Page 42 of The Rebel

“I agree.”

“I hope to give my own children the same.”

I gasped. “Wait, are you pregnant?”

She shook her head. “Nah, I wouldn’t be drinking Sazerac if that was the case. But Kevin and I are finally ready to startseriouslytrying.”

My friend had confided in me that she hadn’t been sure about wanting kids for many years, but now it seemed she was.

“Cheers to that. That’s great news.”

“We’re just taking it slow, without pressure. He’s enjoying that I’m not obsessed with using condoms anymore.”

“Oh, I bet he is happy,” I said, chuckling, but something went all mushy inside me.

My God, my best friend is going to have a baby soon.

I was getting ahead of myself, of course, because those things could take time. But still, I was proud of her for moving forward with that decision. And a little sad at the same time that my life was at a standstill in comparison.

“And how about you?” she asked.

I shrugged. “You know me. I never think about it.”

Only that wasn’t entirely true. Now that she’d mentioned babies, I could imagine myself holding one.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Annelise asked, and I realized she’d been watching me this whole time.

“Not even sure, to be honest.”

I sighed as we both finished our Sazeracs. “I really want another one, but I don’t think that’s wise.”

“No, this stuff is strong,” Annelise said. “And really good, though I haven’t had enough of them to really say if this one’s the best.”

“Well, you’ll have to take my word on it because I have.”

She grinned. “Works for me.”

“Ready to continue today’s adventure?”

“Sure. What are we doing next?”

“Well, let’s just keep walking through the streets and see what takes our fancy.”

After paying, we once again interlaced our arms as we left the bar and strolled down Dumaine.

As Fragrant Delights came into view, I had an idea. “Anthony’s grandmothers own this. They make custom-made perfumes.”

“I’ve always wanted to get one of those.” Annelise soundedbeside herself. She glanced inside. “They have a few customers already.”

“Let’s go in!”

I was ecstatic. How did I forget about this? I’d planned to come here ever since Anthony told me about it.

I opened the door and was charmed before I even took the first step inside. The place was socalming. There were shelves upon shelves with all sorts of bottles. I even spotted a few crystal displays. Various fragrances wafted through the air.

I was falling in love with Fragrant Delights.

“Daisy,” Isabeau replied, immediately coming up to me. Celine stayed with the other customers.