Page 186 of Be My First

Everyone falls silent.

“I’m not pregnant,” I say.

Eli laughs loudly. “Is that your whole announcement?”

“No, I just know you were all thinking it.”

Brooklyn nods. “I was. It was exactly what I was thinking.”

Zadie laughs. “Me too.”

“No, I’m not pregnant. I have news about work.” I take a deep breath. “I’m not returning toJuno’s Kitchennext season.”

Elizabeth frowns. “Why not? You love it. It’s super popular.”

“I know. I’m not leaving it forever, but I’ve negotiated another opportunity.”

Bode squeezes my hand again and smiles at me.

“What is it?” Eli asks.

“A food and travel show. Bode is going with me. We’ll be traveling for two months.”

“Wow, that’s amazing,” Maggie says.

I look at Bode. “We’re super excited. It may be a single season thing, or we may do it again. Once I get back, we’ll start to talk about the next season ofJuno’s Kitchen.”

James smiles at me. “That’s amazing.”

“When do you leave?” Elizabeth asks.

“After Christmas. Don’t worry. We’ll be at the cabin.”

“Good. Because I would kick your ass if you missed it,” Zadie says.

“Oh, I know,” I laugh.