The afternoon of January first the women met at Mia’s house to plan their Christmas-in-January celebration.
“It’s bound to be more exciting than my New Year’s Eve was,” Sunny said.
“I thought the kids were coming over,” said Arianna.
Sunny frowned at her half-finished mug of coffee. “They were supposed to but only Dylan made it. He and Travis spent the night gaming and I ate all the rest of the Andes Mints chocolate cookies.” Her frown upgraded to a scowl. “I think I have a chocolate hangover,” she announced, and took a gulp of her coffee.
“So, what happened to Bella?” Arianna asked.
“Sleepover at a friend’s.”
“That is hard to compete with,” said Mia as she poured more coffee for everyone.
“I’d thought I could at least lure her out for afternoon mani-pedis,” Sunny said.
“Teen girls, they’re all inhabited by aliens,” Molly said in an obvious effort to make Sunny feel better.
“Barely teen. And I’m the wicked stepmother,” Sunny explained.
“Ah.” Molly nodded knowingly. “The unwanted replacement mom.”
“That sums it up,” Sunny said, and helped herself to one of the puff pastries Mia had baked for everyone. “She did lower herself enough to go out for burgers at Red Robin before we dropped her off.”
“Well, there you go,” said Arianna.
“Yeah, that was fun.Not,” Sunny said.
“It’ll get better,” Molly assured her. “All girls go through a bratty stage.”
“Not me,” joked Arianna.
“Of course not,” Mia said from the kitchen where she was kneading bread, and winked at her.
“How long does it last?” Sunny wanted to know.
“Till they become moms,” said Molly, making Sunny groan.
“At least you have Dylan,” Arianna pointed out.
“Who sees me more as his servant,” Sunny grumbled.
“That’s what moms are,” Molly said. “And at least something was happening at your house. At my house it was me and Maisey Yates.”
“Who’s that?” asked Arianna.
“The new romance writer I’m reading. But I finished with Maisey by nine and was asleep by nine fifteen. My life is one big thrill after another.”
“It’s going to be this year,” predicted Arianna.
“For all of us,” said Sunny. “Let’s get planning.”
“Good idea,” approved Arianna.
“You all have fun,” said Mia, wiping her hands on a towel. “I’m going to rescue Sophie from the TV and work on that puzzle with her.”
“Thanks, Mom,” Arianna said.
“It’s so great you all are living together,” Molly said as Mia moved from the kitchen into the living room where Sophie was parked in front of the TV, watching a kids’ show.
