never asked him why he was with the girl who turned out to be his sister? I pondered all of the whys and what-ifs as I imagined different scenarios of what my life would have been like if he had never entered it, and I couldn't imagine it any other way.
Liam chased behind me as I sprinted up the stairs. I stood mortified as I displayed my dinner all over their front lawn, "Nat, stop, are you OK?" Liam seemed concerned, and I believed he was, but I also knew Andrew had planted the seed of pregnancy in both his and my minds.
"I'm fine, Liam; I just want to lie down," I said as I slipped my slacks off, trading them for a comfy pair of sweats.
"I know you're not feeling well, but I can't shake what Andrew said. Do you think it could be true?" he sat on the bed with a look of concern on his face, so I knew if I were, it would be something that would make him upset or make him question if he wanted to be with me.
"No, I think it's just something I ate, is all. With the Chinese food, then flying down here, topped with the buffet, it was just too much," I tried to think of a logical reason why I would be sick, not wanting to think of the latter.
"Should we get a test to be sure?" Liam asked as I could see the wheels spinning while his heart was beating fast out of his chest.
"No, I really don't think I am, Liam, plus I got a light period a few weeks back. I'm sure I'm not pregnant. I only want to rest if that's OK. This day has finally caught up to me."
"Absolutely," Liam replied as he covered me up, leaning over and kissing my forehead.
No, he didn't kiss me on the lips. Why would he, after the firework display in the yard of everything I'd eaten in the previous twenty-four hours? I certainly wouldn't. I quickly fell asleep after chewing five tums, and it was one of the best night's sleep I'd ever had.
The smell of coffee and bacon permeated the house the next morning, two of my favorite aromas. I hopped out of bed, forgetting I wasn't at home and made my way to the kitchen, still in a coffee-less trance.
As I walked in to greet them, I noticed Liam, Thomas, Connie, Andrew, and now his sister Alyssa sitting at the kitchen table. Liam began to laugh along with the others, but Connie was unimpressed. They were all dressed up for the occasion, while I was wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt that was two sizes too big. And my hair, well, that rat's nest looked like it might have been home to some creatures.
With embarrassment, I closed my eyes and felt my bun on top of my head. I hadn't even realized I looked as bad as their expressions suggested. "I'm sorry, I'll be right back," I said as I spun myself around and rushed up the stairs to shower and change.
I looked at myself for a few moments, reprimanding my reflection. "Great, now they think you're a crazy person. Next time, Natalie, use your head. You're not at home, fricken, think before you do anything."
I quickly showered and went through my luggage to find an appropriate outfit for the day. I packed a few dresses but quickly tossed them aside in favor of a nice pair of jeans and a red knitted sweater.
"Yes, this is what I am wearing, Connie. I'm not some millionaire or even the wife of one." I spoke to myself as I pulled my shirt over my head.
I finished getting ready and had to give myself a pep talk before making my way back down, "You can do this, Natalie. Five more days, you can do it," but really, could I?
I made my way downstairs to the kitchen as all eyes were on me. I felt like I was a new caged zoo animal species, something they had never seen before.
"Sorry about that, I wasn't fully awake," I started to explain.
"Sweetheart, don't worry about it," Liam's father Thomas interrupted, "We are all a bunch of rich hags, you just be yourself. Don't let us stop you," he finished as he looked toward Connie.
I nodded and smiled as I walked straight to the coffee. I'd never seen a more extravagant coffee maker in my life. Connie insisted on having a $5,000 coffee machine, which I later discovered. I stood there, perplexed, contemplating whether I should try to figure it out on my own. There was a cup holder beneath two small spigot-like things and a touch screen above that.
"Ugh, a touch screen coffee maker; fricken rich people," I jokingly spoke to myself.
"Is there something wrong, dear?" Connie arrogantly asked as if I should have known how to use the futuristic machine.
I just gave a snicker, "No, it's fine; I'll figure it out." I pretended to focus on my selections, looking dumbfounded instead.
Alyssa and Liam both arose at the same time to assist me with my coffee, noticing the perplexed stare I was giving the problematic device.
"I never thought I would ever need assistance making a cup of coffee." I personally laughed.
