Life's Next Chapter Read Free Page B

sure no one else is within earshot to hear.
    “OH MY GOD! EL BELL! You’re going to have a baby!” I shout from across the room.
    “Jesus Christ, Kate. I don’t want anyone to know, yet. I promised Chris I wouldn’t say anything until we had confirmation from the doctor.”
    I look at her sheepishly. “Sorry, babe.” I move to her and wrap my arms around her in a huge hug. My two best friends are going to be mommies again. The three of us stand in the kitchen hugging one another.
    Beth pulls back from the hug, turning to me, “Kate, you never answered my question. Why did you look so flustered when you walked in?”
    Peeling the lids off the Tupperware, I gush, “I met my new contractor. His name is Luke, and he is fucking gorgeous. The girls call him a beast. He’s got to be a foot taller than me, and his muscles are huge. Today, when he stopped by, I discovered he has this beautiful sleeve tattoo.” Beth and Ella stare, their jaws dropping to the floor. “What? I can gawk, and have dirty thoughts about a very hot man. I’m the single one here, remember.”
    “If he is a contractor for Brody, then did you meet him when he did your house?” asks Ella while setting the juice boxes down on the counter.
    “You know, I don’t think he worked for Brody then. I would remember that god!”
    Jacob comes strolling into the kitchen and walks behind Beth, placing his hands on her belly as he gives her a hug. He’s fucking romantic. I can only hope I find a guy that’s that into me. Looking back, my marriage to Keith was a total joke. That man never loved me and only stayed because he knocked me up.
    “Are you ladies almost done in here? The hot dogs and burgers are done.” Jacob kisses Beth on the lips, pats her butt, and grabs the juice boxes from Ella.
    “Babe, everything’s ready. Tell Chris and Mike to get the kids out of the pool, and have Olivia come and help us get these dishes outside. Thanks.” She blows him a kiss as he heads back outside.
    GAH! They are sickening to watch, way too lovey-dovey. “Do you two need a room? Because I’ll be more than happy to watch Mikey, Donny, and Ralphy while you two go at it.” I cackle knowing it drives her crazy when I call her boys by the ninja turtles, but come on, it’s a classic.
    “KATE, knock that shit off!” she yells, throwing a bag of potato chips at me.
    “You know I love those boys. Just remember who put the idea in my head.” I singsong to her as I walk to the patio.
    Placing the chips and salad on the table, I continue on to the kiddie table to bestow kisses on all the kiddos. The kid’s table is going to surpass us adults soon. Once the kids are situated with their food and drinks, the adults take our seats at the table. This year, I feel like I should be sitting at the kiddie table. The large square table has two chairs to each side, and this year, the chair next to me holds all the pool towels.
    “Hey, Kate, what do you say after lunch, you and I go on the Jet Skis? These chickens next to me won’t come. That leaves only you,” Jacob says pointing his fork at me.
    “Why won’t you guys go?” I ask, pointing my own fork at Chris and Mike.
    “I just don’t like lake water, you have no idea what is lurking in that Petri dish of bacteria.” I laugh at Chris’s bacteria phobia.
    “You’re such a nerd. Goodness, Chris, we aren’t swimming in a toilet. Your excuse?” I mutter and squint my eyes to Mike.
    “If I get on that thing, I will be sore for days. Not worth it.”
    I fall back in my chair, dying with laughter. “Aw, poor girls, do you need a tampon?” Singling Chris out, “And, do you need some Midol? You two are pussies!” Jacob is just laughing hysterically. I look to the ladies, but they don’t seem impressed.
    “Fuck, Kate, when did you become such a prick?” Chris whines. It’s obvious he isn’t amused by my sarcasm.
    “I’m became a prick, when my dickhead of a husband cheated and left his family. Now I’m left