Reese was on the couch in her living room when Mauve let herself in through the kitchen door. She had the gas fireplace on, and a blanket covered her legs, looking tired and a little pale. She had her hair up and her face was clean of makeup. Instead of her usual leggings and workout top, she had on a pair of sweats and an oversized T-shirt with Roan’s gym’s logo on the front. All in all, odd.
“Don’t get up,” Mauve said. “Are you not feeling well?”
“I’m a little tired. My students wore me out today.”
“Do you want wine?” Mauve asked, holding up the bottle to show her.
“Just water for me,” Reese said.
What was with the weak voice? And declining wine?
Her heart stopped. Reese was pregnant.
She set the bottle aside and sat next to her best friend.
“How many weeks are you?” Mauve asked, putting a cheer into her voice she didn’t feel.
“Just seven. I didn’t want to tell anyone until we reached the twelve week mark, but I knew you’d figure it out anyway.”
“I’m so happy for you.” She peered at her friend. “Are you happy?”
“Yes, of course. I’m just feeling like I want to vomit all day long, and I’m also terrified about how I can be there for the boys with a baby.”
“They’re old enough. They’ll be fine,” Mauve said. “You’ll have both of them at college by next fall. In time for the baby.”
“I guess so.”
“Is Roan happy?”
“Over the moon. He keeps texting me every other minute to make sure I’m okay. It’s a tad irritating.”
“But really sweet.”
“That too.” Reese shifted, pulling her legs under her. “Is this okay? You know, for you and me. I hate the idea of anything coming between us.”
“Well, a baby is not going to be that thing. I’m glad for you, but a little jealous. I won’t lie to you about that. I’ll be fine, though, so don’t let my feelings diminish your joy.”
“Oh, Mauve, I’m sorry this whole thing with Jason is hard. You two seem so good together, it’s hard to imagine him leaving.”
“Yeah, I feel the same way.”
The kitchen door banged open. and loud footsteps sounded on the hardwood floors.
“Guess what?” Marcus came bounding into the room like a domesticated bobcat, eyes lit up. If he’d had a bobtail, it would be wagging.
“What’s up?” Reese sat up a little straighter.
“Hi, Mauve,” Marcus said. “Sorry to interrupt.”
“Not at all. You look like you have news,” Mauve said.
“I do. I met with my guidance counselor, and she thinks I should put together an audition tape and apply to acting programs. She walked me through the whole thing. We even picked some schools. My drama teacher helped me decide on what monologues to do. I need two. A classical and a modern. I’m doing Hal fromHenry IV Part Onefor my classical. It’s the one where he talks to the audience after his loser friends leave and he basically tells everyone he’s pretending to be a screwup so he can surprise everyone later when he becomes a great king. Mr. Dansen said I have the right energy for it. Which I think is a compliment.”
“I think so too,” Reese said, smiling indulgently.
“For the contemporary one—he wants me to do a monologue fromOrdinary People. It’s not a play, but Mr. Dansen showed me a part I could use. Have you guys read the book?”
“Yes, and the movie,” Reese said.
