“I had Simon serve Brian the divorce papers,” Jessica said, taking a bite of her taco.

Gabri looked pissed, sucking in air after getting hit with the spicy sauce, and snapped, “That scumbag Brian still thinks he can stall the divorce? You should’ve sued that cheating jerk ages ago.”

Right after saying it, she nced at Jessica, worried she’d gone too far.

They were best friends, and over the years, Gabri had seen enough of what Jessica had been through with Brian to know the whole picture.

Jessica smiled, letting her know she was fine. After all the times Brian had taken Madeline’s side, Jessica was utterly disappointed in him.

Gabri didn’t want Jessica to waste another tear on Brian, so she quickly changed the subject to work. “Sweetie, you’ve been out of the illustration world too long. If you want people to pay attention again, you’ve gotta make a ssh.”

Jessica nodded in agreement. She’d been out of the game too long–it was time to make a boldeback and let the whole industry know she was back.

“Then how about we put on a show?” Gabri suggested. “How about we each do half the designs and set the date for fifteen days from now?”

Jessica was still thinking about whether they’d have enough time when her phone suddenly rang next to her. She nced at the caller ID and realized it was Jacob calling.

She hit decline without thinking. “The design concept-”

The ringtone cut her off again. It was Jacob calling back, just as persistent.

Jessica didn’t hesitate. She declined the call again. She was about to continue discussing the design concept with Gabri when another call came through–this time it was Sylvie.

Since Sylvie was the housekeeper she’d hired herself, Jessica hesitated, then picked up.

“Hey, Mom, what’s that supposed to mean? Why didn’t you answer when I called? Why did you pick up when I used Sylvie’s phone to call you?” Jacob’s irritated voice shot through the line the moment it connected.

“What is it?” Jessica’s lips pressed into a straight line. She had already prepared herself to cut ties with Brian and Jacob.

But Jacob was still the child she carried for nine months. She couldn’t bepletely numb to him.

Jacob demanded, “Why haven’t youe back yet? Who are you with out there? I got hurt and you didn’t even check on me. Are or not?”

you still

my mom

Even through the phone, Jessica could picture Jacob frowning as heined about her, his wide eyes full of grievance and me.

She took a deep breath. “If there’s nothing else, I’m hanging up.”

“Don’t hang up, Jacob whined. “Dad’s workingte and I’m scared of being alone. Can’t you juste back?”

“No,” Jessica said, rejecting him icily. Then she added, “And your dad isn’t workingte. He’s with Madeline. If you’re scared, ask them toe keep youpany.”

She figured Madeline would be more than willing.

Jacob argued, “That’s not true. I bet Maddie’s workingte itoo/i. She and Dad are both really busy, not like you, Mom. You’re just a housewife. You don’t even have to work.”

On the other end of the line, Jacob didn’t believe a word Jessica said. He questioned, “Mom, are you just jealous of Maddie? Are you trying to mess things up between me and her?”

He thought, ‘I don’t believe Maddie has time and just doesn’t want toe y with me. She loves me the most.

“Oh yeah? Then I hope you two stick together forever. I can’t wait for you to start calling her Mom,” bJessica /breplied, then hung up right after.

She couldn’t deny that Jacob’s words had hit her hard. After ending the call, bJessica /bfroze for a while before she could shake it off.

Gabri had heard everything Jacob said on the phone. She watched Jessica for a momentb, /bmaking sure she was okay before finally saying with aplicated look on her face, “Jessi, your kid’s a lost causeb./bb” /b

Hearing that, Jessica gave a faint smile. “That’s why I’ve got another one on the way.”

The two of them looked at each other andughed.

NA