Page 60 of All I Need

Allison: Have you heard from Gary again?

Me: Not since I was at his place. A little surprised I haven’t, actually.

Allison: Brace yourself. Crazy shit’s gone down.

Me: Gossip? Do tell!

It’s not lost on me that I’m asking for gossip on my ex-fiancé or the fact that I’m almost giddy rather than nervous to hear it.

Allison: LOL. Well, if you hadn’t just told me you were happy, begging me for gossip definitely tells me you’re doing good.

Me: I really am. It’s hard to explain.

Allison: Well, I hope this doesn’t ruin any of your happiness but… Crystal’s pregnant.

I gasp, then giggle, then tears well up in my eyes before I laugh again. It’s a rush of emotions and I can’t decide which one to settle on.

Allison: I’m sorry but I felt like you deserved to know.

Me: I’m glad you told me. I don’t know what to think about that, though. How far along is she?

Allison: Two months. Can I call you? It’d be easier to talk than text and I miss youuuuuu.

Me: LOL. Sure.

My phone begins ringing immediately and I snatch it up.

“Hey girl.”

“Hey,” she sighs. “Man, it’s good to hear your voice.

“Same for you. I’m sorry I just bailed.”

“What the hell are you apologizing for? I think if you’d have stayed around I would have judged you for it.”

We laugh together and it feels good. I did miss her. She was a good friend.

“Ellie, can I tell you something? Between us, I mean?”

“Of course.”

“I wonder if she did it on purpose.”

Sadly, that was my first thought also.

“Possibly, though not sure he’s the guy who’s going to stand up and be there for his responsibilities.”

Allison snorts.

“What did his dad say?”

“Oh it’s been a shit show. First of all, Gary made up a huge lie as to why you two weren’t getting married anymore but luckily I was right there to inform him of the truth. A few days after you disappeared, Gary came to the boutique asking if I’d heard from you. He kept going on and on about how he was going to sue you for all the costs incurred from the wedding—you know, since the dick is broke as a joke now.”

“Poor Gary,” I joke.

“Right? Literally.”

Now it’s my turn to snort.

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