Love Is a Battlefield by Annalisa Daughety

“You said yourself that you weren’t all that upset when you thought Robert stood you up. You were relieved, which meant you didn’t want to go anyway, right?”
    â€œYeah.” Kristy nodded, even though she knew Ainsley couldn’t see her.
    â€œSo you didn’t care until you realized Robert knew you would have gone out with him had he actually asked. So it’s pretty simple to me.” Ainsley was really getting into her psychologist role now.
    â€œWhat’s that?” Kristy spooned another scoop of dark chocolate ice cream into her mouth and savored the smooth, rich taste.
    â€œPride. Your pride is hurt. Again. You don’t want to be vulnerable. And you are.”
    Kristy sighed. “Maybe. Or maybe I was right in the first place and need to be on my own for a little while.”
    â€œI think you need to talk to Mark. Get some closure. Didn’t you say he called?”
    â€œHe called last Monday but didn’t leave a message. He always hated leaving messages.” number sixteen on the list of reasons they weren’t right for each other.
    â€œWell, answer the phone the next time he calls. Or even better, call him yourself. You know he must be open to talking to you, or he never would’ve called you in the first place. And I don’t think you’re going to be able to move on until you’ve talked to him.”
    â€œI don’t know. I think that might open up a can of worms.”
    â€œOr it might be exactly what you need in order to get over it.” she paused. “I think it might be worth a try.” At least Ainsley didn’t pretend to have all the answers.
    Kristy decided a subject change was in order. These past few weeks, it seemed like all their conversations had been about her. “How’s everything with you? Any fun news?”
    â€œActually...” Ainsley trailed off and took a deep breath. “Brad and I have decided we’re ready to be parents.” Her excitement flashed through the phone line and immediately made Kristy feel better. “We’ve been married now for four years. I think we’re finally in a place where we can handle a baby.”
    â€œWow. That’s great. You’ll be great parents.” Of all the couples she knew, Brad and Ainsley were the one she’d always thought would be the best parents.
    â€œWe’re so excited. Ever since my nephew came to spend a week with us last year, Brad’s been talking about how much he wants to be a dad. It’s adorable.”
    â€œWell, keep me posted.”
    â€œOf course. You and Vickie are the only ones who know. If I tell my family, every time they see or talk to me, they’ll ask if I’m expecting. And that will get old fast.”
    Kristy laughed. “You’re right. I’ll say a little prayer for you, but I promise not to ask. I’ll just wait for happy news.”
    â€œGreat. That’s what I was hoping.”
    They said their good-byes, and Kristy busied herself with a few household chores. An hour later, laundry was done, dishes were done, and Sam was full. She considered calling her mother but thought better of it. They’d already made plans to meet at church tomorrow. Kristy felt sure they could hash out her problems over lunch when she broke the news to her mother about the Robert/Zach incident.
    Sinking into a steamy bubble bath, Kristy thought about what Ainsley had confided on the phone. She and Brad were the most “in love” couple she’d ever met, so there was no doubt they’d do great at parenting. In fact, one of the nagging doubts in her own relationship had been that she and Mark had never seemed to be as in sync as Brad and Ainsley. When she’d brought it up to Mark, he’d scoffed and said she shouldn’t compare relationships. But she’d always attributed it to the fact that Brad and Ainsley were friends before they dated. Brad was quick to tell