Page 36 of Savage in the Sweets

I shrug my shoulders. “It’s bound to run its course eventually, and if it sticks, who really cares?”

“You don’t get it. You were always the princess, and I was—”

“The Xena,” I cut in.

“All these dresses, hair, nails, tiaras are so not me.”

“Watch, I’ll have a little girl, and she’ll ends up liking Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles like you did,” I jape.

“Yeah, can you please get started on that?”

“I’m beginning to think that in this town, that will never happen.”

She casts me sympathetic eyes.“Is it really that bad?”

“You have no idea. Almost all the men are married, and the single ones are stoner potheads.”

“The city’s an hour away,” Stephanie offers.

“But I’m thinking long-term compatibility, and what man is going to move from the city to Wilson’s Grove?”

“Good point.”

“If I don’t get laid soon, I’m literally going to explode.”

“If I weren’t the jealous type, I’d lend you Eric.”

“No, thank you.”

“I do have news for you.”

“What’s up?”

“Pretty soon, April is going to be a big sister.”

My hand flies to my mouth in shock. “Oh my God—congratulations!”

“It took a while, but it’s finally happening.”

Finally happening, she says as I sit here waiting for Mr. Right to show up so I can start a family of my own.

It’s not fair for me to get jealous, though. I am genuinely happy that I’m getting a new baby niece or nephew. It’s just…I wish my own life would take off.

Stephanie wraps an arm around me. “I’m so sorry, Lace.”

“No! You shouldn’t be. I really am happy for you.”

“Any guy would be lucky to have you. You’re smart, funny, and with a sick bod. If I had to guess, I’d say you’re intimidating to them.”

“Not the married ones…”

Stephanie sneers. “Donald Setland is gross.”

“You know, his wife won’t even look at me,” I say, exhaling in frustration.

“It has nothing to do with you. Kate got dealt a shitty hand when she said, ‘I do.’ Anyone with a brain knows it’s her husband who’s the dog.”

Stephanie’s mouth twitches to the side. I know this look. It’s trouble.