The Friends We Keep

“You went on a date!” Gabby hugged her. “Good for you. How was it? Not that it matters. You did it. The second time won’t be so scary. So how was it?”


Nicole wrinkled her nose. “Better than I thought,” she admitted. “He was nice and we had a good time. He made me laugh and that was unexpected.”

“That’s great,” Hayley said, happy for her friend.

“It’s unexpected,” Nicole admitted. “I’m confused about the whole thing.”

“Are you going to see him again?” Hayley asked.

The server arrived with their iced teas. Everyone ordered the burger special—the house burger topped with guacamole and bacon.

Nicole waited until she’d left to say, “I am. Even if nothing comes of it, I could sure use the practice. But it feels very strange, I have to tell you.”

“What does Tyler think of all this?” Gabby asked.

“I’m not telling him. It’s too soon. Plus with the whole B the D connection, he’s going to get super excited. I don’t want him thinking Jairus is sticking around. I mean, it was one date.”

Nicole had always been sensible, Hayley thought. She ran her own business, managed her divorce with grace and strength. Nicole would never spend five years and tens of thousands of dollars chasing an impossible dream. She would figure out that she wasn’t meant to have children and move on.

While Hayley admired that about her friend, she couldn’t emulate it. Of course, Nicole didn’t have her past.

She debated telling them about Rob but honestly didn’t know what to say. She didn’t want the sympathy or the comfort they would offer. Either would break through her carefully constructed shield. Then she would crumble. What if she fell apart in so many pieces there was no putting her back together?

“Okay,” Gabby said, drawing in a breath. “I have something to say.” She looked at Hayley. “I just don’t know how.”

Gabby had figured out Rob was gone, Hayley thought frantically. She didn’t want to start crying. If she did, she might never stop. But how to distract her friend?

“It’s about Makayla.”

“What? Is she okay?”

“Yes. No. I just...” Gabby pressed her lips together. Her brown eyes were dark with emotion. “Hayley, I’m sorry. Really, really sorry. You’re going to find out and I’d rather it was from me. But it’s making me sick to say this.”

Hayley pressed a hand to her chest. “You’re scaring me.”

“I don’t mean to. Well, sugar. Makayla’s pregnant.”

Hayley waited for the “and she’s dying” but Gabby didn’t say anything else.

She lowered her arm to her side. Relief chased out apprehension, leaving her a little light-headed, but otherwise okay. The news was shocking, but not the worst thing ever. Why would—

And then she got it.

“Oh, Gabby.” Hayley reached across the table and squeezed her friend’s hand. “You’re sweet to worry about me, but Makayla getting pregnant doesn’t have anything to do with me beyond how it affects you. Are you okay?”

Tears filled Gabby’s eyes. “No, but that’s not the point. It’s so unfair. I know you and Rob are trying everything and you can’t stay pregnant while my fifteen-year-old stepdaughter does it twice and gets knocked up. That totally sucks.”

“It does, but it’s not your fault.”

Nicole bumped Gabby’s shoulder with her own. “She’s right. This has nothing to do with any of us, but we’re here for you.”

“Thanks.” Gabby sighed. “I appreciate your attitude. I’ll admit, I was worried. You’re my friend. I don’t want to hurt you.”

“You didn’t.”

“Are you sure you’re okay? You seem way more calm than I thought you’d be.”

“I’m a little bitter, but I can deal.” Funny how two weeks ago the news would have shattered her. Although it wasn’t fun to hear, it couldn’t touch her. Not with Rob gone.

“How are you managing all this?” Nicole asked. “Talk about a game changer.”

“I know. It’s a nightmare. We were stunned when we found out. The father is only a year older. They say they’re in love and they’re going to stay together, no matter what, but we have our doubts. His mother is awful—that doesn’t help.” Gabby folded her arms across her chest. “Makayla’s a kid herself. There’s no good outcome. Whatever happens, her life is changed forever.”

“Is she giving up the baby for adoption?” Nicole asked, darting a glance at Hayley.

“We haven’t talked about it, but I’m assuming so. She can’t keep it. She needs to finish high school and go to college.”

“Exactly.”

For a second Hayley wondered if Gabby was going to offer her the baby. On the surface, it would solve so many problems. But Hayley didn’t want someone else’s child and Gabby knew that.

“I’m sorry,” Hayley told her. “About all of it. Poor you.”