Three Months Later

The afternoon sun poured into the restaurant, casting a golden glow over the cozy booth where Evelyn, Rayna, and Maya sat. They had grown even closer since the wedding. With the help of Derek's parents, Maya had gotten into a prestigious university in Ludus, where she was studying psychology. Every Friday afternoon, the three friends met for lunch, a welcome break from their busy schedules.

Evelyn adjusted the waistband of her maternity jeans, her blouse flowing loosely over her slightly rounded belly. She smiled, patting her belly as she felt the baby move. Across from her, Rayna and Maya exchanged a look, noticing how well Evelyn was eating—a significant change from previous lunches. They also noted her radiant smile.

Their meals forgotten, Rayna leaned forward, her eyes sparkling. "So, mama-to-be," she said with a teasing grin, "how's this week going? You're glowing!"

"Yeah, I noticed that too. Are you feeling better?" Maya asked before Evelyn could answer.

Evelyn's smile widened. "Oh, I feel so much better!" she exclaimed with relief. "The first and early second trimester were a nightmare. I couldn't keep anything down. Poor Derek had to endure me crying over toast—at least twice! But over the past two days, it's like a switch flipped. I have energy again, and food no longer feels like my enemy."

Rayna laughed. "Crying over toast? I need that story."

Evelyn rolled her eyes, chuckling. "Earlier this week, I woke up starving but could stomach nothing. Derek made me toast, and I bawled because it smelled 'too crispy.' He just stood there, holding the plate, looking so confused—and probably scared to breathe wrong."

"Too crispy?" Maya asked, laughing.

"Don't even ask," Evelyn said, and Rayna snorted, covering her mouth.

"Poor Derek. He's a trooper," Rayna said, shaking her head.

"Oh, he is," Evelyn agreed softly. "He's been amazing. I don't know what I'd do without him."

"You did well on your own with Sam," Maya pointed out logically, and they laughed.

"And now I can't imagine doing it without Derek," Evelyn admitted. "Besides, I never said I did well the first time. It was terrible."

Rayna squeezed Evelyn's hand. "That's in the past. What matters is that you're glowing, Evie. Pregnancy suits you."

"Thanks, Ray," Evelyn said, her cheeks tinged with color. She took a sip of water and turned to Maya. "How's college treating you?"

Maya groaned dramatically, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "It'sinteresting. I love the classes, but some of these kids make me feel ancient. They're 18 and acting like they've conquered the world."

Rayna laughed. "Ancient? You're 29."

"Still ancient to them," Maya smirked. "Some even flirt with me"

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "Flirting? From teenagers?"

"Oh, yeah. Gen Z audacity is unbelievable," Maya said, rolling her eyes. "My petite stature makes them think I'm a teenager. Then, when they find out I'm older, I'm 'ancient.' One kid tried to explain email to me! And the flirtingone told me he prefers older women like me. I didn't know whether to laugh or call his mother."

Evelyn and Rayna burst into laughter. "Tell me you said something savage," Rayna said, nearly spilling her drink.

"I told him I liked older men and walked away," Maya said with a shrug.

"You're too good for them," Rayna said.

"Trust me, you don't want to know. They're from a different planet. No filters, and their disregard for punctuality is appalling," Maya said, making Evelyn and Rayna laugh.

"That's a generalization," Rayna corrected. "I have some working for me who are pretty decent. It's just the bad eggs giving Gen Z a bad name."

"I don't even understand these generational labels," Evelyn said, a sly smile appearing. "How's Liam?"

Maya's cheeks turned pink. "Better than expected. We're still figuring things out. We have a date tonight—dinner and a movie. And I'm sleeping over at his place for the first time." Evelyn and Rayna exchanged knowing smiles.

"What about you and Ethan?" Evelyn asked Rayna. Rayna sighed, her playful smile fading.

"Frustrating," she said, shaking her head.

"Why?" Evelyn and Maya asked simultaneously.

"We've been engaged for three months, I moved back to my place over two months ago, and Ethan hasn't mentioned the wedding. I miss his place. I miss him."

Evelyn hid a grin. "But you see each other often?"

"It's not the same as living together," Rayna complained. "I hate leaving after weekends. I wish he'd ask me to stay longer, but he's always so cool about it." Maya and Evelyn laughed.

"You said things were moving too fast, and you didn't want to give up your place," Evelyn reminded her.

Rayna groaned. "I know! But now it's too slow, and I just want to get married."

"Women," Maya murmured, shaking her head.

Evelyn chuckled. "Give him a little hint. Nudge him in the right direction."

Rayna frowned. "What kind of hint? Take him wedding dress shopping?"

Maya spoke up. "Forget hints. Tell him you're ready now. Like an adult."

"It's that simple," Evelyn agreed.

Rayna pouted. "That's embarrassing."

Evelyn patted her hand. "I know you, Ray. When you're ready, you'll do the right thing."