Page 21 of The Forever Game

“I couldn’t bring myself to fire her.” I cringe, then tip my head back. “Thank God she quit.”

“Yeah, well, maybe she could see the writing on the wall.” Lani bulges her eyes, and we both end up laughing.

Relief pulses through me at how I dodged that bullet. Conflict is so not my forte. I wish I had some of Mikayla’s fire or Lani’s ability to put people in their place. She has this way of being so elegantly cutting when she wants to be. I would love to be able to stay that composed and assertive at the same time.

She really is a phenomenal woman. All of my friends are wonderful. I never thought moving to Nolan would expand my friend group this way, but Mick and I have found such a home with these people, and each new person who came into Hockey House just seemed to fit.

My eyes dart to the coffee table as I think about Caroline and how I haven’t spoken to her since she announced her pregnancy. Shit. I am such a bad friend. I totally ghosted her back in January. Even after guilt got the better of me, I couldn’t find the courage to return her call, and since then I’ve been busy with the adoption stuff. I need to get over myself and check on her.

Chewing my bottom lip, I wrinkle my nose and glance at Lani.

“Hey, um… how’s Caroline doing?”

Lani gives me a gentle smile. “She’s good. Things are busy with the kids and…” She hesitates and I nod, gripping my mug and willing myself to ask.

“And the pregnancy?”

“Baby and mama are both healthy.”

“Cool.” I bob my head, then stop when I notice Lani’s pained expression. “What?”

“They’re having a girl.”

“Really?” I sit up with a smile. “Wow, she must be so happy.”

“She is.”

“Then why are you frowning?”

“I just feel bad that… she didn’t tell you. I mean, she wanted to, but she’s so aware of your situation, and she hasn’t wanted to upset you.”

Guilt simmers through me. “I get it. She’s been so understanding, and I’m grateful. I need to… call her or something. I’ve been a terrible friend.”

“No.” Lani reaches for me, shuffling on the couch so she can sit closer. “Don’t say that. She understands, and she’s not mad at you over it. She just wishes this could be happening for you too. She knows how badly you want kids. She gets that her accidentally getting pregnant must be a punch to the gut for someone who has been trying for so long.”

I blink, unbidden tears quickly rising. I fight them off as best I can.

“I’m sure she’d appreciate a phone call from you when you’re ready. Maybe you could tell her about the adoption and stuff.”

“Who knows how long that’s going to take,” I murmur, not wanting to be a pessimist but also trying to be realistic.

“Yeah, well, good things take time.” Lani squeezes my wrist.

I glance at her, loving how caring she is and needing to end our coffee catch-up on a better note. She has to go soon, and I can’t have us shuffling out of here all down in the dumps.

How can I brighten things up?

Changing the subject is a must, but…

“What’s going on?” Lani frowns at me.

“Huh?”

“You have this look on your face like you want to tell me something, but you’re not sure if you should.”

“Oh. No.” I shake my head with a soft laugh. “I was just wanting to end things on a better note and was scrambling to think of a subject change.”

Her brown gaze softens with understanding. “It’s okay to be sad. We can share that together. I’m here for you… whatever mood you’re in.”

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