Read Online Back In the Game by Holly Chamberlin - Free Book Online Page A

pregnant,” Grace said, “and that’s not always easy. Really, Laura, would it be so horrible if you don’t—if you can’t—have a child of your own? Do you really think your life would be empty and meaningless if you don’t give birth?”
    Laura stared at her discarded napkin. I wondered if she’d considered the actual giving birth part. Laura had always been squeamish. The sight of even a drop of blood sent her swooning.
    â€œI know it’s hard,” Grace went on in a gentle tone, “but try to imagine not getting the one thing you want more than anything—and then try to imagine surviving. Lots of people don’t get what they want. But they survive. And they find creative ways to make their lives feel rich and meaningful.”
    Laura looked away from the napkin. “What do you want more than anything?” she challenged us.
    Jess and Grace were silent.
    â€œI don’t know what I want now,” I admitted. “I know what I wanted when I was a girl. I wanted to meet my Prince Charming, fall madly in love, get married, and live happily ever after. And I got that. My wish was fulfilled. At least, most of it was. At least, I thought it was. Now? I just don’t know.”
    â€œWell,” Laura said, and it was impossible to miss the note of triumph in her voice, “unlike you all, I have a goal. I have a dream and I’m going after it.”
    â€œGood for you, ” Jess murmured.
    Grace leaned forward. “I’ve read about women who have a baby because their relationship with their husband is lacking in emotional depth or on shaky ground. They believe a baby will cement their union somehow, you know, by providing a common topic of concern. They believe a baby will provide the emotional stuff they really need from their husbands.”
    â€œThey’re just being silly,” Laura said self-righteously. “I would never do something so dumb.”
    Add self-delusional to the list of my sister’s flaws.
    â€œLet’s get off the topic of babies,” Jess said. “I’ll be dreaming of diapers and formula all night.”
    â€œExcellent idea,” I said. “Grace, what’s been going on with you since Simon’s banishment?”
    A grin came to Grace’s lips. “I’m seeing someone.”
    â€œNot Simon, I hope!”
    â€œNo, Laura, of course not! Not anymore. I am completely over him.”
    â€œSo?” Jess said. “Tell us about him.”
    â€œWell, his name is Alfonse and he was born in Germany and he’s a graphic designer.”
    â€œIs he divorced?” I asked. “Does he have children? How long has he been in the U.S.? Is he a citizen?”
    â€œNo, no, a while, yes.” Grace grimaced and hunched her shoulders, as if bracing herself against a blow. “Here’s the thing. He’s only twenty-one years old.”
    Laura clapped. “Cradle robber! I didn’t know you had it in you, Grace.”
    Neither did I.
    â€œWell, this is a little weird,” I said, “considering I have an eighteen-year-old son and the thought of him with a woman in her thirties is a tad disturbing. But I’ll get over the weirdness. I always do.”
    â€œThe sex is fantastic,” Grace blurted. “Sorry, Nell.”
    â€œNo, no, go right ahead. I’m already adjusting. Just because I haven’t had sex in over a decade doesn’t mean that you have to be celibate.”
    That dampened the mood for about a second.
    Grace sighed. “It’s just that I’m having so much fun. I feel kind of ashamed, kind of dirty, but—there it is!”
    â€œHow Sex and the City of you,” Jess said. “How Samantha Jones.”
    â€œAm I a cliché?” Grace asked worriedly.
    â€œWho cares if you are? I suppose I was a cliché by having an affair with Seth. He’s only twenty-five.”
    â€œSo,” I said,