Chapter 18

"You and me both," Kat agreed, putting a hand on Rita’s knee as they rode together in the third row. "It’s kind of cruel to go through six months of total sleep deprivation this way!"

We laughed. At home, Jess arranged a variety of fresh flowers into vases around the house. We played with the kids. Rita pumped her last breast milk to get her to the six-month mark, and we drank wine with lunch. Kat and I prepped a bevy of vegetables during the afternoon, and we relaxed, letting the anticipation build. As the late afternoon sun crept over the house, we adjourned to the terrace while the kids took their final nap.

"I have to admit it," Rita said, "I missed getting high so much."

Jess had brought out the bong, and offered it to Rita, who lit it and greedily sucked up a huge hit. She passed it to Jess, then stood up and sat on my lap, blowing the smoke into my mouth, which I happily accepted.

"I’m so fucking horny,"