“I don’t see a single open barstool,” Blair said, gesturing toward the crowded area.
Sienna made a face. “Maybe we can grab seats on the deck.”
Emily led them through the lively atmosphere, her spirits lifting with every step.
“Three for drinks, please,” Sienna said to the woman behind the outdoor hostess podium.
“Of course.” The hostess showed them to a table at the edge of the jam-packed dining area.
Blair took a deep breath and audibly exhaled. “No wonder everyone’s out. Can you feel the atmosphere? It’s electric. I could stay here all night.”
Emily agreed. “Just let us know if you get sleepy, Sienna.”
“I’m fine.” Sienna perused the menu. “I’m trying not to let this pregnancy get a hold of me. I’ll push through.”
“I’m not sure you’ll have a choice,” Blair said. “I was dog-tired in my first trimester. Your body is responding to two now.”
“Yeah, I know,” Sienna relented. “I’m reminded every time my stomach lurches at the smell of foods that I used to adore.”
A waitress came over and took their drink orders. Sienna got a virgin piña colada, and Blair and Emily ordered margaritas.
“I hate to break the news to you,” Blair said once the waitress had gone. “A baby is going to changeeverything. Nothing will be the same. You’ll sleep when you can, eat in the two minutes you have a moment, your hormones will be all whacked out… I read enough getting ready for it to know.”
“I don’t want to sound awful and ungrateful, but I like my life. While I love the idea of a baby, I worry about how much change is going to happen and whether Tyson and I can successfully make the adjustment. I want things to be stable for this child.”
Blair leaned on her hands, her elbows on the table, and smiled at her friend. “When you see that little face that looks just like you and Tyson, I’ll bet you won’t care one bit what changes.” Suddenly, her eyes brimmed with tears. She cleared her throat and peered down at her menu. “Sorry. You can’t take me anywhere.”
“You’re safe with us,” Sienna said.
Blair dragged a finger under her eye. “Why did I have to try to have a baby? If I’d have just ignored the feeling, I wouldn’t be in this boat right now. I’m the odd one out, actuallyplanningto start a family.”
“I never said anything, but I’d wanted to try for a baby this summer,” Emily admitted. “Can you imagine if we’d have gotten pregnant before Will decided he wanted a different life? I don’t think I’d be able to juggle it all.”
“Things worked out for the best then?” Sienna asked.
Emily nodded. “I wonder, though, whether I’ll ever have that family I’d hoped for. I’ve been out of the singles game so long that I don’t know how to date anyone. And I don’t really want to. Talk about exhausting.”
Sienna giggled. “You don’t have to get in the game already! It hasn’t even been two weeks since you and Will split up.”
“I know. I don’t plan to jump into dating, believe me. But I’m an organizer. I like to have things all worked out. I thought I had, and now I’m starting at square one.”
The waitress brought their cocktails as the band kicked into a lively tune. “Anything to eat?”
“Just drinks tonight,” Sienna replied.
The waitress slipped her free hand into the wide pocket of her apron and retrieved a few cocktail napkins. She set them on the table and placed their drinks on top of each one. “Okay. Let me know if you decide to order some apps. We’ve got a calamari sampler to die for.”
“A few of these, and I might take you up on that,” Blair said, raising her drink and winking. “Once I’m in good spirits, I’ll be down in front of the band, dancing.”
When the waitress left, Emily put her arm around her friend. “You don’t need a margarita to get you into a good mood. You have us.”
Blair cooed, “You’re right. Where would I be without you two?” She lifted her glass. “To us.”
They raised their glasses and clinked them together.
“Oh.” Sienna put down her drink, licking her lips. “I taste rum. It’s not virgin.” She scooted the glass over to Emily. “Take a sip and see what you think.”
Emily stirred the frozen concoction with the straw and tried it. “Yes. I taste the rum.” She looked around the buzzing crowd for the waitress.
