Page 82 of Pretty Relentless

“I can’t wait to tear into that cheese when we get home,” Blair says.

“You eat cheese, while Gabe puts the baby crib and swing together,” I propose.

“Excellent idea,” she agrees with a laugh.

“I’m going home to take advantage of my boyfriend,” Hallie states, turning and looking for Logan over by the door where he’s chatting with her brother, Gabe, and TD.

“Maybe we’ll give the baby making another shot tonight,” Ellie says.

“Yes!” we all holler.

“Go home and make a baby,” Hallie adds as we all gather up the rest of the stuff we brought and head for the door.

“We’re supposed to just shut off the lights when we’re done. They’ll come by later and take out the trash and lock the door,” Ellie informs us.

Slipping on my coat, I make sure I have my leftover food and purse and step outside with my friends.

“Thank you,” Blair whispers, giving me a big hug. “Today was absolutely amazing. You helped spoil our baby girl, and we appreciate you so much.”

“You’re welcome,” I reply.

The moment she steps back, Hallie is there, throwing her arms around me too. “Yes, thank you. Both of you. We have the bestest friends in the world,” she informs us, making us chuckle.

I have to admit, it feels good to be so loved by these incredible women. Sure, we went to school together, but even with our small class, we didn’t exactly hang out often. We were cordial and kind, always there if someone needed something. It wasn’t until we were adults, we connected and became friends. Sure, Blair and Hallie had always remained in contact after Blair left town, and Ellie was here through the college years raising her son, but once we all returned to Pine Village and stayed, we developed the friendship we have today.

After I went off to college, I lost track of my old high school friends, and when I returned home, none of my college friends were near me. Over the years, the occasional texts and phone calls became less and less frequent, and before I knew it, I was moving through life with just my family and a few acquaintances. Having these three women and their men in my life has been eye-opening.

And so very welcome.

Add in Gavin, and I’m living a pretty rich life right now.

“You know, I bet that chocolate dip and those strawberries will come in handy later,” Hallie says to me the moment we pull apart.

“What?” I ask, pretty sure I don’t really want to know where she’s going with this.

“You can dip the strawberries in chocolate, drizzle it over Gavin’s abs—or better yet, his…you know,” she says, dropping her voice down, “and lick it off. Food and sex go hand in hand.”

My face flames hot, and yes, this was exactly where I expected her to go with her comment.

She grins cheekily. “Just think about it. He’ll love it, promise.”

And then she walks over to Logan, slips her arm around his waist, and they walk to his truck together to head home. “She’s not wrong, you know,” Blair chimes in before she starts to head toward Gabe. “I expect a report back tomorrow on the whole chocolate and strawberries thing.”

Ellie and I both sigh as we watch the two mommies-to-be leave the community center. “I serve food all day long. The last thing I want to do is serve it up on my husband’s abs.”

TD chokes, clearly having heard what she said as he approaches. “Do I wanna know?”

“Hallie,” Ellie and I both state at the same time.

“Ahh, should have known. You ready, babe?” he asks Ellie, slipping his arm around her and pulling her into his side.

“Ready. Thanks again, for everything, Ava. I think we knocked this shower out of the park.”

I nod in agreement. “Sure did. Talk to you later,” I holler, making my way to my vehicle and climbing inside. I set the leftover container in the passenger seat and fire up my little SUV, seeking warmth from the heater. It only takes a few minutes to reach a comfortable temperature, but before I pull out of my parking spot, I fire off a quick text.

Me:All done with the shower. I have leftover food if you’re hungry.

Gavin:I’m always hungry…for you.

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