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I’m just not into it. I feel like the world is passing me by and I’m sitting around waiting to get pregnant.”
    â€œAnd taking care of Cady,” Billie reminded her.
    Sherise smiled. “If it wasn’t for her, I would shrivel up and die. But, it’s not just me. Justin seems to have . . . given up. He’s the one who wanted another baby so bad. Things are just off.”
    â€œIf you’re not going to see a marriage counselor,” Billie said, “you need to at least see a fertility specialist. Isn’t that what Justin wants?”
    â€œIt was what he wanted.” Sherise had been scared to death to go see a specialist. If they found out that Justin was shooting blanks, all hell would break loose. “He doesn’t ask about it so much anymore.”
    Billie was about to mention how that wasn’t a good sign, but was distracted by Erica’s laughter. Was this funny to her? She turned to her and noticed that Erica was no longer involved in their conversation. She was texting furiously with a smile on her face.
    â€œWho are you texting?” Sherise asked angrily.
    Erica pressed send before looking up. Both Billie and Sherise had an expectant look on their faces. Well, this was as good a time as any. Erica sighed, trying to relax before the expected onslaught.
    â€œI have something to tell you both,” Erica said, zeroing in on Sherise. “And I don’t want to hear shit from you.”
    â€œYou’ll only hear the truth from us,” Billie said. “Whether you think it’s shit or not is up to you.”
    Sherise gasped. “You’ve got a new boyfriend?”
    â€œWell . . .” Erica started.
    â€œI knew it.” Sherise was getting excited. “That smile on your face. It’s the kind of smile caused by a man.”
    â€œWho is he?” Billie asked, excited.
    â€œDon’t get excited yet,” Erica said. “But Sherise is kind of right. I am seeing someone, but he’s not new.”
    Sherise felt a brick in her stomach as she threw her hands in the air. “Oh, for Christ’s sake!”
    The waiter suddenly returned with Erica’s drink.
    Billie took a second before realizing what she was saying. “Wait . . . what? You’re . . . what? Terrell?”
    Erica nodded nervously as she grabbed the drink and quickly thanked the waiter before taking a sip. She should have ordered something stronger.
    The waiter started, “Can I get you ladies any—”
    â€œAre you out of your fucking mind?” Sherise asked.
    â€œWhat a surprise,” Erica said. “Sherise is judgmental instead of supportive.”
    â€œWait!” Sherise called after the waiter, who had started walking away. “Shots. Bring shots.”
    â€œOf what?” he asked. “How many?”
    â€œJust make them strong and bring three,” she answered.
    â€œI don’t want a shot,” Billie said.
    â€œNeither do I,” Erica added.
    â€œThey’re all for me,” Sherise said. “As fast as you can, please.”
    â€œLet’s just stay calm,” Billie said to Sherise before turning to Erica. “Really, girl? I thought you were done with him?”
    â€œI was never done with him,” Erica said. “I told you guys that I still loved him.”
    â€œBut you promised you would get over him,” Sherise said. “You promised to stay away.”
    â€œThat wasn’t as easy to do as I thought,” Erica said. “Things have changed and he sort of . . . he slowly worked his way back into my heart.”
    Erica was smiling as she spoke, but from the looks on Billie’s and Sherise’s face, she was alone in this. “Okay, listen. I was cautious, too, but he’s really sorry. We spent a long time talking and working through our issues.”
    â€œA long time?” Billie asked. “Why are we just now hearing this?”
    â€œWhy?” Sherise