"I talk to Julie on the phone every week, but you know how she is." The sandy-haired man nodded and laughed. "You ask how she is and she says, 'fine,' even if she's dying." "That's it," Elinor agreed. "And I know this pregnancy hasn't been easy for her." "The doctor says she's okay now." Brad's face looked relieved as he picked up the menu. "She just needs to rest and avoid stress." The restaurant was filled to capacity with a boisterous Friday-night crowd. Across the room, the band played a mix of zydeco and country music, all projected at high decibels. Having made her selection from the menu, Elinor watched the ever-moving mass of people on the dance floor. She was grateful Brad had asked for a table away from the band. That way they had a chance at being able to carry on a conversation. And she definitely wanted to hear all the news. Julie had been her best friend since college, and never had their long-distance friendship been more frustrating than now when Julie faced her first pregnancy.
