Page 61 of Choose Us
“Are you making the hangover special?” I asked.
“I certainly am.”She grinned.
“With whipped cream?”
“Of course.”
I licked my lips. I wanted to want them. Beth flipped the first pancake then turned her attentionback to me.
“How are you feeling this morning?”
“If I’m honest, a little numb. I’ll be okay though.” I hoped.
Beth reached for the plate and flipped the first pancake neatly on top. She sprinkled on some small cut pieces of strawberry and banana before finishing off with a big swirl of whipped cream.
“Thank you.”
“Pleasure.”
She watched me intently. She wouldn’t stop until I tried them. It was like primary school all over again. My mum used to glare at me until I ate the broccoli from my plate. I hated broccoli. I didn’t however hate the pancakes. I picked at the edge; one mouthful wouldn’t hurt.
“Are you going to see Brooke again beforeyou leave?”
With a mouthful of food,I shrugged.
“Do you want to?”
I shrugged.
“Do you have any audible response or is that the best you’ve gotright now?”
I shrugged again.
“Okay, I’ll take that as you’re enjoying my pancakes.”
She rounded the breakfast bar and placed her hands on my shoulders.
“One thing is for sure. I will not have the last few days with my best friend ruined because you’re feeling sorry for yourself.”
My eyes widened. “Harsh.”
“You need harsh. You realise the next time I see you, you’ll be an auntie to this little bambino.” She rubbed at her belly. “I am only a few months away from being a waddling whale that can do nothing other than eat.” That mental picture made me chuckle. “Oh, I see. The thought of me waddling is what youfind funny.”
“I can’t imagine you’re ever going to waddle anywhere. You’re five foot eleven with a body like a track star. I’ll be surprised if anyone even notices you’re pregnant.”
I stuffed a large piece of pancake in my mouth, covering my lips and nose in cream.
“I hope so.”
“What’s the plan?” I asked.
Beth sauntered from one side of the room to the next talking about art museums, some amazing shopping complex, a high-end dining experience, and something about wealthy businessmen. I heard Roppongi several times, so I assumed that was thedestination.
I would’ve done anything to take my mindoff Brooke.
*
Roppongi was extremely lively, even during the day. I could only imagine what the entertainment district would be like at night. We went to the observation deck of a skyscraper complex. We listened intently to a well-spoken Englishman who’d clearly done his research on Tokyo and was thoroughly describing all the buildings tohis partner.
