Spoiler Page!
To be read after The Rainy Season
Rainy Day
A Rainy Season Extra
Standing in the studio doorway, I wave goodbye to the last of my students. A light rain has begun to fall and heavy clouds darken what has been a sunny spring day. There are fourteen children in my class now–eleven girls and three boys–their ages ranging from six to twelve. They have been a joy to teach and are all doing well.
So far, the morning sickness has only caused me to cancel two lessons. The baby is due in November and at thirteen weeks along, I am showing a little. My old teacher Lana and I have an arrangement. She will take my students when I am finally unable to teach and work with them until after the baby comes. I am grateful to know they will be taken care of.
Today after the kids leave, the studio feels emptier than normal. For some reason I feel a little down. Maybe it's the weather, I don't know, but it usually doesn't affect me this way. I run the dust mop over the wood floor, pausing in front of the mirror a moment to take in my reflection, pressing my hand against the small mound beneath my black leotard. The matching skirt camouflages, making it hardly noticeable. I smile, excitement filling me whenever I think about Gilles being able to share in this pregnancy with me. He missed out on so much when I carried Antonio and he is determined to miss nothing this time.
Putting the broom in the corner of the bathroom, I hear the front door open and warmth fills me.
“I came to walk you home,” Gilles says, smiling.
“Where's Antonio?”
“With Nana and Grandpa, being spoiled as usual.”
“They're not giving him treats I hope.”
“No, they're saving them for after dinner.”
I smirk and he laughs. “They must have an endless supply of stuff stored in their closet.”
“I think you're right.” He turns on the stereo and picks our song, my favorite Josh Groban tune, then takes me in his arms. At least once a week we share a dance. Sometimes it's Latin, sometimes Indian. Today it's the ballad, “You're Still You.” When this song plays, we don't talk, we just dance and allow the lyrics to speak for us.
And in this cruel and lonely world
I've found one love
You're still you
After all, you're still you.
As usual, we hold each other for a moment afterward and share a kiss.
* * *
When we get in the house, I run up and change before we eat. Today Grace has prepared stuffed pork chops, sauteed French beans, potato salad, and fluffy homemade rolls. Grace can definitely cook and we look forward to every meal she prepares. After Dad blesses the food, we quickly dive in. On the days I teach my appetite is healthy, and today I'm so famished, I eat two helpings of everything and still have room for a slice of key lime pie.
“As usual, the meal was amazing, Grace,” Dad says, leaning over and kissing her cheek.
She smiles, squeezing his hand. “Well, nothing brings me more joy than making sure you have a full belly.” He rubs his flat stomach, adjusting his belt and she laughs. “Don't worry, I'm sure nothing will put a dent in those perfectly-toned genes you possess.”
“You think so, huh? Well, I'm just trying to keep up with my beautiful wife.” She snorts and he laughs.
Gilles and I grin, watching the two. Other than ourselves, we have never seen two people more in love or more perfect for each other. And they are definitely the best grandparents we know.
“What time are you guys leaving tomorrow?” Gilles asks. Dad and Grace are going on a Jamaican cruise. They plan to drive themselves to the airport and park in the long term lot.
“Our plane leaves at eleven,” Dad answers. “So we'll take off a little before nine. Sweetheart, will that still give you enough time for everything?” he asks Grace.
“Should be plenty. As soon as we get dinner cleaned up I'll go finish packing.”
“Let us finish up,” I say, wiping Antonio's face and hands. There are green bean bits scattered on his highchair tray and a chocolate milk ring circles his mouth. With his dark curly hair, blue-gray eyes and round cheeks, he is totally adorable. I remove his bib and get him down.
“Thank you. I'll go on up now. I don't have much more to pack, but I want to make sure we don't forget anything.”
“I understand and I'm the same way when we went to Italy for our honeymoon.”
“Come on, little man,” Dad says, picking Antonio up. “Let's go up and help Nana pack.”
Gilles laughs. “Good luck with that.”
