“Yeah? That must feel so…exciting,” Renee had said, trying to force a smile into her voice. “I guess California is the perfect place for the next Nora Ephron.”

“Uh-huh. Sure, Mom.” Tansy had sounded strangely self-conscious at the comment.

“What?” The two of them had swooned over Nora Ephron films for years, gushing over favorites like When Harry Met Sally. Tansy was an aspiring screenwriter, and they loved to dream she would be the next queen of romantic comedies.

Tansy sighed. “I’ve gotta run to class. Chat tomorrow?”

Except they never did. Not the next day, or the day after that. It was left to Renee to reach out and more often than not, her calls were sent to voicemail. Texting had become Tansy’s preferred method of communication and Renee was eternally trying to decipher the subtext of animated gifs.

Sadie stumbled out of the bathroom and Lincoln ran toward her, nestling his head against her thighs as if he couldn’t get close enough.

“Here you go.” Renee handed her the glass. “Sip this. It should help.”

“Thanks.” Sadie’s eyes didn’t match her smile. “Sorry about that whole production. I probably undercooked dinner. Or maybe I’m coming down with some spring flu…?”

She stared at Renee for some sort of answer, like she was the designated adult in the room.

“Also I’ve been having these crappy headaches. And mood swings. Crazy mood swings. And on top of that? I’m so wiped out all the time. Like I could pass out by two in the afternoon. Is that normal? You know, for life with a toddler? I mean I sound like I’m falling apart, don’t I?”

There was no polite way to ask the obvious question, so Renee blazed ahead.

“Is there any chance you could be pregnant?”

The frazzled young mom shook her head with such force that she risked giving herself whiplash.

“Oh, God, no. Not a chance.” She tried to laugh, though what came out sounded like a gasp or sob. “That’s impossible.”

“Okay.” Renee nodded, understanding this was not a path she wished to travel down. “I’m sure it’s just a little virus then.”

“Well if it isn’t Lincoln Landry!” Renee’s boss, Dr. Dan Hanlon, called, entering the waiting room, ending the awkward moment. He held up one of his big hands and Lincoln high-fived it with gusto. “Whoa there. You’ve gotten stronger since I last saw you! What’s your favorite green vegetable?”

Lincoln clapped a hand over his mouth and giggled. “Broccoli.”

“Sorry we’re so late,” Sadie apologized, her cheeks splotchy. “I don’t want to mess up your schedule, and completely understand if you don’t have time to—”

“It’s no worry at all. Life with a toddler is the definition of ‘unpredictable.’” Dr. Dan smiled kindly. “Why don’t you and Lincoln head back to room three?”

Sadie nodded gratefully, tucking a stray lock of brown hair behind her ear before marching off. Dr. Dan’s arm grazed Renee’s as he walked by, shooting her a conspiratorial “what can you do” shrug before following the pair down the hall.