Page 73 of Single-Minded
“Sure would be faster and lower drama,” Olivia said.
“But not cheap,” Maeve said.
“Have you researched it?” Magnolia asked her.
“Yes, I have,” Maeve answered.
Olivia made a face. “The thought of having some stranger’s spooge up in there…” She shook her head and shuddered, making all of us laugh.
“So really though,” I said, my mind going full speed, “they’re still saying fertility goes down at thirty-five? I thought for sure that number was higher now.”
“Still saying it. But lots of people have babies later in life,” Maeve said.
“I need some me time before I even think about relationships and babies,” I said, even as my traitorous mind conjured up an image of West. That was not a relationship, I reminded myself.
“I think that’s smart,” Rowan said. “It’s what I was shooting for too. I’m not complaining,” she added quickly. “Not in the least bit.” Her wide smile and her hand rubbing her seven-month-pregnant belly revealed that she was in a very good place in her life. “But I can relate to needing recovery time after being so all-in on something.”
“Yeah, you’ve got time to figure you out,” Magnolia said.
“And open a coffee shop,” Chloe added, laughing. “You know, while you relax and recover.”
Another round of laughter arose, mine included.
As it faded, Rowan said, “We love you just the way you are.”
“We love you extra for opening a coffee shop,” Anna said.
“To Presley, for saving us from mediocre coffee.” Magnolia lifted her glass, and everyone followed with whatever they were drinking, alcoholic or not.
As we drank to that, our server arrived with a tray full of the gorgeous desserts we’d ordered, including my seven-layer chocolate mousse cake.
“Hi, Nola,” Chloe said as the chef appeared at the head of the table and set my cake in front of me.
“Hello, ladies. Chloe, good to see you. Thanks for coming out tonight, and happy birthday to you,” Nola said.
“Thanks,” I said. “Dinner was fantastic.”
“Better than Henry’s, am I right?” Nola said, making everyone laugh.
“Those are fighting words,” Chloe said.
Nola’s shoulders sagged with exaggeration. “I’d hoped you’d defected to my side.”
“I like being married,” Chloe told her. “But you’re a close second for this Henry girl.”
“Aww.” Nola patted her heart, then turned her attention to me. “I don’t think we’ve met, birthday girl.”
I introduced myself and shook her hand.
“She’s new to town,” Chloe said. Then the others told her my coffee shop plans.
“I’ll definitely be seeing a lot more of you then,” the chef said.
“I love to hear that,” I told her.
“Well, I need to get back to the kitchen,” Nola said, “but I wanted to say hello and thank you ladies for choosing the best restaurant in town for your celebration.”
Our conversation went in a dozen different directions as we ate our stupendously tasty desserts and finished our drinks.
