The Rebound Game

Thirty Two

On Saturday, Ezra asks me out for lunch but I decline claiming to be coming down with a cold. I opt to see Shirley even if it means painfully enduring Jess' boring company for a few hours.

I can't trust myself around him. Not when I am falling for him hard that it borders on obsession.

Jess is excited to see me, or pretends to be. We exchange air kisses and can't help but note that she seems to have put on a little weight and there is a different air about her.

Katie boo, it's been a minute. I was just telling Shirley that we need to catch up, just the three of us. I missed you." I smile back politely. I have not seen her in weeks and Shirley has been covering for me. I suppose Jess finally realized we were drifting and stopped pestering me to go out with them.

"You look good Jess. Really," I cant help saying. It's true, she looks happy and contented.

This is a refreshing change as I have become used to the Jess who would usually make you uncomfortable in every way possible by not very subtly pointing out how inadequate you are. With her, everything has always been about competition. From careers to clothes.

"Thank you. It's because I come bearing good news," Jess says and winks at me. She rubs her belly and I exchange glances briefly with Shirley.

"You are pregnant? Oh my God!" We both squeal in excitement and crush her in a hug.

"Yes my lovelies. Your girl is two months pregnant. I took another test this morning, just to be sure," she replies and we double over with laughter. "Guys, you know you can't really be sure till it starts showing."

"Oh really, wouldn't missing your period be the first give away? And the morning sickness? The cravings?" Shirley snorts and we laugh some more. Jess sticks out her tongue, not thrilled we are laughing on her account.

"More importantly, you look pregnant. You are glowing Jess. Besides, out of the three of us you are the only one with a regular cycle," I supply.

If you say so," she says still rubbing her belly absent mindedly. I had no idea she wanted a baby so bad.

Perhaps behind the show she puts up for us is someone who wants the same simple things in life like the rest of us. Happiness, a love that lasts for a lifetime and children of her own to carry on the family name. Perhaps I judged her a bit too harshly and she underestimated me because we have always been opposites.

"We know so," I say encouragingly. The rest of the afternoon moves swiftly as we catch up on our latest episodes. I am careful to be as nonchalant as possible about Ezra as I don't need pity from my friends when they realize I am having relationship drama again.

When Jess leaves and it's just the two of us, Shirley mutes the TV and says she has something important to tell me.

"I am only telling you this because you are my best friend and I wouldn't bear for you to get hurt. I did not say anything before because I kind of figured you wouldn't want Jessica's pity. I have endured those countless times so I know how it feels," she begins.

I place my phone on the table and look up. I have a faint idea of whats coming but I sit still with sweaty palms on my laps.

"Okay. Whats it? Not that anything would surprise me anymore these days. "

"It's Ezra. Brace yourself for what I am about to say next". Shirley bites her bottom lip and the expression on her face shows she is sorry to have to tell me herself.

"What about him?" I ask, not sure if I want her to go on. I knew it, he has a girlfriend and they live together. What kind of guy has an apartment furnished like that? With such feminine taste? Why didn't I take the chance to snoop when he was in the shower? And he cheated on her with me?