Page 67 of Playing It Forward

“Liar. And you wouldn’t have broken your arm if you didn’t try to climb into the boy’s locker room.”

“As much as I find this fascinating – I expect you to tell me the locker room story over drinks some day – can we get to the important stuff?” I grasp Terri’s hand. “She’s anxious about the pregnancy.”

Jasmine clasps her chest. “I was wrong. I don’t like him. I love him for you.”

Terri’s hand jumps in mine but I don’t release her.

“Now, I assume since he’s here you don’t mind discussing your medical and family history in front of him?”

Terri shrugs. “He knows everything already.”

Her eyes widen. “He knows? I am loving this.”

“Dr. Allens assured Terri that her mom losing a baby during pregnancy doesn’t necessarily mean Terri’s pregnancy will be difficult. What can we do to ensure she stays healthy?”

Jasmine smiles at me. “Prenatal vitamins are important. Especially folic acid and iron.”

“Do you have prenatal vitamins?” I ask Terri.

Her nose wrinkles. “I…ah…”

I whip out my phone. “Not to worry. I’ve got this handled.”

“It’s also important to stay hydrated.”

“It’s a good thing Nolan carries a crate of water with him whenever we go somewhere,” Terri mutters.

“Nausea is worse on an empty stomach, so she needs to eat small, frequent meals.”

Terri throws her hands in the air. “Now, you’re talking as if I’m not here.”

“Sorry. He asked.”

I type everything into my phone. “Anything else?”

“Sleep and rest are incredibly important.”

I nod. “I’ll make sure she takes naps.”

Terri glares at me. “Are you going to become the pregnancy police?”

“The police only get involved when you don’t follow the rules.”

She grunts. “In other words, yes.”

Jasmine hands me a piece of paper. “This is a list of foods she can’t eat.”

Terri groans. “You’re teaming up with him.”

Jasmine ignores her. “You should also make sure she’s not stressed, gets a bit of exercise, and monitor for symptoms such as dehydration, cramping, bleeding, fever, and dizziness.”

“I’ve got this. I’ll make a checklist.”

The doctor stands. “Make sure to make an appointment for your date ultrasound with the receptionist. It was nice meeting you, baby daddy.”

The second the door closes behind her, Terri turns on me. “You appropriated the meeting.”

Her face is red, and she’s clenching her teeth. “I’m sorry. I know you’re worried. I wanted to help reassure you. I won’t let anything happen to our little mermaid, I promise.”