Page 64 of Books and Hookups

My lungs felt like the baby had punched through the wall of my uterus and grabbed them. I’d expected Dad’s criticism, but I’d hoped my mother would be sympathetic since she’d been through something similar once upon a time. Fuck it. I didn’t need their approval or their support.

“I’ll be fine,” I said and tossed my napkin over what remained of those delicious blueberry pancakes. Later, I’d be sad about not finishing them, but asking for a doggy bag would have ruined my dramatic exit. “Mom, Dad, thanks for breakfast. I’m leaving.”

I turned on the toe of my ballet slipper, which, as it turned out, was much better for the maneuver than my combat boots would have been, and stalked out of the restaurant.

I’d done what I intended to do. I’d told them. I didn’t need their approval. Which was fortunate because no matter what I did, I’d never earn it.

23

Pregnancy Hormones Are the Worst

My legacy is the confidence and sense of self-worth I inspired in my clients. I hope people see all the different body types I’ve styled and realize that they are beautiful and can express their personal aesthetic in whatever body they inhabit.

Carly Rose, celebrity stylist

LUCIE

When it buzzed, I glanced down at my phone. Another text from my mother. This one began,Sweetie, I’m so sorry about that day at brunch…

I swiped the notification away. Tonight was about my girls, not my mother’s fake apologies. She’d been trying for a month to restore our family’s peace. Fuck peace. I didn’t need it.

My stomach swooped at the knock on my door even though I was expecting my friends.

“Calm down,” I muttered as if it was the baby who wanted to see Danny. Danny was working tonight like he did every Saturday night. I stroked my belly. It felt hard and tight. I rubbed a circle on it as I walked to the door and opened it.

Carly was on the other side, an expression of elation on her face and bags weighing down both shoulders.

“Hey.” I stepped aside so she could enter. “What’s in the bags?”

“A surprise,” she said, clutching the one over her right shoulder. It had a mesh panel in the front like the bag Danny carried to the gym. I doubted Carly’s surprise was a pair of stinky sneakers.

“Damn, I was hoping it was dinner,” I said.

“You don’t want me to be responsible for food. Savannah’s bringing that.”

“I know, babe.” I kissed her cheek. “Though I trust you to order takeout.”

“Hold the door,” Tessa called. She carried a couple of reusable grocery bags into my apartment.

“What did you bring?” I asked.

“Drinks. I’m going to set them up in the kitchen.”

I sighed. “Got it.” I missed our Wednesday happy hours. “I’ve got seltzer in the fridge.” Danny had kindly brought me my favorite flavors, but none of them compared to a margarita.

I peered into the hallway. “Where’s Savannah?”

“I’m sure she’ll be here soon,” Tessa said.

I checked my phone. No texts from her. “Traffic from Sacramento can be a bitch.”

Tessa set her bags on my counter and started opening cabinets. “I wish she’d move here. I’m worried about her.”

After one last scan of the hallway, I shut the door. “Why? What’s going on?”

“She hasn’t said anything, but things aren’t great with her husband.” Tessa slammed a cabinet door closed. “Jason.” Her lip curled when she said his name.

“Ugh,” I agreed. “I hate him more than any other person I’ve never met.”

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