Machine by Normandie Alleman
18
Bridger
“Don’t they look adorable?” Dynassy cooed, holding either Albert or Annabelle in her arms. We were at the reception for Nick and Eden’s twins’ christening, which had taken place at a church. The facility was some sort of private club, and it was so fancy that it reminded me of a snooty country club on steroids.
I couldn’t tell which one was which, but I wasn’t about to admit that to their doting aunt. They looked like they were wearing frilly white sacks with bonnets on their heads. When my sister had her kids, she hadn’t done this christening thing, I guess because she was Methodist, while the Barnes family was Episcopalian. Christianity had so many branches, I couldn’t keep up.
“Annabelle is wearing Eden’s christening gown from when she was little, and Albert is wearing Nick’s,” Dynassy explained. “Isn’t that sweet? They really are the cutest babies, don’t you think, Bridger?”
I had to admit they were cute kids. Normally, I thought of babies as something women went nuts over, but after thinking I might not be able to have kids for the past few years, the thought of fathering a child or two held a much greater appeal. However, that didn’t stop me from snickering at the image of Nick Barnes in that outfit, even if he had been a defenseless baby.
“Do you want to have kids?” I asked Dynassy.
“One day. For now, I just love being an aunt.”
Good thing she wasn’t in a big hurry. While the doctors had said the explosion had damaged my nerves, we’d never discussed how it may have affected my sperm count. Hell, this was the first time it had actually been a question for me.
The ceremony had been nice, as far as church services go. One of the babies fussed when the reverend sprinkled water on its head, but the other one hadn’t seemed to care.
The Barnes family was all there, and in a twist I’d only learned about yesterday, my mother was there. At least Dynassy told me in advance that she’d invited her. Now, at the reception, she strode over to Dynassy and me.
“Such beautiful children. Maybe next it will be you two,” my mother teased.
Dynassy’s eyes widened. “Maybe one day, Barbara. Let’s not rush it.”
My mom gave Dynassy a hug. “I’m just kidding. I’m just so happy Bridger has gotten his sexual functioning back.”
“Mom,” I hissed.
“What?” She shrugged her shoulders innocently. “Bridger, sex is a natural part of life. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, you have reason to celebrate.”
I grabbed her by the arm. “Not here, Mom.” Pulling her aside, I muttered under my breath, “These people have cameras everywhere, in case you haven’t noticed. I’m not interested in being on the entertainment news tonight. Only Dynassy knows about my, ahem, former problem, and I’d like to keep it that way.”
She shook her head in that I’ll-never-understand-you way mothers have. “All right, Bridger. If that’s the way you want it.”
“I do.”
She started to walk away, and I added, “And please do not tell anyone about my side business either. Keep that in the vault.”
“Bridger, you really haven’t told her? You know, I think she would understand…”
“We’re not having this conversation here.”
“Okay, but you need to loosen up. Have a drink or something.”
I couldn’t imagine how Dynassy could be so involved with her family on a daily basis. Five minutes with my mother and my stress level had gone through the roof.
I took her advice, though, and looked for the open bar. I’d been ruminating over what Barvo told me the other day about that damn copycat out there, and it was hard to keep my mind from trying to think of possible solutions to the problem.
When I located the bar, Lucinda stood next to it, having some harsh words with Ivy. I wasn’t crazy about getting involved with a mother-daughter squabble, but I also wanted that drink, so I ambled over anyway.
The younger Barnes sister joined me at the bar. “Hi, Bridger.” There was a definite pout behind her words.
“Hi, Ivy. What’s up?”
“Ugh. Lucinda is bitching about this new guy I’m seeing. She wouldn’t even let me bring him today.”
“Why not?” I should have known to stay out of it, but I couldn’t help myself. Plus, I relished the idea that today’s drama would not include me.
“Just because he has a record.”
“A felony conviction for heroin possession,” Lucinda interjected, then ordered a cocktail.
“I don’t know why you’ve got to be so judgmental.”
I couldn’t help but wonder how the Barnes matriarch would feel when she found out about my true line of work. Just then, I saw Dynassy heading towards me sans baby.
“There you are, Bridger. I had no idea where you went.”
“To get a drink. Want one?”
“Yes, please.”
“Remind me again why you invited my mother to this?”
We looked over, and Lucinda and my mother were deep in conversation.
“I wanted to spend some time with her. Your mother is actually fascinating, Bridger. See? My mom adores her. I think she may have a new best friend.”
I took a long draw on my drink. “Let’s not get carried away.”
“My family can get a little overwhelming at times. Do you agree?”
I nodded.
“I thought it would be nice for you to have someone from your family here too. I hope it’s not weird, like it’s too soon or anything.”
“No,” I reassured her. “It’s not that. It’s just a little strange is all.”
“Well, I like that your mother is kinda quirky.”
“You do?”
“Yeah, it makes you more human.”
“When was I less than human?” I teased.
“I just mean that sometimes you seem too good to be true. Too perfect.”
If she only knew. “I could say the same thing about you.”
“Yeah, right. That’s just the public me, and we all know I’m less than perfect.”
I placed an arm around her protectively. “You’re perfect for me.”
“Aww, thanks.”
The more time I spent with the Barneses, the less overwhelming they became. At events like this, Leo kept to himself, playing the role of the brooding musician, but the guy was great to hang out with. Nick was very down-to-earth, the kind of guy you’d like to have a beer with. Honestly, if there was anybody in the Barnes family I was a fan of before I’d met Dynassy, it was him. How could anyone who saw him win the college basketball tournament with that buzzer beater not love the guy? Forget Steph Curry. Nick Barnes was the man. And now that he was playing ball in Fresno, the people of California loved him even more.
Ivy was full of drama and a little flighty, but she was real and she had a vulnerability about her that made me like her. And even though Lucinda manipulated the lot of them, I could tell she loved her family.
For the first time, I allowed myself to dream that things could be like this always—Dynassy and me, together with our families. I pictured our wedding, our own kid’s christening, baseball games, graduations, and it felt right. For the first time in as long as I could remember, I felt a genuine hope for the future, and it felt good.
