Page 98 of Finding Forgiveness

“Since forever,” I lie.

“Please, I’ve known you since I was twelve, I’ve never seen you drinkanykind of tea.”

“I had a chai latte once,” I retort, screwing up my nose, because I wasn’t a fan.

“Hmm.”

We decided to meet up for brunch. I’ve taken the day off because I have an appointment I need to go to after this. Jacinta is officially on maternity leave. She’s been working the front desk at the studio for the past few months, but since she’s almost ready to pop, Mason wanted her at home.

She’s booked in for a caesarean next week since her prediction was correct. Thereisa giant baby growing inside her. She’s so tiny her doctor thought a C-section would be safest for both her and Bub. She had her heart set on a natural birth but opted for their recommendation in the end. I wouldn’t want to be pushing that thing out of my vagina either.

We all have a side bet going on behind Jacinta’s back. I’ve predicted the baby will weigh twelve pounds. Connor said five, Mason seven, and Jim said eight …amateurs. Blake said a hundred, bless his little heart, and Grace was closest to me, her guess being ten.

I’m sad I won’t be there to witness the birth of my niece or nephew, but I want them to be safe, so I understand. Mason will be there by her side.

“Are you okay?” I ask as I watch her squirm in her seat.

“I need to pee again … I only just went before we left home.”

“You’ve got a giant head resting on your bladder, it’s understandable.”

“My baby doesn’t have a giant head,” she growls. “It’s in perfect proportion with the rest of its—”

“Giant body,” I say, cutting her off. “I rest my case.”

“Hmm,” she hums again as her eyes slightly narrow.

By the time she waddles to the toilet and returns to the table, our drinks have arrived. She chose a fruit smoothie since she can’t have coffee.

It takes her a minute to find the best position once she’s seated. Poor thing. Side on, she’s almost as wide as she is tall. Well, that may be a slight exaggeration, but you get where I’m coming from.

“Feeling better?” I ask.

“Ugh. I have a constant urge to pee, and then when I go it feels like two drops come out.”

I make a face. “Sounds delightful.”

“I need this baby out … the last few weeks have been hell.” She leans in and takes a sip of her smoothie. “Mmm. How’s your tea?”

“Yummy,” I lie. It tastes like hot water that’s been stirred with a Christmas candy cane.

When our food arrives, Jacinta’s eyes are again on me. “Why did you only order vegemite toast … and why are you taking such minuscule bites and chewing for ten minutes?”

I give her the stink eye. “I’m not.”

“That is the third lie you’ve told me since we got here. What’s really going on, Cassie?”

“I’m late.”

“Oh my God,” she says with a mouth full of bacon and eggs. The sight makes my queasy stomach recoil. “You think you’re PG?” I lift one shoulder. “Have you taken a test?”

“I have an appointment at the doctor after this.”

“What time?”

I glance down at my phone. “Just over an hour.”

She shovels more food into her mouth before placing down her cutlery and pushing herself up to stand. “There’s a pharmacy a few stores down. Let’s go.”