Page 34 of Unexpected Days

“Open it,” I urge. Bailey stops doing dishes to see what it is.

Riley rips the paper off and opens it, inside is a small ornament with some pink baby footprints and the word “Godmother” scribbled in script.

“Are you asking me to be her godmother?” Riley gasps.

“Yes, I hope you’ll say yes.”

“Of fucking course!” She jumps toward me for a hug and pulls me in tight.

“Ah, this is so exciting!” She looks at the ornament again and smiles.

“Dinner’s ready!” Perfect timing. I am too close to tears and I don’t want to start that waterfall today.

I devour everything on the table. A little of everything making its way to my plate. I have always loved Thanksgiving but especially this year when I can eat as much as I want without anyone saying a word. I am enjoying this whole eating for two business.

There’s small talk throughout dinner, everyone catching up about work and what we’ve been up to. I listen in case anyone says anything about Cody. I doubt they will, but just in case. I can’t help but keep my ears peeled. It is an equal split between wanting to know what he’s been up to and not wanting to even hear his name. Days like today, it is hard not to at least think about him.

“How’s the second location coming?” Logan asks and my ears perk up. Are they talking about Puzzles?

“Sawyer and Cody are almost done, there’s some final touches, I think, and then some inspections to pass since it’s a new building and they did so many renovations.”

“Are you still thinking about moving up here?” Bailey asks, and I almost choke on my turkey.

“Who’s moving up here?” I look at Riley and her face pales.

“Crap, I’m so sorry,” Bailey quickly apologizes. I wait for someone to say something. Surely Riley isn’t moving up here and hasn’t told me.

“Sawyer and I are looking for a house up here, because of my family and with the second location opening,” Riley explains.

I don’t say anything. I just stand up and head outside. Thankfully my body heat can keep me warm because it’s freezing outside and I didn’t grab my jacket.

“Luna, I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine,” I say angrily. I mean, why would my best friend tell me that she was moving just as I am about to have a baby,alone.

“It’s not. I should’ve told you the truth.”

“But you didn’t.”

“It's not like I necessarily want to leave.” She sighs.

“But so you are,” I point out.

“Sawyer asked me and I didn't know how to say no. Because it’s not exactly like I can tell her why I need to stay.” Her eyes drop to my stomach.

“Isn't staying for me enough.” I pause. “Never mind, don't answer that.” I already know the answer.

“You know I love you. And I'm not going anywhere. It's just a little bit further. I'll still be here for you all the time. Plus this isn't for a while anyway.”

“Like a while as in after the baby's eighteen?” I joke.

“Well, okay, maybe a little bit sooner than that, but I'll still be here for all the big moments.”

“You know, I want to be happy for you. It just took me by surprise.”

“I know. I’ve been meaning to tell you, I just didn’t know how.”

I nod and she sighs again.

---