Page 107 of Crave

She looks at me, licks her dry lips and quickly looks away. As she rubs her belly, she plays with her wedding rings.

“Did you get the baby shower invitation?” She blurts it out so fast and almost looks relieved when the words finally leave her mouth.

“I did. Don’t worry. I’m not planning on attending.” Relieved to finally voice my decision, I start to walk away, only to come to a stop when Tracy calls my name again.

“Why aren’t you coming?” she asks when I turn to face her.

“You don’t want me there. I get that, and honestly, I don’t want to be there either.” I turn to walk away again.

“Sandy, please, wait.” Again, I turn towards her, and she starts to speak. “The invitation is a sincere one. I’d like for you to be there.”

“Why?”

“Why not? This thing between us is awkward, right?” I nod in agreement. “Only because we’re making it that way. Let’s not.” She sticks her hand out to me. “Hello, I’m Tracy. It’s nice to meet you.”

After staring at her pale hand for several seconds, I finally shake it.

“I’m Sandy. Nice to meet you.” For the first time since I’ve met her, she smiles at me.

“I’m not saying we have to be best friends. Unless you want to be.” She laughs at her own joke, and I let out a small, strained chuckle. “But we can be friendly. At the very least, let’s leave the awkwardness at the door.”

“I can try.” I force another smile.

“Good. I just want to say one more thing, and then I’ll need to sit down. Jake loves you.”

“I know he does,” is all I say.

“He didn’t love me.” Her green eyes meet mine.

“Tracy, I don’t want to have this conversation with you. I know how Jake feels about me. Let’s leave it at that.”

I don’t need anyone to tell me how Jake feels about me. He tells me every day, but more importantly, he shows me how he feels about me in everything he does, but knowing he had similar feelings for someone else is something that I still struggle with. Yes, it’s irrational, but who said the heart is rational?

“The way he looks at you, touches you?That’slove. We never had anything close to that. I think I’ve said enough. Please think about the baby shower. I really would like for you to come, and I want to say thank you. Troy told me how much you helped with the kids last weekend. Even before that, you’ve been so sweet to Tristan and Emma. I want you to know how much I appreciate that, Sandy.”She smiles at me, her green eyes searching mine. Taken aback by her candor, I smile back and nod.

“You’re welcome. The kids are great, and it was no trouble. I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Me too. I can’t wait to meet this baby.” We start walking towards the throng of people. Jake emerges with Tristan on his back and Emma holding onto one of his legs. When he sees me, he smiles and holds up a croissant in victory. His smile vanishes when he sees who’s standing next to me. Despite carrying two kids, he’s at my side in three long strides.

“Everything okay?” He sounds worried. I grab his hand in mine.

“Everything’s fine. Thanks for my croissant.” I take a bite. “I’m starving.”

“Hey, guys,” Luke says, running up to us, “I’m sorry I missed it. My flight was delayed.” His eyes widen when he sees the baked goods. He tries to snatch a cinnamon roll from Jake, but Jake moved out of his reach. Luke runs to where the goodies are, and grabs his own cinnamon roll, then runs back to us.

“The tiniest little woman ran into me in the parking lot,” he says between bites. “And she had such a big mouth for a little thing. I swear, if I wasn’t already done with women, I would be after this.”

Jake and I look at each other and roll our eyes.

“Um, Luke, what did this tiny little woman look like?” I ask, immediately thinking of Vivi.

“Hey, Uncle Luke, put me on your back!” Emma lets go of Jake’s leg, and Luke automatically crouches down so Emma can climb on him, all thoughts of the parking lot incident forgotten.

“You’re definitely going,” Tash says.

“I second that. Your ass is going.” This from Chris.

“You guys just want me to go because you’re nosy.”

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