We clear off the table and Gilles puts the food away while I load the dishwasher and wipe everything down.
“Come on,” he says, taking my hand when we've finished, leading me out on the deck.
The rain has stopped and the sun's rays have burst through the clearing clouds. Leaning against the wooden railing, he wraps his arms around me, holding me close as we taking in the late afternoon view. The temperature is a little cool, but Gilles' embrace provides the warmth I need. I love how small and safe I feel in his arms.
“How was work today?” I ask him. Gilles only works in on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, but he'd had to go in for a few hours and oversee a tricky job. Grace watched Antonio for a few minutes until Gilles got back to take care of him while I taught my class.
“It went okay. Rick is so particular about his car and I figured it would be best to give Frank a hand, which made Rick happier.”
“I'll bet. Can't let anything happen to his 'baby.'”
“Tell me about it. I think he's married to that Mustang.”
“That's probably why his relationships never seem to work out. His car can't get along with the women.”
“You are so bad,” Gilles says, laughing. “Fords are okay, but I'll always be a Dodge man.”
“And I'm okay with that, just as long as your truck doesn't get any higher.”
“Don't worry,” he says, kissing my ear, “I'm always willing to help you get in.”
“You love any excuse to lift me.”
“This is true.”
Sighing, I nuzzle his cheek and he turns me in his arms and kisses me. I bury my fingers in his hair and his embrace tightens, his lips kissing a path to my neck.
“When Dad and Grace get back, I'm taking you on a little getaway.”
“Really? Where?”
“There's this nice private cabin down in Moab. I thought it would be fun and relaxing for a few days.”
“That sounds awesome. But–”
“I've already arranged it with Dad and Grace. They are excited to have Antonio to themselves for a few days.”
“Really?” I am super excited. Gilles and I haven't gone anywhere since our honeymoon. It will be fun to have some alone time. “It sounds wonderful.”
“This will be just a little something to get us through til our anniversary.”
“Oh? And just where are we going on our anniversary?”
“That trip, babe, is a surprise. But I promise you will love it.”
“I'm sure I'll love it no matter where it is. As long as we are together, anywhere will be awesome.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
* * *
Three Weeks Later
Moab, Utah
The three bedroom cabin we're renting is secluded and sits on a mountainside surrounded by trees and shrubbery. Gilles and I lounge on the patio outside our bedroom, enjoying the warm afternoon weather. It is our second day here and we have enjoyed this time of relaxing and being together. Yesterday it was hard leaving Antonio, even though I knew he would be in good hands with Dad and Grace. During the drive here, Gilles kept assuring me he was okay and I forced myself to stop worrying. We had needed this time and I'm glad we came.
“So, I've thought of another girl name,” Gilles said, softly rubbing my back. We'd pushed the two chaises together so we could lounge next to each other.
“You're pretty sure we're having a daughter this time, huh?”
“Well, not completely sure. About seventy-five percent.”
“Seventy-five is decent. And while I'll be happy with either, I hope you get your Daddy's girl.”
He grins. “I've come up with boy names too, just in case, but one girl name in particular keeps rolling around in my head.”
“I've had one on my mind too, but let's hear yours.”
“Well, tell me yours first.”
The name has been in my head for so long, I am hesitant about actually speaking it out loud. “Adesina Gina de Francesco.”
Gilles is quiet for a moment. Then he smiles, his gaze melancholy. “I guess great minds really do think alike. That is exactly the name I was thinking.”
“Really?”
“Really. So Adesina Gina it is–if it's a girl, of course.”
“Of course. And if it's a boy?”
“To tell you the truth, I don't particularly care for any of the boy names I came up with.”
I laugh. “You won't believe this, but I don't like the ones I've come up with either.”
“That settles it then. It's a girl. But just in case we'd better keep thinking.”
“Guess we should invest in one of those name books.”
“Good thinking.”
Gilles finally stands and stretches. “Let's go in and eat. You're probably hungry, aren't you?”
“I am,” I breathe, staring up at him, giving him a coy smile. “Just not for food.”
