Page 37 of All of Me

Taylor doesn’t move, her eyes fixed on me as she studies my face. I can feel her concern before she even speaks. “You okay?”

“I’m fine,” I say quickly, keeping my hands busy as I roll out the dough. The words feel flimsy, like they might crumble beneath her knowing gaze. I don’t dare meet her eyes; she’ll see right through me.

Taylor hesitates for a moment, then lets it go with a small nod, but I can tell she’s not convinced. I wish I could tell her about the knot in my chest, or how I can’t seem to shake the dread building inside me. For now, I focus on the dough, pressing it flat like I can smooth out my emotions along with it.

The doorbell rings again and my best friend Brooke enters, juggling her daughter Lexi in one arm and a bottle of wine in the other. “Let’s get this party started!” she declares, setting the wine down and sweeping me into a quick hug.

Ruby stirs in the wrap, and I instinctively pat her back. Brooke leans in to take a peek at her. “Look at her, all cozy. You’re going to spoil this one rotten, Callie.”

I laugh softly. “Maybe, but she’s worth it.”

The kitchen quickly descends into cheerful chaos. Ava and Lexi team up to douse cookies with sprinkles, Sara bangs her spoon with renewed enthusiasm, and Brooke keeps the energy high with her over-the-top commentary.

“This cookie is art,” Brooke declares, holding up a blob of frosting and glitter that vaguely resembles a tree.

“It’s a mess,” Taylor says dryly. “But it’s festive.”

I smile but stay quiet, my thoughts drifting back to Ruby’s visit tomorrow. My stomach churns at the thought of handing her over to Adam, of not being the one to soothe her cries or hold her when she gets fussy.

“Alright, Callie,” Brooke says suddenly, breaking into my thoughts. “What’s up? You’ve been quiet all morning.”

I hesitate, glancing at Taylor, who gives me a knowing look.

“It’s Ruby,” I admit finally. “She’s supposed to go to Adam’s tomorrow for her first visit. It’s the six-week mark, and it’s his time, but... I’m not ready. I’m nervous.”

Brooke’s face softens. “Of course you’re nervous. She’s your baby.”

Taylor nods, her voice gentle. “It’s normal to feel that way, especially with Adam. You’ve been through a lot with him.”

I feel tears prick the corners of my eyes but blink them away. “What if she cries and he doesn’t know how to calm her? What if?—”

“Stop,” Brooke says firmly. “You’re her mom, Callie. You’re always going to worry about her, but you’re doing the right thing. She’ll be fine, and so will you.”

Taylor adds, “And we’re here if you need us. Call anytime, okay?”

I nod, their words sinking in. It doesn’t erase my anxiety, but it helps.

The knock at the door catches us all by surprise and my heart skips. It’s rarely good news when someone shows up unannounced, but when I open the door, it’s Vince. His face is tired, a deep, eternal tired, and he offers a polite smile..

“Hey, Vince,” I say, stepping aside to let him in. “Come on in.”

He nods and steps into the kitchen, his hands shoved into the pockets of his hoodie. His movements are stiff, guarded, like he’s holding himself together by sheer will. I’m about to ask if he’s okay when Brooke speaks up.

“Okay, who is this, and why didn’t anyone warn me he’s this attractive?” she whispers to Taylor, her voice carrying just enough for me—and probably Vince—to hear.

I blink, momentarily stunned. Brooke isn’t the type to blurt something like that out. She’s usually the quiet one, not the one making bold comments about someone she’s just met.

I shoot her a look that saysseriously?.

“Hi,” Vince says politely, a faint blush rises up his neck. He awkwardly clears his throat. “You must be Brooke and Taylor?”

Brooke grins, undeterred. “Guilty. Want a cookie?” She holds out one of the more elaborately decorated ones from the tray on the counter. “They come with a sugar high and a side of glitter.”

He hesitates before taking one of the plain cookies. “Thanks.” His faint smile is more polite than warm.

“So,” Brooke says, clearly not done, “do you have a twin brother?”

I groan inwardly.This is not like her. What is she doing?

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