The conversation shifted entirely toward her.
One woman asked me to move aside so she could photograph Diane beside a centerpiece.
I moved.
Another congratulated Diane on surviving Levi’s difficult delivery decades earlier.
Diane launched into a long story about how exhausted she’d been after giving birth.
For nearly twenty minutes, I listened while everyone discussed her experiences as a mother.
Nobody asked how I was feeling.
Nobody asked whether I was excited or nervous about becoming a parent.
I tried not to take it personally.
She was enthusiastic.
That was all.
At least, that was what I kept telling myself.
Levi leaned toward me.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.”
He studied my face.
“You don’t look fine.”
I squeezed his hand.
“Please. Let’s just get through today.”
Then Diane tapped a spoon against her glass.
“Everyone! It’s time for our first game!”
My stomach sank.
