Page 91 of First Comes Forever

Quinn’s been in the bathroom forever, and I know she’s even not halfway done. She puts on about four different face masks before going to bed. She’s not vain, just a creature of meticulous, ritualistic habit.

I’m already tucked under the covers, flipping through Netflix shows. There’s an empty bottle of water on the nightstand next to me. I told Quinn I was already getting a hangover, so she brought me water and two small liquid gels. I drank the water, but I haven’t touched the pain relievers.

I’m not hungover. I didn’t drink. My embryo transfer is next week. My very last chance at pregnancy. I’m not risking anything. I’m even doubling up on my prenatals. Anything to force my body to work.

When nothing on Netflix grabs my attention, I reach for my phone. Promising myself to be present, I haven’t touched it much today.

I hardly remember our girls’ trip last year. My iPhone was glued to my hand, unwilling to miss out on hours’ worth of b-roll content amidst the pretty mountain views in Estes Park. I’m sure a lot of followers envied me and my luxurious mountain vacation.

Little do they know, Quinn’s family owns this massive log mansion, so our trip is free, and the fancy-looking cocktails we usually drink are grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, and Burnett’s vodka. Our cheapness is mostly nostalgia. There was a point in our lives where we were happy, broke college kids. All we could afford were ramen noodles and hand-me-down furniture, but it was more than enough. We were rich because we had each other.

Checking my notifications, Adam texted me about an hour ago.

Adam

How’d it go?

Me

Chase actually pulled it off. He showed up while we were in the hot tub and whisked Noa away. I got booted from the room I share with Noa.

Adam

Boomerang. Told you. What are you up to?

Funny enough, I was dreading coming to our annual girls’ trip this year. But it is a non-negotiable tradition and Quinn would’ve skinned me alive if I tried to sit it out.

It’s not that I didn’t want to see my friends. But all of us being together reminds me how much I miss them. It was an easier choice at the beginning of summer when my life was falling apart. I should’ve moved home months ago, but enter Adam—the giant life detour I didn’t see happening.

Me

Waiting on Quinn, who is doing her five-hour bedtime routine.

Adam

Shouldn’t you guys be shitfaced and having fun? I thought your girls’ trip was a giant college reunion party every year.

Me

I took one fake swig of tequila.

Adam

What’s a fake swig?

Me

I spit it out over my shoulder when no one was looking.

Adam

You’re a class act, baby.

Just tell your friends what you’re doing. And tell them about me.

Me

You and your huge *rooster emoji*?

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