“Okay. I think she got the point,” Becky intervened, seeing the crushed look on my face. “You’re making it worse, Nicole,” she scolded.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean…I was thinking about the time when I was…I’m so sorry.” Nicole apologized and placed her hand over mine.

“After you have a chance to talk, he’ll come around,” Kate mumbled with a mouth full of fruit salad.

“That’s what I keep telling her, but Max doesn’t answer her texts or phone calls. That’s the problem,” Becky explained, pouring a second round of wine in her glass and doing the same for Nicole.

“What did you say in the text?” Kate asked.

Taking a sip and holding lazily onto the wine glass, I stared at the space where the vase of roses was. My mind reverted for a bit as I recalled the red roses Max had tossed on the street. I was in shock and hadn’t had the energy to pick them up. I wondered if I should go back out and do so, but I couldn’t get my legs to move. They were probably gone by now anyway. Knowing Max, he would have gotten the expensive kind, like the last two times he had gotten them for me. Surely someone would have picked them up. Those flowers were not meant for me…anymore.

“Jenna,” Kate called, bringing me back to our conversation.

“Ummm…I texted that we need to talk, and that it wasn’t what he thought it looked like. I can’t text everything I need to tell him.”

“True.”

Becky poured more wine into my glass. I hadn’t realized I had emptied it…well…half of it anyway, but I knew I was buzzed. It was confirmed when I began feeling like I had been out in the sun way too long.

“I know you can’t drink, but you’re home, and we’re here. Drown out your sorrows, hun. We’ll take care of you.”

Looking from my half-eaten plate to Becky’s eyes, I gave her the most thankful smile I could give. “Thanks. After this drink, I won’t be able to think or…feel.” And that was fine with me. I didn’t want to feel…anything.

“Dang, Jenna. I’ve seen you turn red before, but you look like a lobster,” Nicole snorted. “I see why Max was so worried about you. I’m worried for you right now. Are you okay?”

“Don’t worry,” I sighed, feeling my heart thumping faster. Not only that, my head started to throb, my body was burning, and every movement seemed slowed. Pausing for a second, trying to process my thoughts, I changed the subject. “Soooo…Kate. Are you…still…breastfeeding?”

Kate held an amused smile. “Someone is buzzed,” she giggled, touching my cheeks. Her hand felt so cool to touch. Enjoying the sensation, I closed my eyes and opened them when she spoke again. “I’m weaning her off so I still can’t drink, but once I’m done…well, no need to ask no further, girl friend.” She accentuated the word girl friend with a funny accent.

With the palm of my hand on my cheek and my elbow on the table to support my head, I shifted my eyes to Nicole. The whole dinner conversation was about me, and I didn’t want it to be about me anymore. Plus, I was certain my friends had things to share. “How…about…you, Nicole?” I wasn’t sure what I had asked. Every word in my ears seemed like an echo and slowed.

Her whole face was beaming while her body shuddered slightly. She looked like she was about to explode. “I can’t hide it any longer.” She stood up, pulled something out of her pocket, and sat back down. Doing something with her left hand underneath the table, she smiled mischievously.

“Hurry up,” Kate shook her hands.

I yawned and put my head down on the comfort of my crossed arms on the table.

“Be patient. I hope this is the last one I’ll ever have,” Nicole said excitedly. “I dare you not to get excited.”

“Ahhh!” I heard the screams from all three of my friends. Popping my head up, I saw Nicole’s hand up in the air and something very shiny on her finger. “Nicole?” I stood up and pulled her finger closer to me. It took a great amount of effort to peel my eyes open. From what I could tell, it was bigger than a karat…a round, gorgeous ring. “You’re en…raged?” I shook my head. “En..gaged?”

Nicole giggled. “Yes…I’m engaged.”

I embraced her with all of me. “I…sooo…hapeee…for…me…you,” I slurred, running my hand down my face, trying to focus.

“When did this happen? Didn’t you guys break up?” Becky asked, looking confused.

“Yeah…well…we did a lot of talking the past week. We spilled our guts and got everything out in the open. At the end, he said he couldn’t live without me. We got back together…which I didn’t tell you about. And then he proposed last night.”

“Details…we want details,” Kate blurted.

“It’s coming…hold on, impatient one,” Nicole giggled. “I need to ask you guys a question.” Draping her hand over my shoulder, she looked at each of us with a heartfelt smile while water pooled in her eyes. “When I need a helping hand, you’re always there for me. When I’m down and I need someone to lift me up, you’re always there for me. I’m so blessed to have you in my life. My life wouldn’t be fulfilling and the same without all of you. Will you all be my bridesmaids?”

Next thing I knew, I heard sniffles from all three of my friends and lots of arms wrapped around Nicole and I. Pure joy filled my heart and soul. Though I was hot as hell from the alcohol, I welcomed this special warmth. How I loved my friends.