LITMIR.BIZ

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be long now, Missy.”

      Missy turns to CeeCee, her eyes wide. “I’m not ready!” she blurts out, high-pitched as though she thinks CeeCee means she’s going into labor right now.

      “He ain’t ready right now, either. I seen it.” CeeCee points to the spot between her eyebrows. We all tease CeeCee about her second sight but she’s been scarily accurate in the past so a kind of silence descends as we think of Missy finally having the baby she’s dreamed about her entire adult life. She’s worried about being an older mom at forty-five, but none of us think that matters a damn. Forty-five seems as good an age as any to have a baby.

      Missy says, “He can bake in there a little while longer.” She goes all misty-eyed. We don’t say a word, but I’m guessing we’re each thinking the very same thing: that Missy’s going to be a wonderful mother and sometimes the best things happen to those who deserve them most.

      Missy wipes her eyes with the sleeve of her sweater and turns to me and says, “Don’t think we’ve forgotten, Lil. What made you skip across the way like you’re training for a bobsled team?”

      “If only I had a Spandex one-piece.” I muse. “Well, someone—” I put my hands on my hips and stare directly at Missy “—said I should try and wear make-up so I’d get used to it before the wedding. This someone also said it was colorstay! When it quite clearly wasn’t!”

      Missy leans her head against the sofa and giggles. “I gave you the wrong bag! Didn’t you think it was odd the lipsticks were way too bright for you?”

      I make my mouth a tight line.

      The girls laugh into their hands. “And let me guess, your poor old fiancé had it spread right across his handsome face too?”

      I cross my arms and nod, trying my best not to sputter with embarrassment.

      The girls burst out laughing, as I color the perfect shade of Pink Passion myself.

      CeeCee cocks her head and says, “I think we can imagine the rest o’ that scenario. Pray tell, how’d the two o’ you ride in the same truck to work and not notice each other’s faces?”

      I grimace. “We were so late…so we hurried to the truck and launched ourselves in cracking heads as we did. I drove with one eye closed, as pain kind of numbed one side of my face. Damon had one of those beanie things on with the side straps, and I just didn’t see. The windscreen demister didn’t work so Damon was frantically wiping at the screen… Golly, I need a new truck, and a new make-up expert…” I flash Missy a grin. “When I pulled into the street there were a bunch of ladies waiting on Damon’s stoop, so I slowed and he jumped out.”

      “It could’ve been worse,” Sarah says. “Could’ve happened when your future in-laws were here.”

      I gasp at the thought. “True. That would have been a nightmare! Speaking of which, they dropped in already.”

      Missy leans forward on her seat. “I thought they weren’t due for a week yet?”

      I throw my palms up. “They wanted to surprise us.”

      “Well, that’s the sweetest thing I’ve heard,” Missy says. “I bet they were excited to finally meet you.” She fluffs her curls, and gives me a huge smile. Missy’s one of those people that sees the good in everyone, and everything, so telling her I’m slightly uneasy about a few things Olivia said will only make her want to fix it.

      “It was certainly interesting,” I say.

      Sarah cocks her head. “Interesting, Lil? That’s like saying someone’s shoes look comfortable when what you really mean is ugly. What happened?”

      In deference to Damon, I don’t feel right telling them what Olivia said. “Oh, you know, it was just so unexpected. And late, and I wasn’t prepared. George, Damon’s dad, fell asleep, and Olivia…I think she was probably jet-lagged herself. They’re coming here for dinner tonight, they can meet my parents, and—”

      “Lil,” Sarah says gently, “you’re wringing your hands so hard they’re going to fall off.”

      I unclasp them and smile. “Weddings, huh? At Christmas. Do you think it’s selfish having it at this time of year?”

      “Why do you say that?” Sarah probes, a frown appearing between her smoky kohl-rimmed eyes. “You love Christmas. And it’s your anniversary, after all.”

      “It’s just I guess it didn’t occur to me that our guests might have preferred to spend Christmas Eve with their families rather than attend our wedding. I mean, I know you girls wouldn’t think that, but are other people thinking that?”

      Sarah scoffs. “That’s crazy, Lil. It’s one more reason to celebrate.” Sarah’s an introvert among us more feisty personalities — she’s the kind of girl you can tell your secrets to and know she’s like a vault. A quirky, whimsical soul who I count as one of my closest friends after CeeCee.

      I play with the handle of my mug. “I hope so.”

      “Put it out of your mind,” Missy says. “There’s no place we’d rather be than watching you two lovebirds get married. And I’m sure everyone agrees.”

      “Stop fussing, Lil,” CeeCee says.

      “Well, OK.” Their coffee cups are empty. I stand and pick them up. “How about some hot chocolate?”

      “I was wondering how long we’d have to wait,” Sarah jokes. I’ve never seen a girl so addicted to chocolate as she is. And she’s as skinny as a beanpole, the lucky thing. “I should’ve known you had a hankering.” I smile and head to the stove.

      I take a small pot down and pour in some milk. While that begins to boil, I break off chunks of dark chocolate and stir them in. It’s like a big warm hug, the smell of the molten chocolate melting as it combines with the creamy milk. Once it’s mixed through I pour it into four glass mugs and throw some marshmallows on top.

      “Let me help.” Sarah dashes over and takes two of the mugs, sipping hers as she goes. “Lil, gosh, that’s good.”

      I laugh my thanks. We’re quiet for a moment as we savor the rich taste, bitter and sweet at the same time from the quality of the dark chocolate, sweetened by the gooey marshmallows.

      Missy rubs her hands together. “How’s about we do that make-up trial soon? Now Olivia’s here we can invite her too.”

      “Hmm,” I say. “Let’s just keep it us girls for now.”

      Missy raises an eyebrow. “OK. You just say when and we’ll make a night of it, just us. I’m about to get a lot more time on my hands.”

      “With a baby comin’?” CeeCee says in mock consternation.

      Missy hoots with laughter. “No, I mean, with the salon. My new girl, Becca, starts today, so I’m going to hand things over to her and go rest my swollen…everything.”

      “I can’t believe it,” I say. “It’s going to be so weird not having you just a few steps away.”

      Missy’s eyes shine with tears. “Oh, golly, here I go again.” She plucks a tissue from the box. “You know, I can’t wait until this urge to cry over every itty-bitty thing goes away.”

      “Hush now,” CeeCee says. “Missy, you know where we are. It ain’t like we’re going anywhere. You still gonna visit us every day. I know I ain’t going to be able to function without some cuddles from that little bundle o’ joy you about to bring into the world.”

      Missy gives us a warm smile. “Thanks, Cee. I’m really looking forward to the whole motherhood thing. I’m scared, and excited and nervous. But mostly just plain grateful. There’s times though when I worry about the salon. You know? That’s been my baby for as long as I can remember.”

      “It’s going to be in good hands,” Sarah

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