Sam sighed. “She did. Poor thing. I felt so bad. ….. She is starting to feel better. Thanks for asking.” I could hear ruffling on her end. “Oh, I called because Jay and I were having a get-together at the house. Do you want to join us? Katie will be joining us when she gets off.”
I had nothing better to do. I didn't have fresh food in the house and was living out of my freezer and my pantry but that was starting to even get low.
“Sure, when is everyone supposed to arrive?”
“Jay and I are just getting everything out. So, I'm sure we will be ready by the time you get here.”
“Alright, well, I'm just getting off, so I'll be there in about ten minutes.” Sam ended the line and leaned back. I lookedoutside the car, taking in people walking the street. I noticed a pregnant woman and knew it was Katie's work. More and more people were having babies. It wasn't solving the problem of infertility, but it was one step in the right direction.
I headed over to Jay and Sam's house and went inside. The house was organized as always, with some toys scattered around. I smiled as I spotted Maddy sitting in her swing chair, giggling away at the mobile.
“Hey, you made it.” Sam rounded the corner and smiled at me.
“Hey, Sam. Is Jay joining us?” I asked as I walked further into the living room, making a funny face at Maddy, who giggled.
“Yeah, he's just changing upstairs. He had a big gardening project and was filthy, so I made him shower and put on a fresh set of clothes.”
“How have you been?” I asked as I walked into the kitchen, taking a seat in a chair.
Sam made a face. “I'm tired. It's been a long week. But it's going well.”
I heard footsteps coming down the stairs and turned to find Jay entering the living room. He offered me a smile as he stepped in. “Welcome, Nina. It's nice to see you again.”
“Hey, Jay.” I gave him a wave as he walked over, kissing Sam on the forehead before slipping into the living room. He hoisted Maddy into his arms, and I couldn't help but feel a little jealous. Sam had everything she ever wanted. She had the perfect spouse and a beautiful baby girl. A wonderful home and a pack that cared about her. She had everything I dreamed of wanting, but knew I would never get.
“How is the new job going?” Sam asked, leaning onto the counter. Her brown eyes were on me, and her blond hair fell over her shoulder as she gave me her full attention.
My stomach twisted up, and I did not want to put a damper on anything. “It's going well. I'm enjoying it.” It wasn't a full lie. I did like my job, but I did not like certain parts of it. The work was fun and enjoyable. It was just who I worked with that put a damper on things.
“Well, that's good.” Sam turned, opened the fridge, and pulled out some food, placing it on the counter. “I was worried you would have a hard time fitting in.”
Before I could say anything, I heard the front door open, and Katie walked in with her son Henry in her arms. Henrik was a step behind her with the diaper bag thrown over his shoulder.
“Hey,” Katie's eyes stopped on me. “You did come.”
I gave them a wave as they got situated. Katie walked over, squeezing me into a hug as the guys took the kids into the living room, leaving us girls in the kitchen.
It was nice to be around them. They made me feel heard and seen. We all could talk about everything without worrying about what the others would say. I was honestly blessed to have them as friends.
“Might I add, you look stunning,” Sam said, waving a hand at Katie. “You look wonderful.”
Katie had her son, Henry, just two months ago, but she didn't even look like it. She bounced back quickly, looking stunning as always. Even her son was an angel. He slept for her and ate for her without any fuss. He was a quiet, easy baby.
Sam had even mentioned she'd been jealous because Maddy had some adjusting to do when they decided to get herinto daycare. Maddie had been a fussy baby and screamed more than most kids did. Henry was the opposite.
“He's a sweet baby,” Katie said, rolling her neck. “I'm glad to be back at work, though. This mom brain was starting to drive me up the wall.”
“It gets better,” Sam said with a laugh. “I think. Honestly, I don't remember. I turned all my white sheets pink the other day because I found one of Maddy's socks was rolled up in the sheets.”
I held back a laugh, but Katie didn't. She roared with laughter. “Oh, that makes me feel better.”
Katie then paused. “Have you told her yet?”
Sam stiffened up, and I frowned, looking at them confused. “Told me what?”
Katie frowned. “Oh...you haven't.”
“We were waiting for you to come since it's your news.”
