Page 4 of Crazy Imperfect Hearts

Chapter Two

Regan

Maddie is trying her best to keep a smile on her face, but I can tell her back is killing her, especially sitting on these hard outdoor chairs. My very pregnant friend would do anything for me, including staying up late to celebrate my milestone birthday when it’s obvious she needs to be in bed.

“I can’t thank you guys enough,” I say, looking around the table at my friends. I pack all of their thoughtful presents into one large gift bag and set it at my feet.

Ava gives me the side-eye. “You turn thirty-five and suddenly you have a bedtime?”

Laughter fills the air.

“No, but I’m well aware that almost everyone here will be woken up at the crack of dawn by at least one hungry child.”

“Right,” Ava says, looking sad.

I shouldn’t have said anything. I know how hard she and Trevor have been trying for a baby. Seeing Maddie pregnant has been difficult enough for her, the three of us being as close as three friends can be.

Amber, Dakota, Nikki, and Serenity take my out, and get up to leave, taking turns giving me one last hug. When they’re gone, I help Maddie out of her chair, trying not to laugh at the awkwardness of her huge belly.

I get it, it’s hard to stand up easily with extra weight on your mid-section, especially from such a low seat. I mean, I haven’t had a flat stomach since my freshman year at Houghton when Coach Minchew made us do a hundred crunches before each practice. But even my fluffy center doesn’t hold a candle to Maddie’s pregnant curves.

“Thanks,” she says, winded from the task of simply standing.

It makes me feel guilty that I kept her out so late.

I glance around the outdoor patio at Donovan’s Pub—the premier nighttime gathering place here on McQuaid Circle—and realize we’re some of the few patrons left.

Sure, there are a couple of small groups scattered inside, but with most of the Calloway Creek University students on summer break, it’s not as lively as it was mere weeks ago.

Lucas Montana is the only other person on the patio. He’s been out here puffing on cigarettes as if the smoke could erase the past. We all know what happened. If he hadn’t left Lissa literallyatthe altar, they’d be married, and she’d have never moved to the city and met the senator’s son. Even though he brought it on himself, I can’t help but feel sorry for him.

Everyone deserves a happily ever after.

I laugh inwardly, because unless one of the thousands of my book boyfriends comes to life, me actually getting one seems ever further out of reach.

It’s not that I want to be married as much as I want companionship. And maybe someone to dust off the goods. It’s been a minute. Actually, it’s been two years.

“Come on,” I say, taking Maddie’s elbow. “We’ll walk you out.”

She smiles. “You guys are the best.”

At Maddie’s car, Ava asks, “See you Tuesday?”

The three of us have had a standing coffee date behind the ice cream shop for as long as I can remember. Ava, being the owner of The Criss Coffee Corner—an establishment that could give Starbucks a run for the money—always brings the drinks.

Others sometimes join us, but unless one of our core three is on vacation or, let’s face it…dying… our little trio is always there. Every single week without fail.

Maddie rubs her belly. “Assuming I make it that long. I have a feeling this little guy might make an appearance by then.”

“Is Tag getting excited?” I ask. “I know he’s been great with Gigi, but she was five when you got together so he’s never had the baby experience.”

“He really stepped up as an uncle when Jaxon had his kids, so he knows how to be around babies. But, yes, he’s over the moon. And Gigi can’t wait to be a big sister. At eleven years old, she’s going to be a huge help.”

Maddie has a hard time fitting behind the steering wheel. I’m surprised she can even reach the pedals with as far back as she’s got the seat.

“Drive safely,” I say, closing her door. “Love you.”

“Love you guys.” She blows an air kiss and then she’s off.

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