“I really did. Do, I guess. I’m still worried about you.”
“I’m worried about me too, but honestly, I also feel a lot better than I have in a long time.”
“I’m glad,” Diana said, and this time, Jess knew she meant it.
“Look, I don’t want you to think for one minute thatIthink you’re wasting your life. You love being a mom. That’s always been your dream and you’re living it. I’m happy for you and, more than that, I envy you for it. You’re content. You know who you are and your family respects you for it,” Jessica said, her nose tickling with emotion. “It’s different for me and I hope that we can both learn to be okay with the fact that our lives are heading in different directions. Neither of us has to be wrong.”
Diana sniffled. “You’re right. I just … I guess I felt like you were saying that my life isn’t important and it really hurt me.”
“But that’s not what I was saying at all. I was saying that my life wasn’t what I wanted it to be. There’s no rule that says we have to do exactly the same things forever, amen.”
Chuckling, Diana said, “It reminds me a little of when we were in seventh grade and we all thought we had to dress exactly the same or someone would be kicked out of the group.”
Jessica put on a valley girl accent. “Thursday is navy sweatshirt day.”
They both laughed, which was followed by a moment of pure relief that traveled back and forth across the line. “I just really don’t want to lose you as my best friend,” Jessica said.
“Same here. These past few weeks have been total shit knowing that we weren’t talking.”
“Agreed. I’ve felt sick about it. So … we’re back to normal then?”
“Definitely,” Diana said. After a second, she added, “Although things will never go back to exactly how it was. You’re going to be so busy. We won’t be able to sneak out for Tuesday morning walks or go shopping on a Friday afternoon anymore.”
“True, that’s true,” Jess said. “But just think, when I’m finally a lawyer and we do go shopping, I’ll be able to shop at the same stores as you.”
“Ooh! That’ll be fun.”
“Yes, it really will. We just have to hang in there for a few years until that happens.”
“I can do that,” Diana said, which caused another huge wave of relief to wash over Jess. At least she had her best friend back, even if her family was furious with her.
“Damn,” Diana said. “As much as I want to chat for the next six hours and find out every detail of what’s been going on, I have to run and pick up the kids.”
“You go. We’ll catch up later.”
“Bye, Jess.”
“See you soon, Di.”
When Mike got home a few hours later, Jess poured them each a glass of wine while he went upstairs to change. Then she put on a Gen X playlist on Spotify. By the time he came down,If You Leaveby Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark was playing. Jess smiled up at him from her spot in front of the stove and pointed to the glass meant for him. For a brief moment, she thought he might say no thanks, but much to her delight, he picked it up.
She let out a long exhale as she stirred the homemade meat sauce she had started. “Spaghetti should be ready in about ten minutes. How was work?”
“Great, actually,” he answered. “I ended up getting the Lawson account.”
Jess grinned over her shoulder at him. “That’s wonderful. Des must be happy.”
“Yup, he sure is.”
“I’m glad. You guys needed a break,” Jess said, having a sip of wine. “Listen, about tomorrow, I know I said I didn’t want to cook, but I was kind of hoping we could do it together.”
He shook his head. “Oh no, it was enough help for you to pick up the groceries today. I can handle it.”
“But I’d really like to do it. I miss you.”
Mike stared at her for a second before he answered, his eyes softening. “I’ve missed you too.”
“It’s settled then. We’ll cook together.”
