Chapter 20: H.E. Returns

Elaine and Henry were back. “I just had to see my little niece,” said Elaine.

Lucy was 16 weeks old. She was more animated, recognized her three parents, and was making little cooing noises. Once her aunt and uncle were satisfied with their first encounter, Davis made a proposal.

“Lara, I want to take the four of us out for dinner but leave you here with Lucy. We can bring you back a box from the restaurant, would that be OK with you?”

“Sure, that makes sense. Lucy is way too young to be out in a restaurant, I don’t mind staying here with her. Go on, have fun. Just bring me something, you know what I like.”

They all found a quiet booth in the restaurant. Over appetizers and drinks, Elaine and Henry were given an abbreviated version of the last four months, including Lara’s new aversion to sex.

“I guess we should be looking for a hotel,” noted Henry.

“No, we can all fit on our big bed. Lara won’t mind if we’re active, she just stays in the other bedroom with the baby,” answered Celia.

“How sad for her, to have been so mistreated by that hospital, and now paying the price. I can’t imagine not feeling any urge for sex. For my Henry.”

“I have been speaking with a lawyer, I think we’re going to file against the hospital and the doctors. Particularly the anesthesiologist. She thinks they will settle for a six-figure sum, which would pay for some intensive therapy for Lara.”

Back in the Spa

Once again, the five of them were crowded together in the hot swirling water. Parked a few feet away, Lucy slept in her stroller. The droning noise from the pump was soothing to Lucy and she stayed quiet while the adults chatted.

Most of the conversation was about the baby, of course, and also how they had adapted their schedules at work so they could stay home with her through the week. Then Henry put his hand on Lara’s shoulder and spoke directly to her.

“Elaine and I have been advised by Davis about your situation. I just wanted to tell you that we are going to be respectful, and you should feel relaxed with us in the house with you. Please tell us if we make you uncomfortable; we can go to a hotel if you prefer.”

“No, please, you and Elaine are always welcome here. I’ll just be off in the other room with Lucy, and I hope you four have all the fun you can during your visit. My issues shouldn’t affect you in any way, except for the four of you need to share the big bed overnight (while I sleep in the other room with Lucy).

“In the morning, I’m making us all some Belgian Waffles with crushed strawberries and whipped cream. So the four of you, please, have a good time in bed tonight, uh, working up an appetite.”