Whose Voice Is That?
Cora
Present Day
“Hey,girl,hey,”Angiesays, looking cute in her chunky, white sweater and jeans, as she wraps her arms around me.
“Hi, love.” I give her a tight squeeze back and we sit down at the coffee shop where I’ve already ordered both drinks.
She takes her latte and brings it to her lips. “Tell me everything—but oh! Congratulations on the verdict! I’m sorry I couldn’t be there.”
“Do not worry about that. I was so engrossed in my own world; I was a mess.”
“Your guys sent me text updates when they could.”
“They did?”
Angie offers a smug smile. “Yeah. It seems like they’re pretty invested in you.”
I fail to fight back my grin. As we sit here, Marco and Jay are currently with my mom and Aunt Shelly, hanging out.
“It’s not just me though. It was their idea for me to call you and catch up today. Not that I wouldn’t, but it’s like they want me to have my relationships outside them be just as vibrant.”
“Aww. Wait, romantic ones?”
“Oh my god, no. Platonic. Working, et cetera. No more rocks.”
“What?”
“Never mind. It’s just the three of us,” I say, setting my coffee down. “And maybe, there could be more.”
Angie’s eyes bug out and she tilts her head. “Bitch, explain yourself.”
“I’ve been talking to my therapist about it… and I think I’m ready to try for a child again.”
Angie covers her mouth with both hands and I let her process.
“Oh my god, Cora. This is huge,” she huffs.
“I know. Not right away, of course. I mean, this has all happened so fast, right? I should wait a while before any more big decisions are made.”
She looks off to the side and back to me, lifting a brow. “Should, huh? Whose voice is that?”
I consider it for a beat. “I don’t know. I guess societal expectations?”
“Do you feel like your relationship is going too fast?”
“No,” I answer honestly.
My best friend shrugs. “You knew right away with Theo, didn’t you? And the only reason y’all waited was because you were finishing college, taking your licensing exams, and establishing your careers.”
“Ugh, let's not talk about him. But you have a point.”
Angie sets her shoulders back. “I know. I’m very wise.”
“But what’s going on with you? Has your string of disastrous dates come to an end?”
“No,” she rolls her eyes. “Last week this guy, Kyler, asked me what my body count was, and when I reluctantly told him, he started lecturing me on how I’m not a high-value woman.”
