"Pinky swear, Nica?"
"Pinky swear. Now spill already."
"Well, you better grab some of that popcorn over there," I say, nodding toward the bowl on the table. Of course, she does exactly as I suggest, already munching away.
"Okay, okay. Move on."
"Fine. So, Ethan called me on Tuesday…"
"And?" she interrupts impatiently.
"Nica, I swear, if you interrupt me again, I'll just shut up and try to watch this TV series you've already spoiled for me."
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry. Go on," she says, holding up her hands defensively.
"Good. So, I didn't believe it was him at first. I mean, why would I? But then I double-checked to be sure, and yep, it was Ethan. I asked what he wanted, and he starts spinning this gibberish story."
"What story?"
"His girlfriend, Lily, is in the hospital, and his baby's life is apparently in jeopardy because of some fibroid issue…"