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“Exactly,” she sighs.
“You trained him well.” I lift my coffee mug in a salute.
“Damn straight.” A telltale sparkle enters Joy’s gaze. “In all seriousness, Cole is more than I could’ve imagined. A true fairy tale prince.”
A pang echoes in my chest. Not in envy, but hollow absence. I’ve never had what she’s describing. Well, that’s not entirely true. Jake held promise during those four measly months we dated way back when. Too bad it turned out to be a trick. That horrible tease has stuck with me.
Joy notices my silence. “How’s your dating life?”
The topic is a gray abyss that I’ve been treading water in. “You ask that as if you don’t already know.”
She laughs. “I had to get that sad look off your face. It’s bumming me out.”
I wipe the gloom away, forcing a grin. “Just caught in the moment. I’m fine. Totally fine.”
Her eyes narrow. “Don’t lie.”
“Why would I? Everything is how it’s meant to be. You’re living the romantic dream. No one deserves it more. I’m happy for you.” Heat stings my eyes. I fan the burn, which does little to dry to moisture.
Joy flails her arms. “Oh, no. You can’t cry. That’ll get me started and you know I can’t stop.”
I blink at the lingering pressure. “Crisis averted. Only a momentary emotional burst.”
“Just wait until you’re raging with hormones.”
“If that ever happens,” I mutter.
“Harper,” my friend scolds in a tone that will serve her fast-approaching role in motherhood well. “You’re only twenty-four.”
“Twenty-five.”
She quirks a brow. “Seriously?”
The gasp I let loose is purposefully loud. “Were you so whacked out on pregnancy hormones that you forgot my birthday?”
“You’re ridiculous.”
“And you’re repeating yourself.”
Her exhale is thick, matching the shrewd squint aimed at me. “No prospective candidates?”
“You’ll be the first to know.”
“I better be,” she gripes. “We don’t see each other as often these days.”
“If you hadn’t moved out, that wouldn’t be an issue.” I stick my tongue out.
“As if I don’t feel bad enough.”
“I’m joking, obviously. It’s actually nice having the apartment to myself.”
She tosses her hands into the air. “That’s even worse.”
“Jeez, you’re hard to please. I’m trying to ease your guilt after abandoning me.”
Joy tips her head toward the ceiling and groans. “We gotta find a man to keep you occupied. Once this baby arrives, I won’t be able to pamper your fragile ego.”
“Very funny. I’m doing great on my own, but thanks for the concern.”
