Make Believe (Book #2, PRETEND SERIES)

Chapter 6: Eight Days Earlier

APRIL’S POINT OF VIEW

 

“I don’t like her!”

“Crystal, you don’t even know her,” I replied.

“It doesn’t matter. I’m a woman, and I know how women work. She likes Aiden, and you need to wake up out of wonderland and get with it.”

“You’re being ridiculous. It was her first day and she forgot her keys. What was she supposed to do?” I asked as I took a sip of my white wine spritzer.

“She should have just crashed at her friends or something, not call her boss in the middle of the evening to come rescue her.” she huffed.

“OK, it’s not often that I agree with her, but she has a point,” Jess added as she rocked Ella-May.

“Oh come on Jess, not you as well.”

“I’m just saying it is highly possible that she likes him. It’s not a big issue now; just keep an eye on her,” Jess replied.

“What am I supposed to do? Do you want me to follow him around at work?” I asked, sarcastically. “I trust Aiden, OK?”

“Look, I know my brother, and I trust him too. It’s Lena I have an issue with,” Crystal muttered.

“Leah,” I corrected as Jess giggled.

“Whatever.”

“Anyway, onto happier topics. How did the dress shopping go?”Jess asked.

“It didn’t. I couldn’t find anything I liked, and besides, I still think it’s way too early to go shopping for dresses. Aiden proposed two days ago. We haven’t even set a date yet.”

“And?” They both sang in unison.

“I don’t know. I have run out of ‘ands!’”

“Look, I remember when my cousin, Jane, got married, and she had to settle for some ugly looking dress because she didn’t leave enough time to find the perfect dress. I’m just saving you from the same fate,” Jess said, amused.

“She has a point,” Crystal added.

“Well, I’m back at work tomorrow, so unfortunately I won’t have time,” I stated.

“Don’t remind me,” Crystal mumbled.

“I would like to rub in the fact that I don’t, but changing nappies, breast feeding, giving baths, and changing clothes have become my new nine to five.”

“Yeah, but it’s worth it because she is beautiful,” Crystal whispered as she leaned over Jess to stare at Ella-May.

“True,” I agreed.

“Me and Ant were trying to find a nickname for her, other than ‘the destroyer of sleep,’” she chuckled.

“I don’t even need to ask you who came up with that.” I saidgiving her a look of disbelief at Anthony’s nickname. “We could just call her Ella, but that’s too obvious.”

“That’s what I said to Ant. She needs something more original,” Jess replied.

“Why does she even need a nickname? Why can’t you people just use the one on her birth certificate?” Crystal said.

“See, Crystal this is why I rarely ask you for advice,” Jess replied.

“Oh, blah, blah. Why don’t you just call her Em, E for Ella and M for May...Em?” she asked impatiently.