Even though her death was the most significant stressor in life, at that moment, I was worried about my car. “Thank you, and I’m alright. It just feels like one big mess after another. All I need is a break, a day, a week, or a month where nothing goes wrong.”
Annie put her hand on top of mine. “Well, we’ll have plenty of fun tonight. I know that Richard and Jake are looking forward to it, too.”
My eyes shot up and looked directly into Annie’s. “Wait, why are Richard and Jake coming to a baby shower? Not that I don’t like them, of course, but isn’t that like us going to a bachelor party?”
Julianna let out a sigh and sat down. “They begged both of us to come, Crystal. We’d prefer it to be just a girls-party too. But they’re just excited about becoming fathers again for the second time. And let’s not forget, they went to great lengths to pull off the gender reveal thing, hiring that agency and all. They are as excited as we’re to find out what we are having.”
That made me feel a little bit better. “Well, that makes sense. So the only men who’ll be there are your husbands, right?”
Annie tilted her head, and I could tell that she was starting to feel awkward. “Some of the other girls that are coming found out about it and are bring plus-ones, also.”
“So, everyone but me is going to have a date for this party? Is this some kind of a joke to make me feel even worse about myself?”
I regretted the words as soon as they escaped from my lips, but I couldn’t help it. I was still livid about my car.
Now, how mortifying was it going to be as the only woman at the party without a husband our a date?
Julianna tried to be the voice of reason. “Most of the women who are attending are just bringing their husbands, so I’d hardly call it a date.”
“But the other ones found out in advance and therefore had time to find a date? Is that what I’m hearing?”
Julianna and Annie just stared at each other, neither one of them knowing what to say next.
“This is going to be so awkward! Why can’t anything ever go right in my life?”
Annie put her arms around my shoulder. “Please calm down, Crystal. Why don’t you let us fix you up with a guy? It will make you feel better and get you mind off things.”
“How are you going to find a guy on such short notice? No, don’t even worry about fixing me up with someone!” I blew a lock of hair out of my face. “I wouldn’t be much of a date, anyway. I’ve been such a bitch lately…in case you couldn’t tell…I won’t be much fun.” My two friends circled their arms around me for a group hug. Finally, I let out my breath and asked them, “Did I tell you about my mother’s estate?”
Julianna leaned forward, “What about her estate, Crystal? Do you need some legal help, because I’m sure our family lawyers can help you out.”
I did not want the Trumans involved in the matter, even though I knew their intentions were good. “No, that’s okay, but thank you. My mom inherited some money from her brother, who left it just for me, and getting a hold of it has been nothing short of a living hell.”
“Settling estates can be a bit tricky,” Annie said, “but it’s just you, so what’s the hold-up?”
“There are a few stipulations, and I have yet to find out what they are. My uncle lived in Moldova, which means that we’re trying to find international legal help overseas. My attorneys are working on it, but it seems to be at a standstill.”
Julianna shook her head at me. “I’m so sorry, Crystal. Why are you just getting this money now, though, if your uncle left it for you a long time ago?”
“All I know is that the funds couldn’t be released until Mom passed away, and now that she has, I need that money to pay off my student loans. And like I said, between that and the car accident, it’s probably best that I don’t have a date for tonight. I’m just not in the mood.”
Annie decided, however, that a plus-one was exactly what I needed.
“What if we set you up with someone that is guaranteed to show you a good time. Someone who would help lighten you up a bit? Just a guy friend to talk to.”
I could see the spark of excitement go off in Julianna's head at the same time.
“Yes, Crystal! Annie is right. Not only is he the funniest guy I’ve ever met, but he’s a billionaire. You deserve to have a fun night with a handsome guy!”
Suddenly, the thought of being with a man freaked me out. “I don’t think that I’m ready for a relationship, though.”
Julianna shrugged her shoulders at me. “Who said anything about a relationship? We’re talking about a plus-one to a baby shower/gender reveal party. Just a hot, rich guy to get your mind off of your troubles for a little while.”
“That does sound like fun. I just hate awkward setups.”
Annie had always been someone I could trust. “What if we promise that we won’t make it awkward, though? Even if nothing happens after tonight, you’ll have someone to flirt with while my sister and I are waddling around playing baby games.”
It was easy to see the excitement in their faces, and I decided that a fun night might be enough of a distraction from my life to help me refocus. “Neither of you gorgeous ladies waddle, so stop with that nonsense. And as long as you promise not to make it awkward or uncomfortable, then fine, you can set me up.”
