“Good morning, sunshine,” she sings, her hands deep in the sink as she washes the baby bottle from last night.
We had to alternate between the bottle and breast a lot because of our situation, and although it bothered me that I couldn’t feed exclusively and that now I can’t get a supply at all, I know this is the only way.
“You’re extra chirpy this morning.” I scrunch my nose at her as I move to the island, taking the steaming mug of coffee she has laid out for me. She is dressed in a black skirt and white blouse. She looks sexy. She looks sexed. “Ugh, you got laid.”
“Uh-huh.” She points the bottle brush at me, soap suds dripping to the floor. “You should try it sometime.”
“I don’t think anyone will want this train wreck. I have extra… bits now.”
“You make that sound truly awful.”
“You know what I mean.”
She smiles over her shoulder at me. “My boy must be sleeping?”
Friends who love your children as much as you do, unconditionally, not because they should or want to, just because they do—that’s special.
“Yep, out like a light… Ted or Miller?” I ask, smirking behind my coffee cup.
“Miller,” she says after a beat.
I knew it! “Hmmm, that’s what? Your fifth date?”
“I wouldn’t call it a date.”
“No?”
“Nope, more like… like…”
“Sex,” I finish for her.
“Yeah.”She chuckles. “Just really great sex.”
“Good for you, Luce.”
It shouldn’t surprise me that she’s already slept with Miller, but it does. She’s different these days—more relaxed.
“You heading out in a minute? You’re going to be late,” she says.
But still a control freak.
“Yes, if I must. What time are you meeting Mason?” I ask.
“Ten. He needs to pop into the office first. I told him I would meet him there.”
“Perfect, the bag is packed and in the bedroom,” I tell her, pulling on my cardigan and picking up my things.
She gives me a tight smile, and I know she wants to say something. “He asked about Joey again on Friday.”
“Right?” I roll my eyes and turn to walk towards the door.
“Nina—”
“Luce. Don’t. Just leave it, please.”
She flicks her wrist, waving me off, and I know she isn’t mad at me. “El will be dropping off tonight. I have to help Jean down in the Mayfair shop.” She turns and starts walking towards my lounge.
“Luce.” She turns to face me. “Thank you.”
