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“But writing. I really want to do it, and I feel like this is a good opportunity…”
Rhiannon waved her hand. “You can meet them in the office. I’ll personally set you up with one of them. I mean, it’s at your own risk, though. Everyone here sucks.”
Lenna paused. “Everyone always seems so busy at work. And half of the writers are out on assignments.”
“We’ll figure out something. I promise. I’ve got you.” Rhiannon’s purse was already slung over her shoulder. “We’ll go somewhere more fun.” She pressed her palms together in prayer. “Please? I’ll be your best friend.”
You already are,Lenna thought. She glanced at Frederick again. His jackets had patches on the elbows. He nodded sagely at something another guy was saying. Her heart felt tugged in two different directions. But then she closed her eyes. “All right. But you owe me.”
The double doors whooshed open to usher them out. When Lenna glanced over her shoulder, it didn’t even seem like Max was paying attention. Guess he took the hint after all.
Instagram post from @GillianAnxietyBabe
June 2
[Image description: A young woman with wavy brown hair stands in front of a mirror, smiling. She wears a short black dress and silver heels and holds a cocktail in one hand and a sign in the other that reads “Milestone!”]
Hi friends! Just a quick post. I think I’m making headway and had a REALLY good night—out in public! L seems like SUCH a sweetheart, but I’m not sure about R anymore. I’m getting chilly vibes from her, and it’s not just my social anxiety speaking. I was at this party today, and I caught her doing something…surprising in the back hall. I almost wanted to tell L…but I don’t like gossiping. It’s burned me before, you know?
Anyway, heading off to bed! Love you, my Anxiety Babes. Let’s have a better day tomorrow!
PS: I’m hiding in my room, btw, because S seems really unstable tonight. I swear one of these days she’s going to SNAP.
TOP COMMENTS:
@anxiouskitten23:Amazing news about a good night out! Such a win! Keep it up, babe!
@GGigiFfen-sick:Spill the tea on what you saw R doing! So curious.
@lonely_girlRZ4540:I’m worried about you and S.
7
Lenna
October
Present day
Because of the break in the heat, Rhiannon suggests an afternoon walk up on Chiricahua Peak, the mountainous structure in the middle of the property. It’s named for the endangered Chiricahua leopard frog, though unfortunately there aren’t any in the area anymore. Rhiannon promises it’s an easy hike to the top, though the walk is a bit long.Perfect,Lenna thinks. They’ll get time to talk.
“There’s a quicker way up the rock face, but that wouldn’t be easy with a baby in a carrier,” Rhiannon says. “Unless you want someone down here to keep an eye on him…”
“Um…” Lenna feels uneasy leaving Jacob with a stranger. “It’s okay. I don’t mind the exercise. And who knows? Maybe it’ll calm him down.” She laughs self-deprecatingly.
Rhiannon looks at her for a long beat. “I’d never tell anyone how to parent, but I will say—babies sense tension.”
Lenna bites her lip. Is it that obvious? She feels so jittery afterthe call with Daniel. She’s clenched her fists so many times her finger joints ache.
“Look, by all means, feel all the feelings,” Rhiannon adds. “I’m absolutely not telling you to relax. But babies do pick up on energy. How about I hold him on the walk so you can just be?”
Lenna looks down at Jacob. Could it really be that easy? “Well, okay,” she says softly. “I guess we could try.”
They strap the baby into the carrier over Rhiannon’s shoulders. As soon as Rhiannon starts moving, Jacob’s cries slow. Then they stop. Lenna gapes. “Wow. Iama failure.”
“You’re his mom. He loves you best. I just want to give you a break.”
Teddy wants to come along, too. The boy toddles over to Rhiannon and lifts his arms for her to pick him up, but Rhiannon gestures to the baby on her chest. “I’m holding Auntie Lenna’s baby for a little, okay?” Rhiannon tells him calmly. “You be a big boy and walk with us.”
