The Book of Jane Read Online Free PDF

say, trying to stifle a laugh. Raquel glares at me. “I mean, not too cool.” Haven’s face falls. “I mean, um…” I look at Raquel.
    â€œAre we ready to eat?” Jack asks, coming into the room, and Raquel just shakes her head and collapses into her chair.
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    â€œAre you okay?” I ask. Raquel is loading the last of the dishes into her dishwasher while Jack gets the girls ready for bed. “You look very pale all of a sudden.”
    â€œI’m fine,” she says, smiling weakly as she straightens up. “I’m just tired.”
    â€œI know what will help,” I say, pulling down the box of cannoli I picked up at Veniero’s from on top of the refrigerator. “You want some coffee to go along with these?”
    â€œNo coffee for me,” she says. “I think I’ll just sit down for a bit.” She walks to a chair by the table.
    â€œRaquel, I’ve known you since we both ate boogers. Tell me what’s going on,” I say, pulling out a chair next to her.
    â€œThis can’t be happening,” she moans.
    â€œYou’re freaking me out, Raquel,” I say, leaning in to her. “What’s up?”
    â€œI’m pregnant.” She looks at me blankly.
    â€œYou’re what!? That’s so great,” I say, clapping.
    â€œShhh…” She hushes me. “I haven’t told Jack yet.”
    I cock my head at her. “Why?”
    â€œYou couldn’t tell?” she asks, turning to show me her profile. I had noticed that she’d put on some weight lately, but I had attributed it to her passionate embrace of snack cakes. Having young kids around the house isn’t easy.
    â€œNo way,” I say. The truth is not what a pregnant woman wants to hear. “Why haven’t you told Jack?”
    â€œI’m in a little denial, I think.” She rubs her stomach, which is definitely a bit domed. “My cycle has been somewhat irregular for years, so it took me a while to realize it. I’m three months already, and I just got up the courage to tell you.”
    â€œBut this is great news.” I lean in to give her a hug. “You should tell him.”
    She purses her lips and slowly exhales. “It’s not the best timing,” she says, shaking her head. “Things are really hard for Jack at work right now, and there have been rumors of downsizing, and with Olivia’s medical bills, he’s just worried sick about it. And look at this place,” she says, gesturing around at the laundry pile on a chair in the corner and the toys scattered across the floor. “Do I look like I can handle another child right now?” A tear leaks out of her eye, and she wipes it away.
    â€œOh Raquel,” I say, leaning in to give her another hug. “I’m sorry.” And then, because I can’t think of what else to say, I add, “God will take care of this too.”
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    â€œHoney , do you want some more lemonade?” Mom asks as she walks by.
    â€œNo thanks, Mom,” I say, looking down at my glass, still half full. I stretch my legs out on the patio, enjoying the sunshine. I love Saturdays in Westchester. All my friends are back in the city dodging cabs and pooling sweat on the grimy streets, and I’m lazing on a lounge chair under towering sycamores about to enjoy my dad’s famous burgers.
    â€œTy?” she smiles at him, lifting her chin and winking. “One for you?”
    â€œNo thanks, Mrs. Williams,” he says, flashing her a sweet smile.
    â€œTyson? What have I told you about that?” She turns to him and puts her hand on her hip.
    â€œOh, sorry. No thanks,
Elizabeth
.” He grins at her again.
    â€œThat’s better.” My mom blushes. I make puking noises in my head. She’s so funny. She has a complete crush on Tyson. In fact both my parents do, but I guess I’m thankful. After all those years of bringing home