Playing With the Hand I Was Dealt by Nikki Jenkins

Author:Nikki Jenkins
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Strebor Books
Published: 2007-07-15T00:00:00+00:00

“What about Phil?” Natalie asked hesitantly, envisioning her idea of the perfect “sperm donor” for Leslie. She knew he was a sore issue with her.

“Look, Natalie, Phil and I are not compatible.”

Anderson dropped in the conversation. “And like you’ve been compatible with any of the other two hundred men you’ve been with.”

“You know what…?” Leslie started.

“What?” he retorted.

The waitress showed up at the table in the nick of time. “Are you ready to order now?” she asked, pen and pad in hand.

“I’ll have the meatloaf,” Anderson ordered.

“That sounds good,” Natalie chimed in. “Me, too.”

“I’ll have a salad,” Leslie said. “Ranch dressing on the side.”

“Very good,” Mandy said. She jotted down the orders, smiled, and walked away.

“I’m about sick of you, Anderson!” Leslie said, returning to the subject at hand. “I’d appreciate it if you and your wife stopped talking about Phil Hatcher. He’s not interested in being my husband or the father of my children, and, quite frankly, I’m not sure I want him to be.”

“Whatever!” Anderson threw in the towel.

Leslie finished the rest of her martini and waived for the waitress to bring her another one. The waitress returned to the table with a second round of drinks.

“If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be back.” Natalie took a sip of her lemonade and pushed herself back from the table. She left Anderson and Leslie sitting there in silence. She hoped in her absence they wouldn’t kill each other or destroy the restaurant.

Making her way to the ladies room, Natalie thought about Leslie. If her best friend was insistent on having the procedure she spoke of, who was she to tell her not to?

She entered the bathroom and waited in line for an empty stall. Once she had completed her business, she stood at the sink washing her hands. Natalie glanced in the mirror. She recognized a face that seemed so familiar, but she couldn’t place it. The woman smiled and exited the room, leaving Natalie alone with her thoughts.

Returning to the table, the restaurant had cleared some. Andre flew by Natalie, his animated words following him as he berated a young male who was clearing tables. She looked around the room. Kimberly had come a long way, beginning her career as a restaurateur at a much smaller and less attractive site. Taking advantage of her friendship with Kimberly, Natalie used the space often for numerous events. It just so happened to have been the site for the small party she had with her bridesmaids before her wedding.

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