She shook her head. “I wanted to take the test with you guys. You know, just to be sure.”
“Let’s do this. Go pee.” Tiffany cheered. “Molly, you and Owen are going to be fabulous parents. Besides, your kid will have the best aunties.”
“You mean besides their real aunts?” Molly teased now.
“Yes, Mac and I are way cooler. No offense.”
Molly reluctantly got up from her seat. “I’m scared, you guys.”
“Don’t be. This is all good stuff. Hell, if anything, I’m super jealous right now. Not only are you marrying one helluva guy, but you might be preggers. It doesn’t get much better, does it?” Tiffany playfully rolled her eyes. “Get on in there.” She handed Molly the test kit and pointed in the direction of the bathroom.
It drove Tiffany crazy as she watched Molly slowly open the box. Tiffany snatched it from her hands and tore it open. “Here.” Tiffany handed her the white plastic test. “Now, go.” Tiffany wanted to do a little happy dance and was eager to learn the news.
Molly vanished behind a door. Mackenzie and Tiffany looked at each other.
“Wow,” Mackenzie said first.
“I know, right? The one of us who isn’t baby crazy is the one that might be expecting one.”
“It’s always that way, isn’t it?” Mackenzie laughed. She reached for the instructions as they waited for what seemed like an eternity for Molly to pee.
“Did you fall in? Come on, Molly,” Tiffany shouted loudly.
Tiffany was anxious and wanted to see the results. Did her friend have a bun in the oven? When could she start buying little outfits and spoiling the cutie pie?
Molly emerged from the bathroom holding the tester.
“Well?” Tiffany asked.
“I haven’t looked yet,” Molly answered.
“This says it could take three minutes for the results to appear,” Mackenzie read out loud.
“It’s been even longer than that, hasn’t it?” Tiffany questioned as she peered down at her cell phone to check the time.
“At least,” Mackenzie agreed. “Come on. Hand it over.”
They huddled around the plastic stick that would determine Molly’s future. These lines could change everything—and they did.
* * * *
Tiffany drove Mackenzie to the Sea-Tac airport and was envious her friend was escaping. She stood next to her while Mackenzie checked in and got her ticket information.
“Please keep a close eye on Molly.”
“Yes, Mom,” Tiffany answered.
“She seemed a little freaked out over the weekend.”
“Molly should be thrilled. I have no idea why she isn’t.” They stood by a row of seats and visited for another couple of minutes before Mackenzie had to go through security.
Mackenzie frowned. “I’m not sure. I think it’s a lot for her to digest. As she pointed out on Friday, she’s barely handling the whole marriage idea. They sort of got swept up in this crazy whirlwind romance.”
“Isn’t that what you’re trying to do right now? Mr. Vegas is probably excited to see you.”
“I’m excited, too. Jason’s a nice guy, Tiff. I really like him.”
Tiffany hugged Mackenzie. “I’m glad and I hope you have fun. Please, just be careful.”
“I will. I’m not crazy like you or Molly.”
“No getting hitched at one of those drive-thru chapels, promise?”
“God, no. I definitely promise not to do anything stupid.” Mackenzie laughed.
“You better go. I’ll be here to pick you up when you get back,” Tiffany confirmed. “I’m going to miss you.”
“Me, too. Look after our girl. Love ya.” Mackenzie kissed Tiffany’s cheek and hugged her once more before she set off toward the growing line of passengers to be scanned.
Mackenzie wheeled her rolling luggage toward security. She looked back and waved. Tiffany watched her friend get in line. It was never easy saying goodbye, even knowing full well that she would be returning soon, but anything could happen.
She quickly got into her car and waited for a chance to get into the lane. Tiffany looked over shoulder and stepped on it.
Tiffany drove away from the airport with an unexplained heaviness in her heart. Colin had told her that she could take the day off, but being home alone would only make her more miserable. She continued on the freeway until her exit came up for Blue Moose Coffee headquarters. Tiffany weaved through the quiet streets. It was early still and most of Seattle was still asleep. The sky was barely starting to turn light and Tiffany sighed. It was going to be a long day.
