3D: Hook a Sista Up

While the Pruetts got soaked in Greece, summer in Willow Creek ran away like a puppy with its tail between its legs. The leaves’ color changed from vivid green to warm ombres until they wilted, losing the will to hang on the branches leaving crunchy, brown messes in yards and sidewalks. Brisk breezes made Maya reevaluate her wardrobe. Cooler temperatures were not her jam, but at least she could wear those cute outfits she’d collected.

The swift change of seasons perfectly mimicked her life. Everything and everyone transitioned into something new. Aubrey got married. Jonathan and Skyla got grayer every day and tried to cope with their near-empty nest. Maya prepared to move in with Ranveer, and together, they would buy their first home. Penny was pregnant and due any day! She and Sven moved into their new home while the Pruetts were abroad, and Maya made visiting her top priority.

“Heeeeeey, Mama! Oh, Penny! You’re so beautiful! And, this house! Gosh, everything is so magical right now!”

Penny looked askance. “Hmph. I look like I swallowed a whole whale. You look like a woman who’s been holed up with her man all week. Let me find out you’re pregnant!”

“I can’t with you! Ok, first things first. I don’t think it’s too much to ask to have the child named after me if it’s a girl. First name, middle name, partially inspired by my name … I’m invoking my BFF privilege.”

“Girl! Did you fall in the ocean? Or, did you inhale too much dust from the ancient ruins?”

Maya giggled. “I just can’t believe it! Everything is happening so fast.”

“Too fast! This was not on the agenda yet. Especially not after wasting all that money renovating my apartment.”

Maya hadn’t considered that part. Someone else now enjoyed Penny’s creativity after living barely a season in it. Hopefully she received a modest return on the investment from the sale. “Was it hard to leave?”

“Yeah! That was my first place.” Her eyes fell but instantly recovered. “But, we have a nice family home now, and I like it. Guess I’ll see if Oasis Springs is all you say it’s cracked up to be. Oh! Come outside. I want to show you something.”

Maya laughed as Penny waddled beside her. “Penny, you are all belly! No one can tell you’re pregnant until you turn sideways.”

“Maya, I might be heavily pregnant, but I’ll still punch you in the face.”

“Anywhere but my face!”

Once again, everything in the new house had Penny’s chic signature all over it. Either Sven didn’t care or didn’t get a say.

The deck was perfect. At first glance, it appeared small and cluttered, but after a good look, Maya decided everything had been placed perfectly. “Oh, this is nice, Penny! I love this setup.”

“Look over there,” she said pointing across the pool.

Maya gasped. “My house!” A nice warmth accompanied a smile. “Awww! I haven’t seen it since we left.”

“Really? You don’t go to your dad’s restaurant?”

She rolled her eyes. “I have Viviana’s food every night at home. No need to come out here and pay for it.”

Penny nodded. “Point taken. Maybe you could buy the house and fix it up. We can be neighbors!”

“It’s a nice thought, but no. Sorry. I wanna make new memories not reminisce on old ones. Buuuuuut, speaking of buying a house, you need to hook a sista up!”

Penny’s excited eyes lit up. “You know I got you, but what do you need?”

Maya inserted a pregnant pause for dramatic effect but almost exploded with the news. “Your realtor!”

Penny gasped. “Maya Pruett! You’re getting grown on me!”

“I should thank you for the idea!”

“So, this is it, huh? You and Mister Man are moving in together?”

“We sure are! I’m gonna move in his place while we look. You know…get used to it and stuff.”

Maya recognized the voice leaving her mouth but couldn’t believe the words it said. Only a short while ago, she accepted this was the next logical step in their relationship. Now that the plan was in full swing, Maya’s excitement could not be contained. She desired to be with Ranveer for eternity more than she longed for her first kiss, a nap after work, or anything else in this world.

“Giiiirl! I am so proud of you right now! You’re gonna love Kenya. She took time to get to know us and showed us properties that were so us.”

“Really? I can’t wait to meet her!”

“I’ll text you her number. Now, tell me about the wedding! And Greece! I hate that I wasn’t able to go.”

“OH! Where are my manners! You would have loved it …”