The Breakfast Club for 40-Somethings

Chapter 14 The morning after

Breakfast had never tasted so good. They all went to Josie’s suite at the hotel, and lay around eating room service. Jasper had had the brilliant idea to order robes for everyone via housekeeping. While Josie rolled her eyes when he picked up the phone, she had to admit it was cool to all be lounging while picking at the bacon, eggs, fruit, muffins, croissants and various other items she and Karen had ordered.

They all felt so comfortable with each other. Brad and Josie were sitting on the bed leaning against the headboard, with Karen and Russ at the bottom of the bed. Jayne and Jasper were on the couch with their feet on the coffee table, and the room looked like a university common room.

‘God, I am so glad my parents have the kids,’ giggled Jayne as she sipped on her coffee and nursed what was turning out to be a slight hangover.

‘Definitely not in the mood for kids,’ agreed Karen, although she had to admit her thoughts had turned to them this morning, wondering how they were all getting along.

‘We will all be back to normal soon enough,’ Russ reminded them. At this, they all went silent, thinking about what lay ahead of them and what had gone before.

‘We’ve all got some big challenges ahead,’ said Josie as she gently squeezed Brad’s hand. Rather than take his hand away, Brad left it there. Her hand felt good in his and, somehow, she gave him courage to face what was ahead.

Jasper watched them both with interest. He realised that Josie looked ...