Grinning, he bends and scoops me up. Holding me against his bare chest, he captures my mouth with his and carries me into the house. His voice is husky when he finally says, “Like I said, babe, great minds think alike.”
So far, the morning sickness has only caused me to cancel two lessons. The baby is due in November and at thirteen weeks along, I am showing a little. My old teacher Lana and I have an arrangement. She will take my students when I am finally unable to teach and work with them until after the baby comes. I am grateful to know they will be taken care of.
Today after the kids leave, the studio feels emptier than normal. For some reason I feel a little down. Maybe it's the weather, I don't know, but it usually doesn't affect me this way. I run the dust mop over the wood floor, pausing in front of the mirror a moment to take in my reflection, pressing my hand against the small mound beneath my black leotard. The matching skirt camouflages, making it hardly noticeable. I smile, excitement filling me whenever I think about Gilles being able to share in this pregnancy with me. He missed out on so much when I carried Antonio and he is determined to miss nothing this time.
Putting the broom in the corner of the bathroom, I hear the front door open and warmth fills me.
“I came to walk you home,” Gilles says, smiling.
“Where's Antonio?”
“With Nana and Grandpa, being spoiled as usual.”
“They're not giving him treats I hope.”
“No, they're saving them for after dinner.”
I smirk and he laughs. “They must have an endless supply of stuff stored in their closet.”
“I think you're right.” He turns on the stereo and picks our song, my favorite Josh Groban tune, then takes me in his arms. At least once a week we share a dance. Sometimes it's Latin, sometimes Indian. Today it's the ballad, “You're Still You.” When this song plays, we don't talk, we just dance and allow the lyrics to speak for us.
And in this cruel and lonely world
I've found one love
You're still you
After all, you're still you.
As usual, we hold each other for a moment afterward and share a kiss.
* * *
When we get in the house, I run up and change before we eat. Today Grace has prepared stuffed pork chops, sauteed French beans, potato salad, and fluffy homemade rolls. Grace can definitely cook and we look forward to every meal she prepares. After Dad blesses the food, we quickly dive in. On the days I teach my appetite is healthy, and today I'm so famished, I eat two helpings of everything and still have room for a slice of key lime pie.
“As usual, the meal was amazing, Grace,” Dad says, leaning over and kissing her cheek.
She smiles, squeezing his hand. “Well, nothing brings me more joy than making sure you have a full belly.” He rubs his flat stomach, adjusting his belt and she laughs. “Don't worry, I'm sure nothing will put a dent in those perfectly-toned genes you possess.”
“You think so, huh? Well, I'm just trying to keep up with my beautiful wife.” She snorts and he laughs.
Gilles and I grin, watching the two. Other than ourselves, we have never seen two people more in love or more perfect for each other. And they are definitely the best grandparents we know.
“What time are you guys leaving tomorrow?” Gilles asks. Dad and Grace are going on a Jamaican cruise. They plan to drive themselves to the airport and park in the long term lot.
“Our plane leaves at eleven,” Dad answers. “So we'll take off a little before nine. Sweetheart, will that still give you enough time for everything?” he asks Grace.
“Should be plenty. As soon as we get dinner cleaned up I'll go finish packing.”
“Let us finish up,” I say, wiping Antonio's face and hands. There are green bean bits scattered on his highchair tray and a chocolate milk ring circles his mouth. With his dark curly hair, blue-gray eyes and round cheeks, he is totally adorable. I remove his bib and get him down.
“Thank you. I'll go on up now. I don't have much more to pack, but I want to make sure we don't forget anything.”
“I understand and I'm the same way when we went to Italy for our honeymoon.”
“Come on, little man,” Dad says, picking Antonio up. “Let's go up and help Nana pack.”
Gilles laughs. “Good luck with that.”
We clear off the table and Gilles puts the food away while I load the dishwasher and wipe everything down.
“Come on,” he says, taking my hand when we've finished, leading me out on the deck.
