Page 83 of Wicked Love

“Love you.”

I drive the rest of the way to work and when I get out of the car, I wipe my face again.

Sorry, little one. I promise I won’t always cry.

I’m distracted at work and distressed when there’s no sign of Becca and Bowie in the afternoon. When I get home, I eat a grilled cheese sandwich because it’s the only thing that sounds good, and I flop onto my couch, phone in hand. I scroll on Instagram…where I may or may not check out BHOTD…okay, I totally do and it’s a good one. A slow-motion reel of Bowie on the sidelines at Clarity Field, throwing the ball. His hair flares out when the ball leaves his hands and it’s a glorious sight.

I’m playing that over and over again…possibly obsessing about our child’s hair possibilities…when my phone lights up with a text from the girls.

Elle

OMG, you guys. It happened!

Sadie

You’re pregnant!

Tru

Tell me we’re pregnant at the same time!

Calista

WHAT! WE’RE HAVING A BABY?!!

My face heats and I know that if we were all in the room together, they’d see right through me and know thatI’mpregnant at the same time as Tru.

Elle

You guys. No, I am not pregnant. This feels like a letdown now. Lol Calista already knows because she keeps up with this stuff better than I do…Chasing Sunrise HIT THE NEW YORK TIMES LIST!

Elle! That’s amazing. Congratulations!!

Sadie

AHHHH I’m so excited I can’t take it, Zoey Archer!

Tru

Holy crap, Elle. That’s huge. You’re a literal literary goddess.

Elle

Thanks, you guys. I’m an emotional mess.

Calista

I’m so proud. So, so proud.

You deserved this so much. The book is incredible. I stayed up until 2 a.m. crying overchapter 18.

Elle

Okay, but chapter 18 was supposed to make you cry.

Tru

I almost threw the book across the room at the twist in chapter 12. My heart cannot take you, Ms. Zoey.