The most unladylike snort rips through me.
Lanie’s mouth opens and then closes like a fish out of water. “I didn’t say anythingbad.”
Nina rolls her eyes, turning her focus back on me.
“I know you’re struggling, love. We won’t push you into going out if that’s not what you want,” Nina coos, hand running down my untamed hair soothingly.
I look up into Nina’s ice-blue eyes, framed by the longest non-manufactured eyelashes I’ve ever seen, determined to change the subject.
“Have I gained weight?”
She nods and Lanie gasps.
“Nina Joy Dunbar, what the hell’s the matter with you?” Lanie’s high-pitched squeal is enough to pull a smile from me. I try to smash my lips together to contain my laughter, but it’s no use. A fit of preteen giggles escapes me.
Nina’s eyes widen as her head bounces back and forth between us. “Huh? What did I say?”
Lanie rolls her eyes this time. “Pay attention. You’re not typically the space cadet.”
Nina ignores her, gaze settling on me. “I’m sorry, love. I’m…distracted.”
I want to ask her why, but she forges ahead, beating me to the punch.
“My mother called. She wants to come to town for the holidays.”
Nina isn’t distracted, she’s distressed, and I can’t blame her. Samantha Woods is equal parts obnoxious and terrifying.
“Why?” Lanie says, parroting my thoughts.
“I’m sure she needs more money.” Nina sighs, picking at her fingernails. “She had a botched cosmetic surgery and is tapped out of funds to fix it.”
“Oh, please. The woman is fake from her head to her toes. What more can she need?” Lanie practically spits the words. None of us are fond of Nina’s mother, but Lanie in particular despises the woman.
“This time it’s true. I heard it myself via an unwanted video call.”
My eyes narrow. “You heard it? What, pray tell, does that mean?”
Nina’s lip tips up. “She went back to get bigger implants and now her boobs squeak.” She waggles her eyebrows, grinning so widely her brilliant white teeth are on full display.
“Squeak?” Lanie asks. “Like a rubber duck?”
Nina’s head bobs. “Let’s just say that the neighborhood dogs follow her around. And I am not exaggerating.”
We all burst into laughter. Of all the people for something like that to happen to, the universe got it right this time.
Lanie wipes under her eyes. “Don’t you dare help her fix that. Let her suffer in squeaking until she finds Husband Number Six to pay for it.”
I take a good hard look at my friends, recognizing how lucky I truly am, despite the hardships I’ve endured. Having Lanie and Nina by my side today is something I’ve rejected, but, man, am I glad they didn’t listen.
“I needed this. You two being here,” I explain, and Nina offers me a wide smile. “No matter what I said, I’m glad you ignored it.”
“If I’d known my stories would make you laugh like this, I would’ve been here sooner.” Nina frowns as she rubs her chest. “I’m sorry I waited so long to barge in, Alyssa.”
I wipe under my nose, grunting. “I ate a carton of ice cream and chugged half a bottle of wine. I was fine. Wonderful, even.”
“Ally, why didn’t you call us?” Lanie’s irritated voice draws my attention to the couch. “I would’ve gladly taken one for the team and drank the other half of that bottle.”
“Then you would’ve tried to force me out of this house. Which was something I was avoiding.”
