AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It’s gonna take time to get used to this smooth face.”
“How about you get used to it?”
I took her plump lips between mine. She tasted like guaro and smelled like sunflower. After the third song, the rhythm sped up again. I spun her around. Her hair flew wild and her head tilted back. She laughed freely, and happiness danced in her eyes. Guilt squeezed my insides.
Mateo, the little boy, grabbed Grace’s hand and pulled her into the middle of the dance floor. I laughed to myself, stepped off the platform, and went to get snacks. Grace joined me after I had chewed through the third fish stick.
“I’ve never had this much fun,” she said as I passed her a glass of water.
“It’s nice to see you like this.”
She hooked her arm through mine, and we walked down the torch-lit path. Her breathing slowed to match our pace.
“Can I ask you a personal question?” Her hold on my arm tightened.
“Okay.”
“You tell me kids aren’t an option for you, but you’re so good with them at the village.”
“I’m just glad to help out.”
She stopped and turned to face me. Her brown eyes clouded over.
“What is it?” I asked her.
“Why do you come freely inside me?”
“Do you not like it?”
“Of course, I do. I’m just confused.” She tilted her head and pursed her lips.
“What’s there to be confused about?”
“What if I get pregnant? What if Lorelei or Lucas is born, but you say kids aren’t in the cards for you—”
“You picked out your kid’s names?”
“I picked outourkid’s names."
I cupped my hand over her cheek. “I came inside you because you’re before your period, which means your ovulation days passed, and…” I swept my finger over her opening mouth. “You already told me your appointment didn’t go well. There are no viable eggs this cycle.”
Her forehead creased. “Right, but there’s still a chance,” she said.
No, there wasn’t.
“There’s my boyfriend.”
We pulled apart and turned toward the familiar voice. Rachel was striding toward us in a purple dress. My eyes opened wide. I’d never seen her in a dress before.
“You were supposed to arrive this morning.”
“Traffic in the jungle. I’m here now. You can bitch about it or give me a hug.”
I took her up into my arms, spun her in a circle, and held her tight.
“Glad to see you again.”
“Me too.”
