Page 68 of My Girlfriend is Not the Father

‘Now, I bet that lady friend of yours is happy for you.’

Jade wrapped hair around a curling rod and tucked it against Mrs Dieterman’s scalp. ‘Oh yes. Super excited for me.’ I think.

Lucy was ecstatic when Jade first told her. Hugs and kisses and some amazing celebration sex. But since then, she hadn’t asked about it once. Although, once again, that selfish gremlin crept up on Jade’s shoulder and tapped her. It was crappy for Jade to expect Lucy would talk about this in between appointments, sore feet, insomnia, and her work.

Jade rolled the standing dryer to Mrs Dieterman. After setting the timer, she went to her office, grabbed a yogurt, and checked her unread messages.

Lucy: Want to grab some dinner tonight at the vegan restaurant off 8th?

Lucy: Yes, vegan. You heard me right. But that salt-and-pepper tofu was Da Bomb Diddy Bomb.

Lucy: Ignore that last part. I meant to say the tofu was delicious.

Jade took a bite of yogurt and held the spoon in her mouth as she typed.

Jade: The Minneapolis Times reporter will be here at 5, so it will have to be after that.

Three bubbles appeared.

Lucy: Oh shoot! I forgot. That’s right. Good luck, you are going to knock it out of da park.

Lucy: No more da’s. I don’t think it’s working for me. You’re going to do amazing. Betty Yellow and I can pick you up at 6.

The GIF she sent of a rainbow beam shooting from a woman flexing muscles couldn’t shake Jade’s instant urge to cry. Jesus, Lucy was the pregnant one, but Jade was getting emotional over the silliest things! Ridiculous. Pregnancy brain was a real thing, and she needed to cut Lucy a huge amount of slack. Drew had sent Jade an article about this phenomenon a few weeks ago with a message along the lines of giving her space-cadet girlfriend a break. The article dived in about extra hormones, lack of solid sleep, and increase in blood volume, making pregnant women foggy and forgetful. Jade inhaled through her nose, let the comment go, and plastered on a smile for her next client.

Later that afternoon, after she finished her last client of the day, she rushed to her office and changed. Not a button-down, much to Mrs Dieterman’s eventual dismay. Jade still wanted to look like herself, but a more elevated, professional version of herself. So ripped skinny jeans, heels, a Stevie Nick’s T-shirt and a black quarter-sleeve blazer for the win.

A knock at the door sounded, and she cracked it open.

‘Damn, woman. You clean up nice.’ Amanda flipped her long black braids behind her back. ‘You ready for your photo shoot?’

‘God, I hope so.’

‘I just finished cashing out the last client, and the team is cleaning.’ She flipped her wrist to look at her watch. ‘She still coming in about ten minutes?’

‘Yep.’ Jade glanced in the mirror and plucked a chunky bang from her face. ‘I have like two seconds to pomade and apply some eyeliner.’

‘You nervous?’

Jade swiped black liner across her lids and added gloss. ‘A little.’ She dragged her pinky under her eyelid and moved to the left eye. ‘What if I sound like a complete idiot?’

Amanda scrunched her face. ‘I’ve never heard you sound like an idiot. You’re wicked smart, a great boss, and funny to boot.’

‘Are you trying to get a raise? ’Cause it’s totally working.’

‘I mean …’ Amanda smiled. ‘But really, I’m serious. The crew has mad respect for you, the clients love you. Just be yourself, and you’re gonna nail this.’ She tapped her fingers against the door frame. ‘I just think this whole sitch is really damn impressive. Queer Female Entrepreneur. You’ve already broken barriers, you know. Like, you punched through the glass ceilings. And now this. Besides, you’re totally going to win. I can feel it.’

Between Amanda and Mrs Dieterman, Jade was two steps away from being a blubbering mess. She grabbed lip gloss from her drawer. ‘It’s just an honour to be nominated.’

Amanda rolled her eyes with a wide smile. ‘Such bullshit.’

Jade threw up her hands. ‘Okay fair. I really, really want to win.’

The door jingled, and Amanda’s eyes widened. ‘Okay, I’m sneaking out the back to leave you alone. Quick teeth check?’

‘Yes, please.’ Jade smiled and Amanda’s eyes travelled her teeth.

‘You’re good. You got this. Cannot wait to read the article.’