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“Dammit, I should have hadNashville Nexthere to film.” I wipe my mouth with my napkin and toss it over my plate. “That serenade would have been a hit.”
Kiki rolls her eyes and shoves a forkful of salad into her mouth. “You’re welcome by the way,” she says around a mouthful of food.
I sigh. “Kinky, I appreciate you, but how many times do we have to discuss not talking with your mouth full of food? It’strèsunattractive.”
“I meant, you’re welcome introducing you to Gloria.”
“I know and I’m grateful you’re in my corner, but I still think the surrogate route is best for us.”
“Can I ask you something that will probably make your hair angry?”
“As if that’s stopped you before?”
“Are you lonely? Is that what this is all about? You want a distraction for nine months with someone to watch Netflix and paint each other’s toenails?”
I scoff. “That’s redunculous. Are you preggers?”
“We’re not talking about me.”
“OMG, you’re prego!” I jump up.
“I am not pregnant, you idiot. Sit down before someone gossips to the tabloids. Tatum is feeling a little traumatized after having the boys. He’s not sure he’s ready for another. But that’s not the point. We’re talking about Y.O.U., as uncomfortable as it’s making you right now, which is strangely peculiar since you love talking about yourself. I mean, Sarah, Andie, and I have been busy with work and our families. I can’t remember the last time the four of us went out.”
“One hundred and forty-two days ago, twelve hours, and thirteen minutes.” I stir my iced tea with my straw. “But I’m not counting or anything. Look, I get it. You guys have families and you’re busy.”
Kiki pouts her lips, her eyes softening. “I’m sorry, TJ. We need to do something asap. But is that really what’s going on here? You’re bored and lonely? You guys could always get a pet.”
“Kiki, you know I totes adores you—”
“But?”
“But, you’re wrong. I want a family. I want what you guys have.”
“You didn’t mention Connor…does he want it?”
“Of course he does.”
She lays her fork down and looks at me with her know-it-all, smug, I’ll-embarrass-you-if-you-don’t-listen, eyes. “TJ, you can’t keep doing this stuff behind Connor’s back. If you’re in this together, then you’re going to have todothis together. And I’m not so sure Connor wants to do surrogacy, which is why I set this meeting up.”
“He does, Kiki. He’s totes on board. We’re doing interviews next week…together. Look, I know I should involve Connor more, but he won’t give me a decision and time is a ticking. You heard Gloria. We’re climbing an uphill battle and if I have to steamroll over Connor to get up that proverbial hill, then hell or high water, sister.”
“You’re doing it all wrong, Tammy Jean.”
“Thanks for the four-one-one, Kinksadoodle,” I bite out. “But I’ve got this, okay? Okay. Should we order dessert? At least a cappuccino. OMG, that rhymes with Gino.” I run my index finger from the corner of my eye down my cheek, like I’m crying.
She frowns, placing her napkin next to her plate. “Let’s say Connordoeswant a baby. Pushing him in the wrong direction will only make him push back. He’s freaking Irish, for fuck’s sake. Do you know how stubborn they can be?”
“Duh, I’m married to the man.”
“I know Connor wants to know that he has choices. Youaresteamrolling right over him.” She lays her credit card down on the bill while I pretend to study the dessert menu. “Listen to your bestie for the restie, Teej. You need towooConnor. Prove to him you can handle whatever comes your way and that you’re in this together. He’ll come around.”
“And if he doesn’t?”
“Then you’re going to have to cross that bridge when you get to it. Come up with an alternative plan that will make you both happy.”
“And how do you propose IwooConnor into wanting a baby, Dr. Phil?”
“I thought you’d never ask.” She claps her hands, procuring a large box from under the table. I stare at it, perplexed I hadn’t noticed it before. “Open it. It was my idea and I must admit a brilliant one. It’s from the three of us.” She nods to the white box with the blue satin ribbon. Opening the top, I dig through the matching blue tissue and gasp.
