Max smiles and nods vigorously, Ghost smirks but his eyes are wide and he looks a little frightened and Trick yells out, “Hell, yeah!”
The girls jump all over me. They catch me in a group hug and I blurt out, “I own Safira!”
Nat smiles and Mimi and Lola look at each other and burst out laughing.
They’re actually crying with laughter!
I put a hand on my hip and demand, “What’s so funny?”
Mimi says between fits of laughter “Oh, bless her. She thought we didn’t know. ”
WHAT?!
Lola giggles and tells me, “Sweetie, we’ve known for almost two years. Our pay checks come out of a Safira account with you listed as the owner!”
I did not know that!
I blink and whisper, “I did not know that. ”
We all burst into laughter, I wipe tears of mirth away from my eyes and mutter, “I’ve wanted to tell you for a while but I thought you might treat me differently if you knew I was the big boss lady. ”
Mimi straightens, shakes her head and states, “You’ll always be my savior, doll. No matter what. ”
Lola smiles big, “Yeah, T. You gave us a chance. You’ll always be our friend. ”
Nat squeezes my waist and says, “You’ve always got us, honey. And, by the way, you can’t lie for shit. ” We all giggle.
I excuse myself and head to the kitchen to get a glass of water. I sip at it and look out the window to the yard we’re all my friends and Nik’s family chat together, laugh and goof around.
This is all I ever wanted.
I didn’t get it the first time round but I’m a firm believer of second chances.
I look down at my belly, put my hand to it and smile.
Being granted a second chance is a gift.
I’m going to use it well.
Epilogue
It’s a baby!
Seven and a half month later…
“NIK, YOU STUPID SON OF A BITCH! I HATE YOU!” Tina yells.
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I look over at the doctor in panic and shout, “Give her the drugs! Give her the drugs!”
Gail smiles and explains to Tina, “Tina, you’re doing so well but it’s too late for the drugs. Your baby is almost here and wants to meet its mommy. So when I say so, push. ”
Tina squeezes my hand, throws her head back and moans long. She is flushed, sweating, her hair is a mess but, by god, she looks beautiful. She’s a soldier.
Gail looks up at Tina and says, “Now, Tina. Push hard, honey. ”
Tina clenches my hand hard and lets out a long strained moan. Gail whoops and tells us, “And the head is out. One more push and you’ll have a baby!”