Free Risking It All by Jennifer Schmidt Page B

grinned, watching her friend maneuver around her huge belly.
    “Hey!” Vanessa puffed a little from the short walk to the vehicle.
    “Hey, yourself.” Kennedy reached over and rubbed her very round tummy. “And hello to you as well in there, little one.” She felt a soft thump against her hand and laughed. “Oh my God, I love when she does that.”
    “Still convinced it’s a girl, huh?” Vanessa smiled.
    “I hate calling her ‘it’. So unless you wanna share what gender you’re growing, she will be a she.”
    She laughed.
    “I don’t even know what gender I’m growing! I call baby ‘Peanut’ to keep from the ‘it’ name calling as well.”
    “Okay. Well, I still think Peanut is a girl.” Kennedy winked and eased the car away from the curb.
    “So what are we shopping for?” Vanessa asked, shifting in her seat to get more comfortable.
    “Didn’t I tell you last night?”
    “No. You asked if I wanted to go shopping and I cut you off before you could explain why because I’m desperate for human interaction.” A grim frown shadowed Vanessa’s face. “I’m sorry we missed your show.”
    “It’s okay.” Kennedy gave her a reassuring smile. “At least you had an excuse.”
    “Uh-oh. What does that mean?” Kennedy remained silent. “Did your parents not show up?”
    “Oh, no, my parents were there, disapproving as ever, of course. Although my mom was surprisingly supportive in her own way.”
    “So? Obviously Memphis was there. He wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Vanessa’s frowned deepened. “Brooks was a no-show.” She hit the nail on the head.
    “Yep.”
    “Oh, honey, I’m sorry.” She reached over and squeezed her hand. “Why?”
    “He has his excuses, but honestly, I think he just forgot. I’m pissed, Vanessa, so pissed I don’t even know what I’m going to say when I see him.”
    “You haven’t talked to him yet?” Surprise raised her voice.
    “He called; I ignored him. When I did call back last night, I left a message, which he still hasn’t returned.”
    “I’d be pissed, too.”
    Kennedy changed lanes and her grip on the wheel tightened as the anger returned.
    “I don’t know why I’m surprised, really. We had a conversation about it just a few nights ago and he promised to come, but even then . . .”
    Vanessa finished her thought for her. “You had your doubts.”
    “Yeah.”
    “I think it’s time you made the man step up,” Vanessa said, rubbing her stomach.
    “How am I supposed to do that?” Irritation raised in her voice. “What am I supposed to do? Hog-tie him and drag him along? I can’t force him to be there for me, Vanessa.”
    “It’s not about forcing him, Kennedy. That’s not what I meant. You let him get away with so much and forgive him every time he pulls this shit and disappoints you. The guy needs to know that enough is enough. If he isn’t going to be a part of this relationship, other than when it’s convenient for him, that someone else will be more than willing to take his place.”
    Kennedy snorted.
    “You think trying to make him jealous will work?”
    Vanessa tapped her fingers against her stomach and stared at her.
    “It’s not about jealousy, either. It’s the truth, Kennedy, and he needs to realize that. Why would you stay in a relationship with someone who only half-ass gives a shit when there’s someone out there who will give you everything you need?”
    Kennedy bit her lip as she stared out at the traffic in front of her. Finally she glanced at Vanessa and nodded.
    “I know you’re right. I know Memphis is right. Everyone is right when it comes to how screwed up this is. But it’s not as easy to just change things as you all make it seem.”
    Vanessa stayed quiet, leaving her alone with her own thoughts for a few minutes before the silence got to her. “So, what are we shopping for?”
    “Winter gear,” Kennedy replied, pulling into the shopping mall’s parking lot.
    Vanessa made a face.
    “As in