After turning into the parking structure, Tiffany found a spot and sat for a moment. She dialed Molly’s cell and waited.
“Hello?”
“Moll, how’s it going?”
“Fine.”
“Come on. You okay?”
She heard Molly huff loudly. “Yeah, I’ll be fine. Owen is flippin’ tickled pink.”
“Of course, he is. If he wasn’t, we’d hunt him down and do bodily harm,” Tiffany teased.
Molly giggled. “Oh stop. That would be more of a punishment for me.”
“Well, then it’s good that he did the right thing. What did he say, by the way?”
“Just that he was so immeasurably happy and that he wants to get married as soon as possible.”
“Probably before it looks like a shotgun wedding. So, can we all go to Hawaii and do this?”
“Ugh, I don’t know. But Owen is down for whatever now.”
“Yeah, that’s because you are carrying his precious little offspring. So, let’s use this to our advantage. Hawaii, here we come,” Tiffany squealed.
“Not so fast. I haven’t even picked out a stupid dress,” Molly complained.
“Uh, bathing suit. Problem solved.”
“I know, but I have to wear something for the reception. What about my family and his?”
“Hmm. Maybe offer to do another ceremony later on? Or like a crazy party for everyone to celebrate. They’re going to be so thrilled you are expecting that you can do no wrong. Use this, Molly. I want to go to Hawaii.”
Molly laughed and asked, “So, you dropped off Mac? It’s wild she’s going there by herself. You think she’ll be fine?”
“Yes. Now look who the mother of our group is. I swear, you got a bun in the oven for like five minutes and you’ve gone full maternal on me. I love it,” Tiffany teased.
“Oh, give me a break. I’m the last one that should be having a baby. I’m scared absolutely shitless.”
“Moll, you are going to be a great mom.”
“I don’t know about that,” Molly whispered.
“Woman, you have two friends that will be right there with you along the way. Trust me. You got this, because we got this.”
Funny how confident Tiffany could be when it came to matters that didn’t concern her life. She sat there in her car and contemplated going inside her building. Nope, not today. She could only handle one major life moment a day and today Tiffany had adulted plenty already.
* * * *
Tiffany dragged her feet going into work the next day. Maybe it had to do with the fabulous weather that summer was now delivering to Seattle. Or perhaps it was the relaxing day she’d had after she’d gotten off the phone with Molly. Either way, she had bills and this place paid them.
While taking the elevator up to her floor, her cell phone buzzed. It was Mackenzie.
“Hey you,” she answered happily.
“Hey, Tiff, I’m just checking in. Everything’s great here.”
Whew. That’s a relief.
“So how are things going with Mr. Vegas?” Tiffany’s phone kept cutting out as she was trying to listen to Mackenzie. “Hang on. Let me get out of this elevator.”
“You out yet?”
“Yes. Good grief, the reception is crap inside those things. So, okay, tell me. How’s it all going?”
“Well, I had dinner with Jason and saw some of the sig
hts with him.”
“Mac, did you get what you were going there for?” Tiffany was dying to know if her friend’s dry spell was over.
Silence. This had Tiffany more than a little confused. “Don’t tell me the drought is still in effect?”
“Yeah, it kinda is.”
“How is that possible?”
“I don’t know. Is it me? I mean, I’m totally willing.” Mackenzie giggled.
“Yeah, but are you putting out that vibe?” Tiffany had to keep from laughing. God knew she was trying to keep that vibe out front and center. She’d even hoped Colin would take notice, but so far…nothing.
“I thought so, but maybe he’s not into me.”
“I doubt that. So, he just like dropped you off at your hotel?”
Mackenzie answered, “Pretty much. We always have a great time together. We have kissed and stuff, but for some odd reason, we never can get to that next level.”
“Weird. Crap, I’m about to head inside my office. I’ll call you later, okay?” Tiffany and Mackenzie said goodbye and she noticed the doors were closed. It wasn’t completely out of the norm, but Colin usually kept them open.
Tiffany was trying to open one of the doors as she juggled her oversized fake Prada bag and her travel mug of coffee. The door opened. Colin stood there, not much expression on his handsome face. He gave her a curt nod as he went back behind his desk.
