Hot Mess Summer

by Melissa Foster

“I have to go, too,” Dani says. “Nic, I’ll take a chai tea latte with a side of hot young thing for you.”

“Raising kids is like driving a car with no brakes. It’s a crazy mix of fun and being scared shitless as you careen around unexpected corners, and you can’t stop or put parenting on hold. You’re pretty much holding on for dear life, for the rest of your life.”

As he walks away, Rachel whispers, “Do you think they’re swingers, or just nice?” “I don’t see any pineapples,” Dani says. “Stop being weird. They’re just nice,” I

“You’re cute when you’re riled up. I mean, you’re cute anyway, but riled up is even cuter.”

“Most people are doing what everyone else thinks they should. Get married, have kids, live the fairy tale that’s really more of a nightmare, and pretend you’re happy until you’re on your deathbed, wishing you’d done things differently.”

“I can see how that would cause stress, but the right partner will strive to help you be the best you can be in all aspects of your life and figure out ways to support that.”

If I were writing a guy for myself, he’d be loyal, smart, and laid-back, with some cushion around the middle because he likes to eat, so he can appreciate where I’m coming from. A guy who is kind to everyone and likes to laugh, even during sex, and looks like hell in the morning so he can be down with my frizzy hair and puffy eyes.”

“We should open a single ladies’ service station. Think about it. A guy shows up for a lube job and leaves an hour later. No fuss, no muss, no strings or emotional attachments.” I love how her brain works. “I think that’s called Tinder.” “I was thinking Jiffy Dude,” Maggie says, and we all crack up.

“Keep hanging with me and you’ll hear all sorts of things you’re not used to.”

“Eyes open, darlin’.” When I open them, his eyes are volcanic. “I want to see what my touch does to you.”

“You are my greatest adventure.” “I want to wrap up those words and bundle them with a ribbon so I can revisit them while we’re apart.” He brushes a kiss over my cheek. “You won’t have to, darlin’. That’s what the necklace says.”

“Honey, bringing a child into the world is an adult decision. Children don’t owe us a damn thing.”