She shook her head, knowing she needed more time to think than she currently had, and continued to dress for her coffee date with Riley.
Madison arrived at Starbucks at eleven. She hadn’t seen her friend in too long and was glad Riley had suggested they meet up this weekend. Riley’s appearances at work had become sporadic, and Madison worried about her friend. She arrived to find Riley waiting for her in the back, two cups on the table.
Madison headed directly for her friend. “Hey, stranger! How are you?”
Riley rose and gave Madison a hug. “I’m good. You?”
“I’m fine.” Incredibly horny, but fine. Her situation with Alex wasn’t something she was sure she wanted to bring up over breakfast.
They settled into chairs, and Madison took a long sip of her skinny vanilla latte. “Thanks for ordering. This is delicious.”
She glanced over to see Riley had a tea bag hanging out of her grande-sized cup. “Where’s the Chai Latte you normally love?”
Riley waved her hand in front of her face. “Don’t say those words. God.” She closed her eyes and breathed in deeply.
Madison narrowed her gaze. “What is going on? Are you okay?”
Riley blew out a long stream of air. “I’m pregnant.” Despite her paleness, her eyes gleamed with excitement.
Madison gasped in delight. “What? That’s so amazing!” She popped up from her chair and came around to give her very nauseous friend a big hug.
Riley hugged her back.
“No wonder you’ve been out of the office more than you’re in.” They resettled in their chairs. “Good thing the boss loves you so much,” she said with a chuckle before sobering at the all-too-pale coloring of Riley’s skin. “Is the nausea that bad?”
Riley grimaced. “I wake up, and I think I’m going to die or never stop vomiting. Some days I can see how Kate Middleton ended up in the hospital.” She placed a hand over her stomach. “The good news is that the doctor says I’m almost at the end of it. If I’m lucky.”
“How far along are you?” Madison asked.
“Twelve weeks. Hopefully by fourteen, I’ll start to feel human again. I really want to enjoy the experience, but man, nobody warns you about this.”
Madison took in Riley’s washed-out face. Now that she looked, it was obvious her usually curvy friend had lost weight, and Riley had a knock-out figure.
“I’m sorry. I hope you feel better sooner rather than later, but I’m sure you’ll bounce back.”
Riley managed a smile. “Me too.”
“So how does Ian feel about all this?”
Riley grinned. “Mr. Controlling is even more controlling. He doesn’t get that there’s nothing he can do to make this better for me. But he’s excited about the baby at the end.” She caressed her belly. “And so am I.”
Madison’s heart swelled for her friend. “I’m really happy for you guys.”
“Thanks. So enough about me. What about you? How’s the job?”
Since they’d already had the discussion about Riley blindsiding Madison with Alex at work, she let it go now. There was nothing to be gained by rehashing it.
“Well, I love the challenge of creating something new. And I have my first meeting with some of the players next week, so I’m going to be getting back into the people part of the job that I miss. So all’s well!” Even Madison heard the forced tone of her voice, but what was she supposed to say? She was conflicted and still wanted the man Riley had put her to work with?
“How is it working with Alex?” Riley, ever perceptive, asked.
“I suppose it’s too much to ask you to not bring up his name?”
Riley grinned. “No such luck.”
“You suck,” Madison muttered.
“That’s what best friends are for, to ask the tough questions. So … is he getting to you?”