Martha’s chuckles fade into a skeptical smirk as she considers Murray’s words. “You really know how to sell an idea, don’t you?" 

 

Murray interrupts gently, sensing her hesitation. “Just think about it, Martha. You’ve got the raw talent, and the band needs to follow up on that video you put out two years ago and the exposure you’d get in the Pacific Northwest. Plus, it’s only two weeks. It’s not a lifetime commitment.” 

 

Her eyes met Murray’s, and she spoke with a mix of hesitation and resolve. “It’s tempting, but there's a lot to consider. I can’t just pick up and go across the country. I’ve never been away from SJ for more than a weekend, and leaving him for two weeks, especially while he’s in school, is a big deal.”

​

"You know, I've been thinking," he began, his voice gentle but steadfast. "Since I've known you've wanted to pursue a singing career, I've been wondering how you’re going to make that happen while you’re knee deep in beer and pork rinds." He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "Besides, it’ll be a great story to tell our son one day—how his mother followed her dreams, even when it wasn’t easy."

 

As Martha mulled over Murray's proposal, her focus was momentarily drawn to Samuel Gupta, who had just entered the establishment. He carries a gift bag, its contents concealed but hinting at something special—a wooden rose sculpture, a symbol of five years of his friends’ marriage.

 

"Hi, Murray. How’s it going?" the doctor addresses him.

 

The talent manager gives a slight nod. "Well, you know how it is when you're around Martha." 

 

Martha shakes her head, trying to ignore the comment. She glances at the clock on the wall, noting that it's time to take her lunch break. "I’ll catch up with you later, Murray."

 

"Don't forget about my proposal," Murray mentions. 

 

Samuel’s eyebrows raise slightly, taken aback by that mention. 

 

"I'll talk to you about it later," Martha says quickly. 

 

Murray gives a curt nod. "Well, I’ve got to go. I’ll catch up with you later to discuss the proposal. And he then turns to Samuel with a nonchalant gaze. "Take it easy, doc." 

 

Murray heads towards the exit, his departure marked by a faint air of indifference.

 

The couple passes by Antoine and Shauna, where the pair are in the middle of a heated argument. However, the specifics of their conversation are drowned out by the atmospheric noise of the establishment. 

 

Samuel notices the scene. "What’s going on with Antoine and Shauna?" 

 

Martha glances at the argument, knowing full well what it is about, and runs her hands through her short, dyed brown hair.

 

"Let me deal with it; I'll meet you over there." 

 

"Are you sure?" 

 

"Yeah," 

 

Samuel gives one more gaze at his lover before heading to the booth where he greets his best friend. "Hey man, happy anniversary!" 

 

Max is now on his feet and shakes his friend's hand. "Long time no see, and thanks." 

 

The two men then turn to the bar. 

 

"What's the situation between your wife and Antoine?" Samuel questions him. 

 

Max, who has been witnessing parts of the tense encounter between Shauna and Antoine, looks puzzled. "Your guess is as good as mine. Look, I’m trying to be respectful, but this situation just doesn’t seem to end. I’m going to go over there and give Antoine a piece of my mind." 

 

There has never been any love lost between the two men since Max knows Shauna still has unresolved feelings for his wife.
 
"You ain't gotta be so defensive, Shauna. I was just worried about you." Antoine says 

 

Shauna closes her eyes momentarily, trying to compose herself, reflecting on her pregnancy, which is the result of their indiscretion. When she opens them, her expression is unwavering. "I’m not going to get into this with you. Whatever happened between us can’t happen again. I have too much to lose."

 

"Don’t act like a day goes by that you don't think about what we did. You wanted it just as much as I did." Antoine says intensely

 

Shauna looks like she’s about to respond. Before she can say anything more, Martha steps in, sensing the conversation is escalating. "Antoine, can I get a bottle of champagne and a ginger ale? It'll be my gift." 

 

Antoine, still looking torn, nods and gets the drinks, which Martha takes in each hand.

 

"Girl, thanks for having my back. I don't mean to put you in the middle of this." Shauna says apologetically. 

 

Martha gives her friend the ginger ale and nods. "It’s no problem. But if you’re going to keep things the way they are, getting in Antoine’s face isn’t going to help." She then places her free arm around Shauna, guiding her to the booth where Samuel and Max are waiting. Max looks up, noticing his wife's mood.

 

"What's up with you and Antoine?" the former photographer asks her. 

 

Before Shauna answers, Martha quickly changes the subject, pouring champagne into glasses that Samuel went to get from the bar a few seconds ago. "Let’s focus on celebrating. It’s your anniversary, after all."

 

The women, along with Samuel and Max, none the wiser, raise their glasses, ready to toast. 

 

“Five years might not sound like a lot of years,” Samuel remarks, his tone filled with admiration, “but for you two who went through hell and back and managed to stay together, it’s one hell of an accomplishment.”

 

Max and Shauna exchange grateful smiles, their drinks in hand dwelling on the accident that not only permanently caused him to be paralyzed but that took the life of their unborn child.

 

“And before we actually get some solid food in us,” Martha chimes in, her eyes twinkling, “you two have so much to look forward to. Congratulations!”

 

Shauna attempts to adhere to Martha’s words, and she realizes she can't hide the pregnancy much longer. She glances at Max, who remains unaware of the secret she’s been keeping.

 

“To Max and Shauna,” Martha and Samuel say in unison, raising their glasses.

 

As they all take a sip, Max notices that Shauna is having ginger ale instead of her usual choice. He leans in and gives her a gentle kiss on the forehead. “Hey, you’re not drinking? You alright?”

 

Shauna looks up, forcing a smile. “I’m fine. Just not feeling my best, that's all." The memory of the nightmare she had earlier, which had left her shaken, replays in her mind.

 

Max’s expression softens with care. “I love you,” he says sincerely.

 

Shauna’s gaze locks with his, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions. “I love you too; don’t ever forget that, okay?”

 

Over at the bar, Antoine watches from a distance. His conflicted look is apparent as he serves another customer, still grappling with the emotional rollercoaster from earlier. He glances over at Shauna and the group, his expression a mix of plenty of feelings he doesn't think he can ever express.