Page 20 of Slapshot Baby

"It's hot, Mom. Everyone feels gross in this heat."

"Your breasts hurt?"

Lucy makes a sound that might be a laugh.

"Can we not discuss my boobs right now?” I ask.

"When was your last period?"

The question lands like a slap.

"Mom?"

"I'm not trying to embarrass you. I just want to know."

I open my mouth to deflect. Close it again.

Because the truth is I don't actually know. I haven't needed to track it since I went on the pill in college specifically so I'd never have to have this conversation in a moment of crisis.

I do the math anyway.

Almost eight weeks ago.

The number doesn't mean anything until I remember Kai and I in his penthouse.

“No, it can’t be. I’m on the pill,” I tell her, like saying it out loud fixes whatever already happened.

"Pills aren't always enough." Mom's voice stays gentle even as her face goes pale. "Especially if something interferes. Antibiotics. A missed dose. Taking it inconsistently."

I close my eyes in pain. I was so busy that week that I missed taking the pills for a few days. On the day of the gala, I took it late.

“I need to go to the pharmacy," I say.

"Lucy, go get the pregnancy tests from under my bathroom sink," Mom says.

"I'm not pregnant," I say at the exact same time Lucy says, "On it."

I stare at Mom. "Why do you have pregnancy tests under your bathroom sink?"

She gives me a look like the answer should be obvious. "Because I have two daughters. I like to be prepared."

"For surprise pregnancies?"

"For whatever my girls might need without wanting to make a trip to the pharmacy first."

Before I can decide whether that's sweet or mildly terrifying, Lucy comes back carrying a box of pregnancy tests. She sets it on the table with the care of someone handling an explosive.

"This seems excessive," I say.

"Multiple tests for accuracy." She pulls out three individually wrapped tests. "Let's go."

"I'm not pregnant."

"Ava. Go."

There's no arguing with Mom when she uses that tone.

The bathroom tiles are cold under my feet. My hands shake as I unwrap the first test.