Page 42 of Holly Jolly Heresy
She took her time climbing the steps to the parking lot, then leaned against Caleb’s car and took out her phone to buy some time. She’d missed a string of messages in the group chat while she’d been busy kissing Caleb in the basement of his church.
Jo:Molly, where are you? I thought you were going to be home in time to go shopping. I need to get a present for Julie.
Tessa:My daughter doesn’t need anything from anyone. Her room is already overflowing.
Kyla:As if that’s going to stop Jo.
Sabrina:Or any of us, really. Sebastian and I already bought her a giant stuffed hedgehog.
Hannah:Why a hedgehog?
Sabrina:It’s three feet wide and the softest thing ever. Sebastian named it Hedgie, but don’t tell him I told you that.
Jo:See! I cannot be outdone in the best auntie contest.
Tessa:It’s not a contest.
Jo:It’s always a contest.
Kyla:I’ll go shopping with you. Gavin and Brodie are having some father-son bonding time, so I’m sure they wouldn’t mind if I left the house for a bit.
Hannah:I want to go too. Ethan already picked out a carload of toys for Julie, but I want to get her something special just from me.
Tessa:I’m never going to have a clean house again, am I?
Jo:Please. You never had a clean house to begin with.
Molly grinned. Maybe all she needed was to be back home with their chaotic little friend family to remember even the most fraught beginnings could have a happy ending. If Tessa and her father’s best friend could do it, and Kyla and her ex-boyfriend's father could do it, and Sabrina and her sister’s ex-fiancé could do it, and Hannah and Ethan could survive the press scrutiny— if all of her friends could figure it out, then dammit, so could she and Caleb.
Right?
Molly:We’re back. Dropping some things off at St. Anthony’s. I’ll be home soon.
Jo:Woo! Girls’ trip to the toy store!
Sabrina:I think we should clarify which kind of toy store you’re planning on us going to.
Jo:Both kinds. One for the adorable little munchkin we all love so much, and one for us to spoil ourselves.
Tessa:I can’t go. I told Jamie I’d help him prep for tonight’s family dinner. You guys have fun without me.
Tessa:And, Jo, make sure you don’t mix up the toy store bags when you wrap Julie’s gift.
Jo:No worries. That’s a mistake you only make once.
Kyla:Can we have one scandal-free holiday, please?
Jo:Define scandal free?
Hannah:No inappropriate photos ending up online.
Kyla:No Grandma Gang cornering my husband to get details about one of our relationships.
Jo:They wouldn’t corner Gavin if he didn’t fold every time Mrs. Greene gave him the stink eye.
Kyla:Just one holiday where we’re all together and happy and no drama.
Tessa:And no sex toys at the dinner table.
