Avery adjusted her coat as she walked into the bustling café, spotting Janice already sitting at a corner table by the window. The inviting smell of coffee and freshly baked pastries filled the air, and the low hum of chatter created a cozy atmosphere.
Janice waved enthusiastically, her bright yellow scarf practically glowing in the sunlight streaming through the window. “Over here, Mama Bear!” she called out.
Avery grinned and made her way over, her growing baby bump subtly visible beneath her sweater. “Hey, Auntie Extraordinaire,” she replied, sliding into the seat across from her best friend.
“I ordered us some mocktails because you’re banned from caffeine,” Janice said, pushing a frothy, fruit-filled drink toward Avery.
Avery took a sip and sighed. “You know me so well.”
As they perused the menu, Janice leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Okay, we need to talk about baby shopping. Have you started yet? Cribs, car seats, onesies—there’s so much to get!”
Avery laughed, setting her menu down. “Yes, we’ve started, but barely. Ryan and I have been so busy, and honestly, I get overwhelmed looking at all the options. Did you know there are like ten different types of strollers? And don’t even get me started on bottles.”
“Oh, I know,” Janice said with mock seriousness. “There are strollers that can turn into bikes, strollers with built-in cup holders, strollers that probably double as a spaceship.”
“Exactly!” Avery said, throwing her hands up. “I don’t even know where to start.”
Janice patted her hand. “Don’t worry, we’ll go together. I’ll steer you away from the spaceship strollers and toward the cute stuff.”
“Deal,” Avery said, smiling.
When the waiter arrived, they ordered their meals—Avery opting for a hearty chicken Caesar salad, while Janice went for a towering veggie sandwich with a side of sweet potato fries.
“So,” Avery said once their food arrived, “enough about me and my overwhelming baby shopping. What’s going on with you? How’s work?”
Janice groaned dramatically, popping a fry into her mouth. “Exhausting, as usual. The hospital has been so busy lately. Sometimes I feel like I live there.”
“You’re a superhero, you know that?” Avery said sincerely. “I don’t know how you do it.”
Janice shrugged, though a proud smile played on her lips. “It’s crazy, but I love it. The other day, this little boy came in with a broken arm, and he was so scared. I managed to calm him down by showing him how to blow bubbles with the gloves.”
“That’s adorable,” Avery said, laughing. “And so typical of you.”
“Well, someone has to keep the morale up,” Janice replied with a wink.
As their plates emptied, Janice leaned forward conspiratorially. “Alright, spill. Have you and Ryan decided on a name yet?”
Avery shook her head. “Not yet. We have a few frontrunners, though. Ryan loves ‘Elliot,’ and I’m leaning toward ‘Noah.’ But we haven’t committed to anything.”
Janice tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Both are great. But may I suggest something unique? Like… Maverick? Or Orion? Or my personal favorite: Janice Junior.”
Avery snorted. “Janice Junior? Really?”
“Hey, it has a nice ring to it,” Janice said, grinning.
“Ryan would never go for it,” Avery said, still laughing. “But I’ll keep it in mind just to mess with him.”