“I can only imagine. You’ve got to fend off all that crazy by yourself. You must be exhausted.”
“I’m hanging in there. I did put a sign up on my door that said I was in an all-day webinar and couldn’t be disturbed. That worked wonders.”
She laughs. “People believed that?”
“Yep,” I smile. “I should use it judiciously, though. Just my luck, Tall Steve will want to register for this day-long training that doesn’t actually exist.”
“I’ve got your back, Molls. We’ll get Simon to rig something up to his computer that simulates a training.”
“You’re an evil genius. I’m so proud.”
“And I’m so curious. What’s with all the bags? Please tell me they are not more printouts from Harold.”
“Nope,” I shake my head and grab at a few of the goodies I’ve brought. “Since I can’t take you to the spa, I thought I’d bring the spa to you.”
“Molls! You are the best!” She digs through the assortment of lotions and masques and treatments that I’ve brought, oohing and ahhing over each one.
“And one of the bags is a needlepoint kit for beginners. Stella sent that over, along with her love. She thought it might help you pass the time. And you have her number. She’s happy to FaceTime you through a thread-crisis.”
“She’s a saint.”
“No, she’s the devil herself, but that’s what I love so much about her. Oh, and Ava sent something, too.” I dig for the pouch my step-sister insisted I bring. “I was told not to open it, so I didn’t.” I explain, peering over to see what’s in the gift bag.
“Aw, Ava. She’s so thoughtful.” My best friend coos as she shows me the Sudoku pad, the journal, and the purple gel pen Ava wrapped up. I love that girl.
“She really is a sweetheart,” I agree.
“And how’s the rest of your fam?”
“Everyone’s good. I told you my dad’s dog destroyed the living room and ate a Hershey bar, right? Well, she’s fine, so that’s good. Also, the vet is hot, so that’s good information to have.”
We start pampering ourselves as the conversation flows naturally. We gossip about work, she keeps me up-to-date on all the goings-on in our little friend group, and assures me that she and Baby Walker are doing just fine. And despite looking a little peaked, she’s got a tiny baby bump and is clearly taking good care of herself.
The conversation lags just a bit, as I try to decide on a color for my toes. I figure Elaine is busy with the same task, but when I turn to her, I realize she’s scrutinizing me.
“Look at me.”
“What?”
“Look at me. No, all the way. Face me.”
“You’re being weird,” I tell my best friend. “I think this baby is messing with your head.”
“You’re fucking glowing, Molly.”
“Of course I am,” I scoff. “I just did a moisture renewal mask for, like, twenty minutes.”
“Nope. I’m not talking dewy skin. I’m talking sex-ravished skin. You have been having the sex!” she declares.
“Honestly, I’ve been having the sex since I was 17, so you’re not much of a detective…”
She rolls her eyes at me. “You know what I mean. The dry spell has ended. So, who’s the guy?”
I hedge for a second, pretending to be totally absorbed in my debate between Moonlight Mauve and Cherry Blossom.
“Molly Grace Randall. You have never once withheld information from me, particularly information of a sexual nature, so don’t start now.”
I laugh. “You’re taking right to this whole mom-thing, E. You’ve even got the look down.”
