Episode 682: Girls Night Out

"Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you." Ava collected the pregnancy test box from the floor and handed it to Justine.

"Thanks," Justine said, and though she knew it might not reflect well on her in some people’s opinions, she added, "I’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell anyone about this test. I’m just… I’m not…" She wanted to know but she wasn’t ready to deal with it.

Avalon nodded. "I’m supposed to be in the stationary aisle, but actually I’ve walked down every aisle except that one. Could you not tell anyone either? I’m supposed to buy wedding invitations. I don’t know… I just… It’s not that I don’t want to marry your brother. I love him."

"It’s not that I don’t want another baby."

"It’s just a big change," both women said simultaneously.

"The last time I had a baby," Justine said in a low voice, "I was in this… slump; and it got worse, it took awhile to find my way out of it, to find balance in my life."

"The last time I prepared for a wedding," Ava said, equally low, "the groom ducked out on me."

"Sebastian would never duck out on you. I’ve never seen my brother want anything more than he wants you, it’s pretty much been his single-minded focus since the very first time he laid eyes on you."

Ava smiled her gratitude, it was clearly an encouraging sentiment she needed to hear in that moment and Justine was glad to deliver it. She thought Ava had been as good for her little brother as Quentin had been for her.

"If you are pregnant, Justine, you know, you aren’t alone. The bookstore isn’t hugely busy; anytime you need a hand with Tansy or the baby, just call us. It’s not just you and Quentin in this, we’re family."

"Thanks." Justine smiled in return, her smile was a touch wobbly, but still, a smile. "Quent’s family kind of thinks it would all be on me. My parents pretty much weren’t around for us growing up except to control us. It’s nice to think there’s another family option out there, that maybe it could be different."

Episode 683: Be A Boy