Seriously, are we back to this nonsense again?
“Tiffany, after you have put your things down, can you come back in here?” His tone was even and quiet.
“Sure. Where’s Pauly?” she asked as she opened her adjoining door.
“I have him at a doggy daycare today.” Colin cracked a smile.
“You can’t be serious? What will I do without my little chunky monster?”
“Tiffany, can you please hurry?” The sense of urgency in his voice bothered her.
Now Tiffany’s nerves were on edge. Whatever it was that he needed to tell her must be pretty serious.
Tiffany hurried to hang up her bag and she decided to take her coffee with her. She noticed that there was no coffee waiting for her on her desk. Something was definitely up.
“What’s going on?” she asked, trying desperately to seem cool and casual.
His smoky eyes weren’t giving anything away. “Tiffany, I feel like we need to really talk.”
“That’s what we’re doing. Right now, in fact,” she joked, hoping it would break the ice. Things felt very chilly. He didn’t laugh. This was not a good sign.
“I’ve tried my best to make this relationship work.”
What is he saying? Does he want to start dating? If so, she could totally get behind that plan.
“It’s been lovely, but I agree it’s been hard.” Tiffany smiled sweetly at him. He fiddled nervously with a silver cuff link.
“It has been brutal, actually.”
“Now, I wouldn’t go that far,” Tiffany argued as she searched his face for some sort of clue as to where this was headed. Colin was holding his cards close, not letting her read what he was thinking.
“Tiffany, I’m sorry, but I’m letting you go.”
What the hell?
If Colin was bluffing, he was damn good. If not, he was a major jerk. Tiffany rose from her seat and stomped away to grab her bag. She didn’t need to hear another word. She’d just lost her job, but worse he’d broke her heart.
Chapter Eleven
Tiffany dug her spoon into the chocolate brownie ice cream.
“I can’t even believe this. Can’t we sue or something?” Molly asked as she stuck her own spoon in the half-eaten carton.
Tiffany’s stomach hurt, not just from the insane amount of ice cream she’d just consumed, but from crying all afternoon. She had no job. How am I going to pay my bills? How could he do this to me? What did I do to piss him off so badly? Things had been fine just days ago. This was a nightmare. It had to be.
“Gosh, Molly, I can’t even think right now. I don’t know what to do.”
“Well, you can bet that I’ll be telling Owen. He can have a little chat with his leprechaun buddy. This has to be some sort of prank or something. Otherwise, that ass has completely lost his mind.”
Tiffany was still in shock. “I don’t know what I’m going to do, Moll.”
“Don’t worry about all that. I got you. I would say we first need to figure out what his grounds of termination are then we need to speak to an attorney. I have several friends and I’ll contact them. No one messes with my bestie and gets away with it,” Molly stated firmly as she shoveled more ice cream onto her spoon.
“Aren’t you sick of it yet?” Tiffany motioned toward the spoon.
“God, no. I’m stress eating. That’s something I am very good at.”
“Yeah, what about your wedding? Don’t get fat on my account.”
“Tiff, I’m already there. Besides, I’m pregnant. If that’s not a good excuse as any, then what is?” Molly scooped another heaping spoonful.
“Valid argument.”
“It’s going to be okay. I promise.”
Tiffany’s cell phone rang.
Molly smiled. “Maybe that’s the jackass now.”
Tiffany glanced at the screen of her phone. He’d tried calling her several times, but she’d sent his calls to voicemail then had ignored them. What more can he have to say? The damage is already done. She never wanted to talk to him again. Thankfully the number that flashed on her phone wasn’t his. It was Mackenzie.
“Hello,” Tiffany answered as she dug another spoonful of ice cream out of the carton, despite being on the verge of vomiting.
“What’s wrong with you?” Mackenzie asked.
“Just everything.”
Molly scrunched her face up and asked, “Who is it?”
Tiffany whispered, “Mac.”
“Oh, is Molly there? What happened? She okay?” Mackenzie rapid fired questions at Tiffany.
