Page 28 of Out of Bounds
I was supposed to be working with her today, but I knew she’d be in good hands with Heather. Heather is usually here a few days a week to help her with her classes anyway but since finding out about the baby, she’s been here more often.
“You brought cake, cheesecake. Please tell me it’s New York,” she beams clasping her hands.
“It’s New York and from that shop you love near the entrance to Wrightsville Beach.” Another reason I’m late.
“You’re the best. I’ve been craving cheesecake all day.” She takes the cake, and we continue walking over to the other girls who are looking eagerly at me.
At least I know they aren’t watching me because I’m here solo. They’re all married, and their husbands aren’t here. They tend to join us for bigger events that take place over the weekend when they’re free.
Mary’s husband is a surgeon and Tennessee and Clarissa’s husbands work together in Charlotte as senior partners a big law firm.
“Hi girls,” I say with a wave.
“Hello Bree, Quinn told us about your business idea,” Mary says.
I gave her permission to. I knew it would divert them from talking about Liev. Although I’m a firm believer in not counting my chickens before they hatch and not jinxing things, I thought this could be the exception.
I need it to be.
“What do you guys think?” I bring my hands together nervously.
“Are you kidding?” Tennessee asks. She sounds more Southern like me because hence the name she’s actually from Tennessee. Her parents weren’t that creative when it came to her name. “Sign us up, honey. I needed that day spa from years ago. Tell us all about your idea.”
“Of course,” I agree and that’s how I spend the next hour.
It’s refreshing to talk about my dreams in such a way amongst friends who support me. They might not all have believed in me at certain points in my life, but they did always support my ideas.
The conversation is great for that whole time, and no one asks about Liev. I was geared up to tell them we broke up but since they didn’t ask, I plan to tell them another time.
Suddenly Quinn complains about her stomach only because she somehow managed to eat the whole cheesecake, but the other girls took that as an invite to talk about childbirth. Apart from me, Tennesse is the only one without kids, but she and her husband have been trying for years so she’s all clued up on birthing techniques—which is what they’re talking about now.
So, not my thing. I have nothing against children and I want to have them some day but once again I’m the odd one out and now I don’t have Liev, I’m the single odd one out.
The conversation continues like that for nearly another hour. I sit there as still as a scarecrow listening, but my awareness is working, and I feel eyes on me from time to time.
I don’t need to turn to know who they belong to. That’s what happens to you when you have years of practice from staying away from Ethan Carson.
“I think I need another burger,” Quinn says shuffling to get up.
While I’m surprised she can fit any more food in that teeny tiny stomach of hers I’ve been waiting for an excuse like this to leave the conversation. I didn’t want to go to the bathroom because then I’d have to get closer to Ethan to get in the house.
“Let me get it for you,” I offer. “Is the burger all you want?”
“Oh, I’d love a hotdog too. Just tell my mom I’m hungry again, she’ll know what to do.”
“Sure thing.”
“Thanks so much. Oh, and Bree could you also get me that fluffy blanket Logan bought me from his trip.”
Eww, that dreadful thing that looks like an old sheep dog. “Of course. Food first?”
“Yes, I can’t believe I’m starving again. It’s like I haven’t eaten a thing.” She giggles and glances in awe at her stomach.
“Don’t worry I’ll grab the food for you.”
I do and Heather knows exactly what Quinn wants. I take Quinn her food and it smells so good I decide to go back to Heather and ask her to make me the same before I grab the blanket from inside the house.
“Could I have those relish things too please?” I add just as Heather places the beef patty on the grill.