They demonstrated what each button on the screen did, as there appeared to be nearly fifty. I could make a latte, a cappuccino, an espresso, or just a cup of coffee. Because this machine was cutting-edge, there was also the option for flavored creamers or syrups. It only took what seemed like two hours to finally have the life-changing cup of coffee, but it was well worth the wait because it was the best I had ever tried.
The rest of the day was spent at home, listening to Liam's father, Thomas, brag about his son. That might turn some people off, but I thought it was wonderful that parents were so proud of their child that they wanted the entire world to hear it. Connie, on the other hand, remained silent. She looked as if she was about to lunge the butter knife next to her through my eye. At least, that's what I interpreted from her actions.
I was getting more nervous by the minute as everyone from Liam's family arrived, and I had no idea what to expect. He assured me that they were all nice and that I would enjoy their company, and that, with the exception of his mother, his family had been wonderful to me. She always looked at me as if I were some bloodthirsty gold digger waiting to suck her son dry, but I had no plans to do so. I genuinely cared about that man.
Considering, the next day went as smoothly as it could. I sat not feeling well almost every morning, but it would pass quickly as we went about our business. Liam and his family took me to many local museums and made a quick trip to New Orleans the day before Thanksgiving. I spent some of my winnings on new clothes and souvenirs for Angie and Marcus, as well as dining at some of the best restaurants in the French Quarter.
Thursday had finally arrived. I needed to get everything over with because I was feeling anxious about returning to New York. The entire family gathered in the kitchen to watch the personal chef prepare the evening's meal. I decided to help with some baking, which inspired Liam and Alyssa to pitch in.
Connie approached us as we playfully baked the desserts as if we shouldn't be there working. "You know I have the-help making dinner; why don't you two take Natalie into the living room and let Stephan finish; he knows what he's doing?"
Stephan glanced over at Connie as he continued to baste the turkey, giving her the same look as I had felt like giving her.
"I'm fine right here," I told Connie.
"But, Liam...," his mother continued.
"Mother, stop. If Natalie wants to make dessert, then let her. We are having fun, and I'm sure Stephan doesn't mind," he interrupted.
Connie huffed and puffed as she left us to finish our baking, her glass of wine in hand. Stephan smiled up at Liam, who returned the smile. Stephan didn't seem to mind the company, and it was one less thing for him to worry about.
It was nearly 1:00 p.m. when Liam's family arrived. They came in one by one, full of laughter and hugs, all excited to spend the day with the family. Liam would introduce me as his girlfriend as each one arrived, making me the happiest I'd been in a long time. I met his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and a few of his childhood friends. Thirty-eight people showed up for dinner. I'd never seen so many people gathered in one place for a holiday before. Everyone seemed pleased to see me, was courteous and hugged me as we were introduced. Alyssa seemed to like me as well, clinging to me all day.
"Dinner will be served in ten minutes," Stephan had finally announced to us all.
We each made our way to the massive dining room, which was lavishly decorated. Twenty adults sat around the long cherry mahogany table, while the children were divided between two kitchen tables. At each place setting, fine china, crystal wine glasses, and freshly polished silver awaited us. Each of Liam's parents took a seat at the head of the table. I sat beside Liam and his mother, across from Andrew and Alyssa.
Stephan brought each side dish out before the turkey. Fresh green beans, homemade mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes glazed with brown sugar, buttery corn, scallops wrapped in thick bacon, freshly baked homemade rolls, and two perfectly roasted turkeys were all part of the spread. We began with a fresh green salad topped with diced cucumber and robust cherry tomatoes. And, of course, Stephan's homemade salad dressings, three different kinds.
Thomas stood at the other end of the table, clinking his glass with a spoon to toast "I'd like to express my gratitude to all of my friends and family who have gathered under this roof, as well as to our newest addition, Natalie. Everyone, cheers."
"Did he say the newest addition? I love his father!" I cheered to myself as everyone glanced over towards me, raising their respective glasses.
"Cheers, and welcome Natalie," they all responded in unison.
My face flushed red as Liam smiled and placed his hand on my knee. His mother, on the other hand, looked at me as if I were a vile presence, wishing I hadn't been there. As we began our first course, I chose to ignore her disdainful expression.
Connie began berating me as soon as we began eating. I could have died.