After unlocking the door and entering, she dropped her gear off at the table, carried her latte to the sofa and settled in to do nothing for at least a half hour. Forty-five minutes later, there was a knock at the door.
With her mind in a better place, she stood up and walked across her apartment, looked through the peephole. She opened the door. “Kelly?”
Her best friend offered a smile. “I’m sorry to drop in unannounced, but I did try calling first.”
“I put my phone on silent when I got home. It’s been a day.”
“Goodness, I’m sorry to bother you then.” Kelly frowned.
“You’re never a bother. Come on in.” She moved out of the way to let Kelly inside.
“Did Reagan leave Mr. Squiggles here by chance?” A sigh left Kelly. “We didn’t notice he was missing until last night, and we can’t find him anywhere. Once Reagan realized she couldn’t find him, she had a full-blown meltdown.”
“Yes, he is. I found him under the sofa last night and meant to call you. Hold on, I’ll go get him.” The stuffed animal snake, which was Reagan’s most recent favorite plushie, was stored in the linen closet, out of sight. For a toy, it was entirely too lifelike for Kelly’s fear of snakes.
“You’re my hero,” Kelly exclaimed. “I’m telling you, it’s like we’ve reverted back to the terrible twos. The pediatrician said that’s a typical response from a four-year-old when there is a new baby on the way, but it is draining.”
“I’m sorry. That sounds difficult.”
“It’s not easy, but I keep reminding myself this is a big change for Reagan also. Tommy and I are doing what we can to make her feel extra special and give her lots of memories before the new baby arrives. He’s with her at gymnastics now, and afterward their having a daddy-daughter dinner date.”
“I love that. My parents said I acted similarly, and they did the individual dates with me before Micah came, and then again with both of us before Kieran arrived. I’ve never forgotten those memories.”
Kelly breathed a sigh of relief. “That makes me feel better.”
“What are you doing for dinner since Tommy and Reagan are going out?”
“He offered to bring me home a burger, but I’m not much on fast food at the moment. I’ll probably make a sandwich when I get home.”
“Why don’t you stay for a while, and I’ll make a quick chicken caesar salad?”
“I don’t want to impose. You’ve had a long day.”
Anna tugged on Kelly’s arm and pulled her to the kitchen. “Yes, I have, and dinner with my best friend is the best antidote for that.”
“Fine, you twisted my arm.” Kelly set her purse and Mr. Squiggly on the counter. “But only if you let me help.”
“Can you get the plates down? I bought a kit, so all I have to do is mix it together.” She opened the fridge and pulled out the bag.
“Aren’t those kits the best?” Opening a cabinet, Kelly reached for the salad bowls. “They’re a major time-saver.”
“I love them. Are you fine eating on the sofa? I’m not up for proper manners tonight.”
“A soft plush cushion or a wooden seat? That’s a no-brainer.” Kelly pulled forks from the silverware drawer. “What do you want to drink?”
“Water is fine for me. There are cold bottles in the fridge,” she answered as she poured the dressing over the salads.
“I’ll grab two.”
They carried their meals into the living room, taking opposite sides of the sofa.
“What happened today?” Kelly asked. “If you want to talk about it.”
“Let’s just say the day started with a fist fight in my first period class and the day did not improve from there.” Even thinking about it threatened to bring back the headache that had finally begun to ease.
“Enough said.” After she finished a bite, Kelly continued talking. “There must be something in the air. My first clients today were horrendous.”
“Yikes.” Anna grimaced. “They must have been for you to speak poorly of them.”
