Page 142 of Between Hate and Desire

Sophie

We’re five minutes away. SOMEONE made us late.

I snicker when I see a group text with my sisters.

Maddie

I couldn’t find my shoes, sorry! Want me to show up barefoot?

Sophie

She had three other pairs to pick from. Don’t let her fool you.

Lennon

I just got here and am about to check in. Meet me on the third floor.

Maddie

Don’t find out what that baby is without us!

I snort-laugh.

“Did Soph tell you she’s online dating now?” Maddie says a second after they arrive. “Should see some of these creeps she’s meeting.”

They both give me a hug and rub my belly before sitting on either side of me. I haven’t seen Maddie since her dance recital two weeks ago. Things have been crazy getting ready for the baby and going back to work.

“Online dating, huh? Finally gave up on Mason?” I ask, chuckling.

Sophie rolls her eyes. “If I wait for that man to make up his mind or make a move, my ovaries will be dried up, and I’ll be wearing bifocals.”

“By your driving, I’d say you need them now,” Maddie teases.

Sophie glares. “What was that? You wanna ride the bus home?”

“Is this what sex deprivation does?” Maddie asks me. “Once you have it, then no longer have access to it, does it turn you into a hormonal psycho?”

“Look who you’re asking,” I mock. “I’m both sex-deprived and hormonal.”

“Fair point.” She slouches back into her chair. “You should see some of these messages, though. Their pick-up lines are cringe-worthy.”

“Yes, please tell,” I say to Sophie with a shit-eating grin. “Amuse me.”

“Ugh, thanks, Mads.” Sophie groans, then grabs her phone, clicking open the app.

“I bet those braids are useful in the bedroom. Wanna bend over and find out?” she reads aloud, then gives me the side-eye.

I burst out laughing. “What the hell?”

“Oh, it gets way worse. I learned the hard way not to post a picture with braids now.”

“Who knew?” I snicker. “Okay, more.”

“Violinist, huh? Guess that means you’re good with your fingers. How about you come over and play my instrument?”

I crack up all over again. “That’s kinda creative.”

She reads another one. “Are you a vegan because I wanna nut all over you.”

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