The rain has stopped and the sun's rays have burst through the clearing clouds. Leaning against the wooden railing, he wraps his arms around me, holding me close as we taking in the late afternoon view. The temperature is a little cool, but Gilles' embrace provides the warmth I need. I love how small and safe I feel in his arms.
“How was work today?” I ask him. Gilles only works in on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, but he'd had to go in for a few hours and oversee a tricky job. Grace watched Antonio for a few minutes until Gilles got back to take care of him while I taught my class.
“It went okay. Rick is so particular about his car and I figured it would be best to give Frank a hand, which made Rick happier.”
“I'll bet. Can't let anything happen to his 'baby.'”
“Tell me about it. I think he's married to that Mustang.”
“That's probably why his relationships never seem to work out. His car can't get along with the women.”
“You are so bad,” Gilles says, laughing. “Fords are okay, but I'll always be a Dodge man.”
“And I'm okay with that, just as long as your truck doesn't get any higher.”
“Don't worry,” he says, kissing my ear, “I'm always willing to help you get in.”
“You love any excuse to lift me.”
“This is true.”
Sighing, I nuzzle his cheek and he turns me in his arms and kisses me. I bury my fingers in his hair and his embrace tightens, his lips kissing a path to my neck.
“When Dad and Grace get back, I'm taking you on a little getaway.”
“Really? Where?”
“There's this nice private cabin down in Moab. I thought it would be fun and relaxing for a few days.”
“That sounds awesome. But–”
“I've already arranged it with Dad and Grace. They are excited to have Antonio to themselves for a few days.”
“Really?” I am super excited. Gilles and I haven't gone anywhere since our honeymoon. It will be fun to have some alone time. “It sounds wonderful.”
“This will be just a little something to get us through til our anniversary.”
“Oh? And just where are we going on our anniversary?”
“That trip, babe, is a surprise. But I promise you will love it.”
“I'm sure I'll love it no matter where it is. As long as we are together, anywhere will be awesome.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
* * *
Three Weeks Later
Moab, Utah
The three bedroom cabin we're renting is secluded and sits on a mountainside surrounded by trees and shrubbery. Gilles and I lounge on the patio outside our bedroom, enjoying the warm afternoon weather. It is our second day here and we have enjoyed this time of relaxing and being together. Yesterday it was hard leaving Antonio, even though I knew he would be in good hands with Dad and Grace. During the drive here, Gilles kept assuring me he was okay and I forced myself to stop worrying. We had needed this time and I'm glad we came.
“So, I've thought of another girl name,” Gilles said, softly rubbing my back. We'd pushed the two chaises together so we could lounge next to each other.
“You're pretty sure we're having a daughter this time, huh?”
“Well, not completely sure. About seventy-five percent.”
“Seventy-five is decent. And while I'll be happy with either, I hope you get your Daddy's girl.”
He grins. “I've come up with boy names too, just in case, but one girl name in particular keeps rolling around in my head.”
“I've had one on my mind too, but let's hear yours.”
“Well, tell me yours first.”
The name has been in my head for so long, I am hesitant about actually speaking it out loud. “Adesina Gina de Francesco.”
Gilles is quiet for a moment. Then he smiles, his gaze melancholy. “I guess great minds really do think alike. That is exactly the name I was thinking.”
“Really?”
“Really. So Adesina Gina it is–if it's a girl, of course.”
“Of course. And if it's a boy?”
“To tell you the truth, I don't particularly care for any of the boy names I came up with.”
I laugh. “You won't believe this, but I don't like the ones I've come up with either.”
“That settles it then. It's a girl. But just in case we'd better keep thinking.”
“Guess we should invest in one of those name books.”
“Good thinking.”
Gilles finally stands and stretches. “Let's go in and eat. You're probably hungry, aren't you?”
“I am,” I breathe, staring up at him, giving him a coy smile. “Just not for food.”
Grinning, he bends and scoops me up. Holding me against his bare chest, he captures my mouth with his and carries me into the house. His voice is husky when he finally says, “Like I said, babe, great minds think alike.”