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“You knew about this, didn’t you, Elise?” Krista asked, pointing at her.
“I’ll neither confirm nor deny that.” Elise waggled her arched eyebrows. Chantelle sat next to her as Cheryl took her turn. Her sister-in-law nudged her shoulder. “Feeling okay?”
Rubbing her hands against her pant legs, she bobbed her head. “I am. Thanks for inviting me.” Leaning over to watch Krista, Chantelle added, “I don’t think your friends will like me after tonight.”
Elise dismissed her comment with a wave of her hand. “They mean no harm. Krista is happy to be around adults being a stay-at-home-mom, and Cheryl needed a break from studying.”
“Grad school?”
“Family counseling.”
“Cool.” Chantelle’s shoulders drooped for a moment.
“Are you sure everything’s alright?”
“Yeah, I’m making progress with my story.”
“How’s Lance?”
“Cooperative.” Chantelle giggled.
“I’m glad you two are getting along.” Elise sighed and stared ahead.
“How are you? Everything okay with you and my brother?”
“I think so. We’ve been talking about kids.”
Chantelle beamed despite the dull ache in her heart. “I’m going to be an auntie?”
“Not yet. Well… I don’t know for sure. I have an appointment next week. I hope Grant will be happy.”
“Why wouldn’t he be?” Chantelle asked.
“He wants children, but I think the reality of it makes him nervous. I think he’ll be great. I’m the one who should be nervous.”
“You’ll make wonderful parents.”
Elise eyeballed her. “What about you? I thought for sure a man would visit you from Chicago. Or is something brewing with… Javier?”
“I forgot this town was small.” Chantelle shook her head. “It’s only been twice since we’ve hung out. We’ve been talking on the phone, and we’re getting to know each other.”
“And?” Elise practically sat on the edge of her seat.
“I don’t know. Can we take things slow?” Chantelle scratched at her head.
“You can take it slow. Only make sure you know what you want,” Elise said, her expression soft.
“Come on Elise, you’re holding up the game.” Cheryl joked.
“Don’t rush me,” she said, rising to her feet.
Chantelle folded her hands in her lap. When did things get complicated? She was here for a job, and now old feelings for Lance were creeping inside. Then her cell rang. She reached inside her cross body purse to see who was calling. Javier.
Signaling Elise, Chantelle stepped outside to clear away the noise. “Hi.”
“I know you’re having a girls’ night, but I wanted to hear your voice,” Javier said.
He was too sweet. Chantelle’s chest expanded. “That’s thoughtful of you.”
