Page 5 of Double Fault

The whir of the garage door is loud in the deadly quiet space, then the security system chimes as the door opens. A small curse echoes from the mudroom into the kitchen, spurring me to stand and scurry over. Lucy is just inside the door, struggling with three pizza boxes. The package of cinnamon rolls teeters dangerously on top. Her purse has fallen to the floor, and the contents are scattered at her feet.

“Here, I’ve got these.” I take the boxes from her and set them on the counter, then hurry back to help her with the mess of things from her purse.

I collect at least a dozen unopened Band-Aids and hold them out. “Jesus, Lu. How much crap do you carry in there?”

“Too much.”

It takes far longer than it should to pick up her stuff. Arm outstretched, I reach for a white stick, but before I scoop it up, I stop short. “Lu… what is that?”

She grins, her eyes lighting up. “I… surprise, I guess.” She flips it over, revealing a positive pregnancy test.

I stare at it for a moment, processing her words.

My mouth falls open. “Lucy! You’re pregnant?”

About a year ago, she mentioned that she and Alyssa met with a doctor who specializes in IVF, but she never brought it up again, and I didn’t want to butt in on what could be a sensitive topic. Plus, they’re so young. At twenty-three and twenty-five, they have all the time in the world. When she didn’t bring up the subject again, I assumed they’d decided to wait.

I can’t imagine being ready to have children only a year from now.

“I wasn’t going to tell you yet.” Hurt pierces my heart, but before it can take root, she says, “It’s still very early. It might not… it might not stick, but I’m… oh, Sab, I’m so happy.” She throws her arms around me.

I hug my best friend back, squeezing her tight. Soon there will be a big belly between us. “I can’t believe I’m going to be an auntie.”

She sits back and drops the test into her purse. “We found out last week that this round took. I can’t seem to stop peeing on these stupid sticks. I just can’t believe it’s real. There’s a baby in here.” She presses a hand to her belly.

“Technically that’s your stomach. The baby?—”

“Oh, shut up,” she laughs, throwing her arms around me again. “Honestly, I’m so relieved. I’ve been about to burst. I wanted to tell you so badly.”

My chest aches. “I’m really happy for you two.”

“Thanks.” Her face lights up in pure joy.

I haul myself to my feet, then hold out a hand to help her up. “A baby, Lu. You’re going to be a mommy.”

“Ugh, stop.” She fans her face. “I’m going to cry.”

I hug her again, swaying side to side.

As happy as I am for my best friend, this is further proof that I need to get my life together. I can’t continue to be the constantly struggling, flaky best friend. I want to be there for Lucy the way she’s been there for me.

When I let her go, she tugs one of my curls. “I see you found the hair supplies.”

Smiling, I follow her into the kitchen. “Thanks for that.”

“You’re welcome.” She rounds the island and stands on her tiptoes to reach into a cabinet for plates. “God, I’m starving.”

“Let me get those.” I gently bump her hip with mine. “Think you got enough food?” I quip as I set the dishes beside the boxes. “That’s a lot of pizza.”

“I couldn’t decide between a veggie or a margherita, so I got both, and you’re a basic bitch who only eats pepperoni pizza, so I had to get that too.”

“And the cinnamon rolls?”

She lifts the lid of one pizza box, lips curling down in a frown at my pepperoni pie. “I’m pregnant and they looked yummy.”

“All the reason you need.” I drag the box across the island.

“Exactly.” She puts two slices of veggie and two slices of margherita on her plate.

---