60 pages • 2 hours read
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In her OB/GYN’s waiting room, Porter runs into an old friend from high school, Rachel. Rachel is 21 weeks pregnant, just a week ahead of Porter. Rachel reveals that she’s divorced, then bursts into tears. Porter comforts her and after their appointments, they catch up. Rachel is now an English teacher at the junior high. She and Josh tried for a long time to have a baby and recently split up since Rachel found texts between Josh and another woman. Porter tells Rachel about her decision to use a sperm bank. Rachel tells Porter that she ran into Porter’s high school boyfriend Jeremy, who is still attractive, but married with kids.
Astrid hosts Cecelia, Porter, Elliot and Wendy, their twins, and Birdie for lunch. Astrid is determined to tell them all about Birdie, whom she’s been in a secret relationship with for years. Before Barbara’s death, Astrid didn’t care if her kids knew or not, but now it matters to her that they do. When Astrid tells her kids about Birdie, Porter is thrilled for her, but Elliot is upset, accusing his mother of lying to him. When Cecelia finds out, she says “NFG,” teen-speak for “no fucks given.” Astrid is happy that her and Birdie’s relationship is out in the open, even if Elliot isn’t taking the news well.