The next day you were hanging out by Nessa's pool and trying to avoid ranting about the fight with your daughter. Nessa was your biggest support system but sometimes it felt like she didn't get what you were going through.
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Her family was perfect. She'd been the perfect stay-at-home mom while Josh ran a successful sports-talent agency. Their kids were the sweetest kids and never got into trouble. To make things worse, she was smiling at her phone while texting Josh like they were just as much in love after all these years. Jaden hadn't answered your frustrated call the night before and today when he texted you, he seemed so distracted he didn't even mention the frantic voicemail you'd left.
Nessa: "Josh had a brilliant idea. Why don't we have a barbeque tonight to celebrate Jaden coming home?"
You: "I don't even know when his flight gets in. The show tapes sometime this afternoon to air tonight but it all depends how long taping takes."
Nessa: "Well even if he doesn't make it until super late at least we can all watch together, right?"
You passed by the family room on the way to refill the snack trays Nessa was putting outside when you noticed Harlow and Lucas playing Xbox together.
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Nessa: "They actually seem to be getting along."
You: "Good, maybe he'll finally rub off on her. I don't know what's gotten into her lately. I actually caught her sneaking out last night."
Nessa: "She's turning 14 in a few weeks. That's what they do."
You: "Stress their parents out?"
Nessa: *laughing* "Yes, exactly."
The moment their moms were distracted with the twins in the pool, the teens dropped the controllers and pulled back into a kiss that was getting hotter by the minute. The thought of getting caught was terrifying but for some reason just worked them up more.
Addison and Bryce were now there and Josh had just gotten home from work then headed up to change.
Bryce: *grabbing Lucas' controller* "Let me show Harlow how to get her butt kicked in this game."
Nessa: *talking to the twins* "Maya, Beau... go pick up your toys before dinner."
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Josh, Nessa, and Lucas had made the most amazing family, and just when you thought they couldn't get more perfect... she'd gotten pregnant without even trying 5 years ago. You'd tried so hard to be happy for her, but it hurt because what none of your friends knew was you and Jaden had tried for several years to have a second baby and had been told by 2 different doctors that it just wasn't likely to happen. You'd completely given up trying, so when you found out you were pregnant a few days ago it'd sent you into a tailspin of uncertainty.
Josh: *coming down the stairs with a smile* "Hey, baby, ready for me to start the grill?"
Bryce tossed the controller back to Lucas as Harlow laughed: "What was that about kicking my butt again?"
Lucas gave her a high 5 as Bryce got up: "Ok, ok. I'm leaving the gaming to you kids."
Nessa: "Has anyone heard from Jaden?"
Bryce: "Not me. I've barely heard from him the last few months."
Harlow: "I understand why after Aunt Addison let the beans spill that you and Mom used to totally be a thing."
Lucas: "No way!!"
Bryce: *shooting a look of warning towards Addison then the kids* "Ancient history, kids. Let's leave it there."
Addison: "He should be home tonight though, right?"
You nodded your head, nervously as Bryce added: "Good because you need your husband home more than a few weeks throughout the year."
You were so grateful that through everything you'd been through, all the years that have passed, and marriages to other people... that Bryce had remained one of your best friends.
After dinner, everyone piled around the TV to watch Jaden's interview on the Tonight Show. You couldn't help but check your phone constantly and wonder if he'd made it onto the last flight out. The last text you'd gotten had been hours ago and it'd said he was rushing into wardrobe before the interview.
Nessa: "Harlow, your dad's on. Hurry up!"
She and Lucas made their way into the living room, suspiciously quiet but you just assumed they'd been in another one of their famous fights. They'd been in hundreds growing up together all these years but most could be attributed to Harlow inheriting her Dad's temper.
