Page 37 of Takedown

“Divorce my ass,” Ananda says. “And before you start lying to usandyourself, just remember these facts. You’re already married, planning a wedding, and going shopping with your mother-in-law. Just get pregnant tonight and call it a day because we all know you’re fucking him by now. Have two of his giant babies and live happily ever after.”

Instead of reaching for my water, I look around the table while I think of a believable response to what Ananda just said.

“Well, wearemarried, Ananda. And do you have to be so crass all the time?” I grab my water and finish it, letting the slurping sound fill the small space. “So,” I say as I do everything to avoid looking at my friends, “everyone free the Saturday after next. Molly texted me—”

“Who the hell is Molly?” Ananda asks, interrupting me.

“Adam’s mom. Anyway, she made an appointment at a bridal shop, and I want you guys to come.”

“What about your mother?” Alex asks.

I make a face and let out a groan.

“No. I want this to be a positive experience. I don’t want to talk about Diane Dupree, okay? And I’ll tell Jason about the wedding myself, Alex.” I reach over the table and tap her belly.

“I wouldn’t even know where to start,” Alex says. “So, you’ve been texting with your mother-in-law, huh?”

“Yeah, she’s been texting all morning. Sent me a bunch of baby pictures of Adam.” My phone buzzes in my purse, and I reach for it. Sure enough, it’s a text from Molly confirming our mani/pedis for Saturday. I text her back and slide the phone back in my purse. When I look up, everyone is looking at me.

“Who was that?” Ananda asks.

“Molly. We’re getting manicures on Saturday.”

Everyone throws their hands up in the air. Tina throws her head back and laughs.

“You were right, Alex. I owe you drinks once you pop this baby out,” Tina says.

A large crowd walks in and she leaves us to go greet the new customers.

“Mellie, don’t waste our time with that bullshit divorce talk again. We’ll be planning your baby shower before you know it. You are in so deep.”

“I think Adam’s the one who’s been in deep,” Alex says, which causes Ananda to snort so loud food flies out of her mouth.

I can feel a flush creep up my neck, but I ignore my friends and return to my food.

“Is this going to be in a Catholic church?” Ananda asks. When I nod yes, she says, “Does this mean you’re converting?”

“I don’t have to. I looked it up. As long as we get permission from the bishop, I can marry in a Catholic church without converting.”

“Don’t forget we still have Alex’s baby shower to finish planning, so don’t go spending all your free time researching the Catholic church and hanging out with your new mommy,” Ananda says.

I give her the finger with one hand while I hold my turkey club with another.

The lunch conversation returns to normal, and I tune out my friends while I think about how I keep digging a deeper hole for myself. First with the drunken marriage and now an actual church wedding.

“So, when is the wedding happening? As long as it’s a few months after I pop out this baby. I am not going to look like a whale in my bridesmaid dress,” Alex says.

I stare at her and then I turn to Ananda. They aren’t only the first two friends I made when I moved here, but they are the best friends I’ve ever had in my life. True friends who I can confide in and who have my back no matter what. I was a bridesmaid for them both. If I’m having a wedding, there is no way I won’t have the two most important women in my life not be a part of it.

“We’re thinking August, about a month before school starts so we can have time for our honeymoon.”

They both chuckle.

“So, where are you two going on this honeymoon?” Alex asks. She looks at Ananda and they both do a bad job of trying to hide their amusement.

I slurp the rest of my water, but I feel their eyes on me while they wait for my answer.

“We haven’t decided yet,” I tell them.

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