“She’s fine.”
“Let me talk to her, please.”
Tiffany handed her phone over to Molly.
“Hey, Mac. Yeah, I’m fine. No, she isn’t. Well…” Molly said then paused. Her gaze held Tiffany’s. “Can I tell her?” she asked Tiffany.
“Might as well.”
“Well, Mac, Colin fired her,” Molly said.
Like a bandage, sometimes it was better to do it quickly, but damn, it still hurt. Just hearing the words again, hearing them said out loud made Tiffany’s stomach bottom out. She had been fired.
Molly nudged Tiffany. “Here. She wants to talk to you.” Molly handed the phone back to Tiffany.
“Yes, Mac?”
“Hey, I don’t want you to worry. We got your back. Screw that slimeball.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
“I have an idea. Why don’t you guys fly out?” Mackenzie suggested eagerly.
“Um, did you not hear? I’m destitute.”
“I’ll pay for you.”
“Nah, I can’t do that.” Tiffany waited a moment. “Wait, is everything okay there?”
“Yeah, but it’s not going quite how I imagined,” Mackenzie replied.
Molly looked at Tiffany with full-blown concern and asked quietly, “Everything okay?”
Tiffany nodded and whispered, “She’s asking if we want to go there.”
“You should. I won’t be any fun,” Molly said as she rubbed her belly.
“Of course, you would be.”
Molly smirked. “Really? I can’t drink and I highly doubt Owen will want his pregnant, soon-to-be-wife going to Vegas.”
Again, another valid point. Tiffany nodded in agreement.
“Well, Tiff, you want to meet me out here?”
What do I have to lose? Definitely not my job. Why the hell not? “Vegas, here I come, baby.”
Molly laughed and said, loud enough for Mackenzie to hear, “Do not let her around any hot dogs.”
* * * *
Tiffany sipped her coffee
from the paper cup. It was strong, but considering how wicked early it was, she should be grateful for the jolt of caffeine. The airport was nearly empty. Leave it to Mackenzie to get her on the earliest flight possible. Why had she even agreed to go to Vegas? Because she’d been in an ice-cream-induced coma. No one makes sound decisions when strung out on sugar.
The security line had been quick. It had been her and maybe two or three other passengers. She’d learned her lesson since the last time she’d flown to Vegas. No cute studded jeans. Today she was rockin’ yoga pants and a hoodie. Even her hair was in a sloppy bun. Depression is not cute.
Tiffany boarded the plane and was lucky to snag a window seat. Not that it mattered because she intended to sleep the entire time.
Oh, how quickly plans change. A man with golden hair, happy green eyes and a toothy smile sat next to her. He was chipper and fairly handsome, but Tiffany was not in the mood to be nice. Her coffee had not kicked in yet and, honestly, out of all the empty seats, why would he want to sit next to her? She’d figured her outfit—a cross between ‘homeless chic’ and ‘GAP depression’—would be a deterrent. She shouldn’t have showered. Maybe her fruity body spray had attracted him?
Tiffany looked out of the window. They hadn’t taken off yet and she flagged down the flight attendant. She politely asked for a pillow and blanket. Tiffany wasn’t even cold, but figured she could use the blanket to hide under. Tiffany wanted to die when Mr. I-could-have-sat-anywhere-on-this-stupid-damn-plane-but-chose-to-sit-right-smack-next-to-you started to make chit-chat.
Kill me now. Better yet, kill Mac.
He took the hint, kind of. He even offered to buy her a drink and asked if flying made her cranky.
Seriously, dude. Shut up.
Tiffany tucked the pillow against the window and finally pulled the blanket over her head. Safe under her shelter, she napped. At some point, the plane arrived in Vegas. Her lovely seat companion had decided not to disturb her and Tiffany woke to the flight attendant gently shaking her.
A little dazed and not nearly as refreshed as she should be from her nap, Tiffany shuffled her way to the baggage claim to get her single piece of luggage. Mackenzie was waiting for her by the rotating conveyor belt that was sparsely covered in various suitcases and duffel bags. It didn’t take long to retrieve hers.
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