This is fiction, inspired by some people I've known but largely my own invention. It involves cheating, but not the way it's normally presented.
I'd credit a movie director, but that would give too much away.
*
I had been sitting there, all alone in my booth, for almost a quarter-hour; she was late, a little unusual in my experience, but not altogether unheard-of.
She came strolling up to the booth, skipping, almost, and clearly excited. She slid in opposite me, arranged her things to her right, and clasped her hands in front of her, almost as if in prayer.
"I have some good news," she said, sounding giddy.
I smiled thinly. "Do tell," I responded.
"You're going to be a daddy!" she exclaimed, seemingly oblivious to my lack of enthusiasm.
"Already am," I replied, still smiling. I was referring to the two children from my first marriage.
She waved it off and chuckled. "Not them! They're going to have a little sibling. Maybe a sibling-ette," she said, laughing at her own extreme cleverness.
My smile hardened. I know, because I hardened it. "No, I don't think they will."
She froze and looked at me. "Jeff, what are you talking about?"
Reaching beside me, I took hold of one of the manila envelopes I'd brought with me. I make a display of opening it, taking out the first picture, and laying it in front of her.
