Josie sometimes wondered if Henry enjoyed worrying about other people. After all this time, she was certain she'd figured him out, but he could be a mystery when he wanted to be.
Not that she worried all that much about what her husband was thinking. She was busy with kiddies and of course, her own health.
At the moment, all was well, but one never knew about cancer. And that was not the place she wanted to go in her troubles as Christmas was right around the corner.
Of course, she knew she needed to be doing more yet young motherhood definitely made one old fast, but how else could one age?
Here she was sitting with Effy over lunch. It was their first, but Josie said she would do it for Henry's sake. After all, he thought of his library co-worker as a little sister. Of course, she couldn't even think the last time she had lunch with Henry's actual sister Vada, who was so busy these days getting ready to teach English to Spanish speaking children. It seemed everyone was busy but Josie.
"Did you ever get back home?" Josie asked. She knew Henry wanted to know, but wouldn't ask.
She nodded with a shrug. Naturally, she hadn't stayed there long. It was as if she didn't feel safe there. What if her ex came back? Of course, they'd changed the locks. Still Effy said she felt as if someone invaded her space and it was much cozier at Duffy's.
"I mean, it feels like I'm home when I with him and Alvin," She smiled going into detail about the toddler's adventures. "I dunno how he does it." Her smiled went straight lipped. She hated to think of him as a single father.
"But, would you really be ready for something like that?" Josie had never been in that position. She'd know motherhood for quite a long time, even when she wasn't raising a child. Of course, she felt a bit melancholy so suddenly, thinking of her oldest who she might see a couple times a year, but he wasn't hers and he had his own family.
Josie tried to smile, but Effy didn't notice she was digging into the roast beef special they'd gotten at the usual place near the library.
She pressed her lips tight listening to Effy go on and on about Duffy's little son. She loved the way her Mi Mi and always wanted her to read a dinosaur book too him. But was that really the same as raising a child.
"Well, I'll find out." Effy looked at her blankly. "I've moved out of my apartment." Although, the lease wouldn't be up til the end of the month. Her couch was now in Duffy's livingroom. Her trusty instant pot was already making dinners which was right next to Duffy's air fryer.
Josie said they should get together for dinner between the holidays. Effy said she would like that. "I'll talk it over with Duffy." After all, he was friends with Henry. Josie wouldn't have to cook.
Josie smiled. It would be good for her little ones to have more friends. Maybe Josie needed more friends too.
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