Violet looks puzzled. “But Daisy said you’re in here all the time?”
“I… work down the street,” I mumble, not wanting the reminder.
“I don’t even know what you do.” Poppy scrunches her nose, looking apologetic. “I’ve been so distracted lately.” She looks at me expectantly, waiting for an answer. Ireallydon’t want to discuss my work life right now, not after what happened, but I also don’t want to lie.
“I’m, uh, an assistant.”
“Cool.” Poppy smiles. “Where?”
“An architecture firm,” I say, before remembering what Violet told me last time, that her company is planning to meet with Dad. She looks at me with a frown, as if piecing it together, when Daisy approaches the table carrying a tray of coffee cups.
“Sorry,” she says, setting the drinks down, then untying her apron and settling in at the table. “We got slammed right as you arrived.”
Violet looks around Joe’s with a good-natured laugh. “Sometimes I wonder why you’re still here. Wes makes good money, and your photography business is doing well.”
“I’m only part-time.” Daisy shrugs, smiling. “I like it. The people, the coffee, being part of the neighborhood… It makes me happy.” She pushes her long dark hair over one shoulder, lips twisting in a smirk. “Are you complaining about the free coffee? Because I’d be more than happy to cut off your supply…”
Violet’s hands cover her mug protectively. “Don’t even joke about that.”
Poppy laughs, glancing at her mug. “I’m definitely not complaining,” she says, “but I should probably tell you, I’ve switched to decaf.”
Violet’s eyes narrow. “Since when do you drink decaf?”
“Since…” Poppy bites her lip, looking at the three of us. “Since I got pregnant.”
A loud shriek escapes Violet, and she leans forward, pulling Poppy into a hug. “Oh my God! Finally!”
Daisy piles on, beaming as she squeezes her friend. “I’m so happy for you guys!”
I grin, and once Poppy has finally had a moment to catch her breath, I hug her too. “Congratulations. That’s so exciting.”
“Thanks.” She’s pink with happiness as we settle back in our seats. “It’sveryearly days, and you’re not supposed to tell anyone in case it doesn’t stick, but…” She shakes her head. “I want you guys with me every step of the way. If it doesn’t work out… I’m going to need your support.”
The others ask questions about due dates, and I stare at Poppy, in awe of her vulnerability. That she’s prepared to risk sharing this, even if it ends badly, because she knows she’ll need to lean on her friends. Because that’s what friends are for—supporting you when shit gets real.
Daisy rises to swap Poppy’s coffee for decaf, glancing around the table. “Does anyone want anything else?”
I give her a sheepish smile. “I’ll take a mint chocolate cupcake if there’s one going.”
Daisy grins. “Of course. I should have known.”
I watch her leave, thinking about Poppy again. If she can be vulnerable, maybe I can, too. Maybe I can tell them I think I have ADHD. Eric was so casual about it, like he’d known this about me all along and didn’t care. Will they be the same? Part of me is scared to share it, wondering if they’ll judge me, but another, much larger part wants to tell them. Wants to say the wordsout loud to someone. To take a chance with these lovely women, because I can’t help but think they’ll accept it.
Acceptme.
As soon as Daisy returns, I take a deep breath, focusing on my cupcake. “I, uh, kind of have some news, too.”
Poppy cradles her coffee, brows lifting. “Ooh, that sounds interesting.”
“Oh.” I wave a hand, chuffing an embarrassed laugh. “I’m not having a baby, or anything. It’s not really a big deal.”
“Well, go on,” Violet says, rolling her hand with mock impatience. “You’re killing us.”
Shit. Now I’ve built it up way too much.
“I just, um, kind of figured out that… I might have ADHD?” It comes out as a question, and I wince.
Daisy freezes. Violet sets her coffee down, expression turning somber. Poppy frowns.
