AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Is that code for she enjoys getting wasted with you?” I take a seat beside Amy.
“Pretty much.” She chuckles. “She’s one of the most interesting people I’ve met. Besides helping us out when we were missing you, she reassured us you would be okay.”
I frown at Amy. “How could she when she knows nothing about me?”
“Dee has been to Brazil and then did a week in Venezuela, including time at Angel Falls.” Amy lifts her brow to emphasize her trust in Deanne.
“Right. I’m curious to know what tour she did and her take on what’s happening to the ecosystem.”
“You’ll have time to ask her as she’s meeting us on the weekend… if you’re up to it?”
Yasmine rolls her eyes. “Don’t, Amy. Eden has Rose to consider.”
“It’s fine. I can pop down for an hour but count me out for any big nights for at least the next few months.”
Amy wraps her arm around my shoulder. “To be honest, I’m getting sick of going out all the time.”
Yasmine laughs. “Whatever. I’ll remind you of that tonight.”
“We know it’s too early for you to come out with us. But in a few months…” Amy smiles. “Everything will settle down for you.”
In a few months, I hope Samuel has found his way back to me.
Yasmine peers down at Rose sleeping in the stroller. “We’ll have our own special days just for you and Rose.”
“She still looks so tiny.” Amy looks adoringly at my daughter.
“She does, but we’ve had several appointments this week, and she’s on track in her development.”
“Is that your sister?” Amy nods to the doorway.
“Yeah,” Yasmine confirms. “Cleo is the physiotherapist for The Thunder football team. They’ve commenced pre-season training. They just had a beach recovery session.”
Amy twists to check out the shirtless men filing through the café. “Does she need any volunteers to help?”
Yasmine rolls her eyes. “She gets that a lot.” Her expression changes. “Actually, she’s also just started working at Lombardi’s Restaurant in the city on weekends, and I want to celebrate my birthday there. The owner, Oliver, has turned the front section into a cocktail bar at night, and Cleo said it’s attracting some famous people.”
It takes a moment for my mind to catch up. “In two weeks. Are you celebrating on your actual birthday or the weekend?”
“The Saturday night. Is Rose okay?”
Leaning forward, I check on Rose. It’s unusual for her brow to be pinched.
Oh no. She only pulls that face when she—
“Oh wow.” Yasmine’s eyes widen.
“Rose,” I say, pretending to chastise her for passing gas loud enough for the people on the table next to us to stop mid-conversation. “I think that’s my cue to leave. If she follows through, then she’ll also be hungry, and I’ll need to change her nappy.”
“Yeah, I’m not ready to help with that,” Amy apologizes and shrugs.
“Is anyone ever ready for poopy nappies?”
“No, except when you don’t have a choice.” I push up from the table. “It’s the first time I’m leaving without coffee, and I have a feeling it won’t be my last.”
In one short week, I’ve realized my life here will not be the same as it was before I left. I have come home a different person, and I need to adapt to my new life.
* * *
