Page 24 of Wine, Whiskey, & Lipstick 2

“Palmer, we love you,” Cat glanced over at Dillyn. “I’ll support whatever you want.”

Feeling defeated, Dillyn sighed, “When have we ever not had each other’s back?”

Palmer released a huge sigh of relief. “Thank you for not judging me,” a lump formed in her throat for the loss of her ideal family, “I love y’all right back.”

Cat tried to lighten the mood, “I’ll be the cool Aunt. But I draw the line at early morning feedings and poopy diaper changes.” Cat was teasing. She would do whatever Palmer needed.

Dillyn echoed the sentiment. She thought she would be a better auntie than a mom. It would have been a good time to tell them about her own news, but Dillyn thought better of it. She still wasn’t ready, and while Dillyn felt a pinch of guilt, she decided to keep quiet. “Well, I will compete for the most awesome Aunt.”

Cat laughed, “Awesome Aunt? What even is that?”

Playfully, Dillyn nudged Cat’s shoulder.

Cat was still laughing, “Cool and awesome aunts are not the same.”

“I’ll leave you two to figure that out, but if I have your blessings . . .” Palmer looked excitedly between both women, “May the best Godmother win!”

Chapter 11

“Two weeks? That is the earliest appointment you have for a consultation?”

Dillyn was still dragging. She couldn’t buy energy. She was exhausted when she walked back into the business office carrying a huge bowl of cereal. It was something she rarely ate but now craved like crazy. She caught the tail end of Palmer’s conversation and remained quiet until she finished her call.

Frustrated, Palmer released a huge sigh, “If that’s all you have, then I’ll take it. Mmhmm. Okay. Thanks.” She disconnected her phone.

It was clear Palmer wasn’t happy with having to wait the two weeks. Instead of asking what was happening, Dillyn sat at her desk while munching loudly. She would tell her if Palmer wanted her to know about that call.

Palmer’s face was pensive as she stared into space.

Slowly, Dillyn lowered her bowl, “everything okay?”

Palmer exhaled loudly, “I can’t believe I’m finally doing this, but can’t get an appointment for two more weeks.”

Cat walked into their shared office. “Finally doing what?”

Disappointed, Palmer explained, “I was on the phone with a sperm bank. They can’t see me for a consult until two weeks from now.”

“Speedy Gonzalez over there. You just mentioned the idea a few hours ago and are you already calling a sperm bank?” Cat said as she took a seat opposite both Dillyn and Palmer.

Dillyn didn’t know exactly what to say, so she kept her mouth busy eating. Something about what Palmer wanted to do didn’t sit right with her, but who was she to judge? Dillyn had her own situation to deal with. She just wished things could have worked out the way Palmer wanted. She, of all people, deserved to have a traditional family.

“That’s it? No smart-ass response from you, Dillyn?” Palmer glanced up to take a good, long look at her friend as she remained silent.

Dillyn only opened her mouth to put another spoonful of cereal in it. Palmer wouldn’t want to hear her thoughts, especially when they were so hypocritical.

Cat piped up. “I know I’ve asked this before, but are you sure this is what you want to do?”

Palmer leaned forward and placed her elbows on her desk while steepling her fingertips. She was very thoughtful before answering, “My parents have been happily married for almost sixty years and have four beautiful children. They built a wonderful life for us. That’s all I ever wanted.” Her voice cracked. “However, I’m mature enough to accept that my life might look drastically different.”

Dillyn felt a lump forming at the base of her own throat. Palmer was usually strong and almost always found a way to get what she wanted. But this time, it didn’t seem likely, or at least not in the way Palmer hoped. Dillyn’s heart ached when she heard Palmer’s voice break. There had to be something she could do to help.How are you going to help when you have your own problems?Dillyn’s internal battle was real. Still, something within her felt as if she had to try. No sooner had Dillyn decided to get involved did an idea pop into her mind.

“We’ve all been so stressed out by a million different things. Let’s park our problems for tonight and do something we haven’t done since we moved here.”

“We’re just switching topics like that, huh?” Cat asked.

“Yep.” Dillyn nodded. “Lately, things have just been way too heavy. We could all use a break.”

“Ain’t that the truth.” Palmer agreed. “The weather matches my mood. . . stormy.”

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