Page 78 of SnowBound
“I swear, everything is good here. We could take a few dishes and share. What do you think?”
“All in.”
We raised our glasses full of bubbly, alcohol-free cider.
“To us,” Ellie said. “And you. And that baby you’re growing inside that belly of yours. To new beginnings, new adventures, and being brave.” She scratched her temple with the fingers of her other hand. “Did I miss something?”
I nodded. “To you. My best friend in the entire world. Thanks for sticking by my side when no one has. Thanks for making me believe I can do this. And that I’m strong enough to go through it by myself. I love you.”
“Forever.”
We clinked our glasses, and I blinked to chase the tears forming in my eyes.
The live act playing on the small stage at the front of the bar slash restaurant was a girl in her early thirties. I had never heard of her before. Old Abby would have known everyone coming to play here before they even set foot on that stage.
The new Abby was so busy with everything else and trying to figure her life out she couldn’t keep up with everything happening on the music scene. I missed that part of my life. Sitting here, listening to her soulful melody, I promised myself I wouldn’t lose that side of me. Sure, I could put her aside for the time being, but as soon as things settled down, I would dust her up and get back into the game.
“She’s good,” Ellie said, swaying on her chair as she sipped on her drink.
“Yep. I love her sound. It’s like a tragic love story. It gives me goosebumps.” A loud yawn passed my lips, and I silenced it with a palm over my mouth.
“Wanna stay for the main act?” my friend asked. “It was supposed to be a band, but some girl said in the restrooms earlier they canceled at the last minute. It’s supposed to be a new talent.”
Music was my passion. What made my soul vibrate.
But the tiny peanut growing inside me had become my main purpose. And right now, as it kicked around, a wave of exhaustion washed over me.
“I wish. I’m so tired. It’s like the pressure of the last few days is finally settling in.” I looked around, watching people eating and chatting, as the girl kept delivering her soul through her lyrics on the stage. “Would you hate me if we went back to our room?”
Ellie stretched her arm over the table and enveloped my hand in hers. “Never. It’s been a crazy week. I would be drained if I were you.” She moved to stand. “Let me pay the check, and we can go.”
“Elles, you don’t have to.”
The smile that said Don’t argue with me, it’s a waste of time flashed on her face. The one I’d gotten to know well in the last few months. “My treat.”
“Thanks.” I winced. “Shoot. Gimme a sec, this baby is pressing on my bladder. I’ll be right back.” Before she could add a word, I was hurrying toward the back of the bar to relieve myself for the third time in the last hour.
I still couldn’t believe this had become my life.
When I returned, Ellie waved at me and gestured to meet her by the exit.
With our arms linked together, we walked back to our hotel.
Ellie’s face pressed against my shoulder. “Girl, it’s too bad you’re not on the market right now because I saw a guy when I went to pay the check at Wild and Country, who was your type. And he was eating by himself. In any other circumstances, I would have played matchmaker.”
I sighed. “One day, Elles. One day, I’ll go back to dating.” I paused, a million questions swirling in my head. “Do you think guys will wanna go out with me? I’ll be a single mother… Isn’t that a turn-off for most people?”
My friend’s grip on my arm tightened. “Abby, look at you. You are smart, gorgeous, strong. Any guy in their right mind will want to date you. The one you’re supposed to be with won’t care if you are a single mom. He’ll see it as your strength, not your weakness. He’ll love you, no matter what. If he doesn’t, then he’s not the one for you. And he’s a jerk, and I’ll kick his ass.”
A loud laugh bubbled out of my throat. “What would I ever do without you?”
“You’d do just fine, gurrrl.”
Her words played on loop in my head for the rest of the walk to our hotel.
