158 Alongside the frame

Still, talking with Claire helps Monica get to the office, even if she was a little late. But everything feels dreary,

especially with Nora being a happy, bouncy ball of pregnancy hormones.N“Oh, thank you!” she says gleefully when she hands her the decaf coffee. “I know it’s just a mental thing, but I miss these so much when they’re not part of my morning! And don’t tell Clay, but wherever he was going, or whatever he was ordering, was nothing compared to this.” Clasping her cup in both

hands, Nora looks at it affectionately. “Glad I could do something right.”

“You do lots of things right. That’s why I’m so glad to have you back. Wish it were under better circumstances, but you can’t say I didn’t warn you.” They talked over the weekend so she would know to expect her back at the office, and she spilled her guts to her more fully than Monica did with Claire. Nora knows everything. “You did. I’m sorry I didn’t listen,” Monica admits. “I’m not. It sucks, I know it does, but what’s that