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Cheryse didn't know how she had been hijacked into this women's lunch with the beach crew ladies. Of course, she loved her friends, but they had turned on her. Good thing Hunter had given her another pain med before dropping her off. At least her ankle wasn’t hurting.
As she scootered towards the door, Lucy greeted her. “You poor dear. Let’s get you inside.”
Cheryse had allowed Hunter to help her out of the car and get the scooter for her. He’d wanted to walk her inside too, but she’d told him no.
When they got inside, Lucy gave her a big hug, smelling like vanilla potpourri.
“I’m still mad at you all. You know that, right?”
Lucy pulled back, squishing up her face. “But we love you.”
Cheryse grunted and began scooting into the other room.
Lucy was a sweetheart and rushed ahead of her, making sure everything was out of her way so she could angle her scooter toward the brunch table that was, of course, laid out perfectly.
Compassion filled her when she saw Kensi sitting at the end of the table, feet propped up, looking quite pale. This pregnancy had been rough on her so far.
Kensi put her feet down and stood. “Cheryse, I can't believe my brother did this to you.”
Cheryse waved a hand at her. “Don't stand. Sit. Rest. I don't even know if you should be here.” Hadn't the doctor given her strict orders to stay on bed rest?
Kensi gave her a hug. “I'm fine. You're the one that's hurt. How’s it feeling?”
“After a pain med, I'm fine.” Cheryse gave her a wan smile and sat next to her.
“I don't think you're fine.” Ava entered the room, holding a bowl filled with something. She crossed toward them and immediately embraced Cheryse. She searched her face. “Do you forgive us for letting Hunter take care of you?”
Cheryse wanted to be mad, but it was hard.
Lucy came back into the room, holding a tray of breakfast items. She put it on the table. “Cheryse, you have to forgive us. It’s in the best friends rule book, you know.”
“Is it?” Cheryse asked, swiping a small strawberry and popping it into her mouth. Delicious.
Dawn rushed in, holding a bowl. She honed in on Cheryse. “Oh my gosh. I can't believe it.” She rushed over to the table and put her bowl down, then pulled Cheryse into a hug. “Mom called me last night and told me and I called Lucy. I'm here.”
“Thanks for coming.” Cheryse smiled at her, and her ill feelings disappeared.
Everyone settled at the table.
Kat entered, holding baby Gem on her hip and carrying a bag. “I'm sorry I'm late. Right before I came, he spit up all over his clothes, so I had to change his outfit.” She rushed to Cheryse and leaned into her, holding the baby to the side. “How are you feeling today?”
“Better.” Having so many people care about her actually did make her feel better. She grinned at all of them. “I'm not gonna lie, I was mad as all get out when Hunter showed up this morning and I read that stupid note.” She looked at Kensi. “In your writing.”
Kensi sighed dramatically, her feet up and a hand on her belly. “You can’t be mad at a pregnant woman.”
Cheryse grinned at her, despite herself. “True. How are you feeling?”
She shrugged. “Okay.”
Lucy sat across from them. “I’m glad you’re here, Kens, but I think we might have to put together times to go visit you instead. I worry.”
The others all agreed.
Kensi gave them a soft smile. “I’m fine.” She put her hands out to her sides. “Let’s say grace.”
They all linked hands, and Lucy said a prayer. When she finished, the women dished up crepes, eggs, and fruit.
Kensi offered Cheryse a scoop of fruit. Then she looked at her face. “Are you really okay?”
