Page 20 of Power Move
She wasn’t a granola mom. She didn’t judge.
“I’m picking up food for us. Are you alone?” Ellie asked, concerned.
“I’m… having a thought,” I said.
“Well, do youwantto be alone, or can we join you? It’s just us tonight. I was too lazy to cook.”
“Oh, definitely, you can join me.”
“Great. Let me order her a hotdog and I will get myself something. You want anything else?”
“No, I’m good.”
“I’ll order a kids fry, too. She will eat all of yours.”
I didn’t fight her. I was endlessly hungry after missing lunch.
Ellie returned with drinks, a Chicago dog, another bucket of crinkle fries, and a hot dog with ketchup on the side. The place refused to put ketchuponthe dog. That was a party foul. Thankfully, Jane was okay with her mom squeezing it on while she continued devouring my fries.
Ellie handed Jane a tablet that she carried in her purse. Likeany mother to a young child, she packed snacks and entertainment.
“So, how was your first day?”
“It was good,” I said. “Eventful, but good.”
“Oh, really? Meet any hot guys? Or girls… no judgement?”
“Nope.” I could answer that very honestly.
All hotness points Davey originally garnered went out the window the minute he started in on me.
“What’s up then? Do you not like it?”
“No. It’s great. My office is lovely, the views are nice, and my bosses and direct reports are great. Also, you’d appreciate the snack and coffee sitch. And, despite all of that, there isstilla massive, bougie cafe in the store next door.”
“Girl, you better blow some of that grown up money on nice shoes or something on your lunch break.”
“What? My shoes are fine!” I looked down at my Birks.
“Uh-huh. Sure. You deserve some nice things. Mona isn’t here to encourage that, so I will step in. Speaking of which, I need wedding shoes. I’ve looked everywhere, but?—”
“I get a discount. Let me buy them,” I said.
“Really?”
“Yeah. I’ll set us up with a personal shopper. Pick a dress for your bridal shower and the rehearsal, too.”
“Oh, Eva, I couldn’t.”
“Yes, you can,” I said. “You are my best friend for life. I’d much rather spoil you than buy more shoes.”
Besides, if this pregnancy worked out, none of my clothes would fit in a couple of months, and heels would be a forever no-go. I was blessed to be early in my pregnancy where summer dresses were acceptable almost anywhere and breezy fabrics hid a growing stomach.
I wanted to forget about the pregnancy, but my mind raced.
Ellie continued her list of to-dos, but I burst out, “Can I tell you something really secret and really scary?”
“Please do not be back with Mona and leave me,” Ellie groaned.
