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The whole table burst into a series of giggles, minus Rosa, who was completely serious and not going to get dragged down to our childish response to talking about sex. But in Nicole’s and my defense, we spent all day with elementary school kids, so we weren’t used to adult conversation.
“She might have a point,” Nicole said once our laughter died down.
“I mean, I’m willing to find out.” I chuckled and she nudged me with her shoulder.
“I mean with physical intimacy like cuddling. It could help regulate your nervous system to just sit and watch a show together, let your body relax in that kind of moment. I had a pilates instructor who said you need to breathe into a stretch so that your body knows it’s in a safe place. So like that … but an emotional stretch.”
“That makes a lot of sense,” Rosa said, shrugging.
“Do you still do pilates? What studio do you go to? I started going during college and I miss that studio and the teachers so much; but any new place I’ve tried hasn’t felt right. There’s so much ‘get your beach body ready’ talk, it makes me wanna gag.”
“Mmm, yeah, there’s … a lot of that. But I haven’t found a studio here yet. I meant to try some out over the summer, but …” They continued on about pilates and its bougie nature and I zoned out. Even if I wasn’t pregnant, fancy exercise wasn’t my thing.
Under the table, Rosa nudged my foot to get my attention.
“So what does make you feel safe? Or like what activities don’t make your nervous system buzzy?”
“I mean, sex. But that kinda is just the safe thing I’ve been doing this whole time. So strengthening the relationship like that feels like a step back.”
“Eh, I mean, it couldn’t hurt to try,” she said with a mischievous eyebrow wiggle. “But it’s not like you can’t spend time doing sex intimacy and other intimacy. Especially since we’re entering the offseason. Christenson’s a workaholic but I’m pretty sure the stadium facilities get locked down at some point. So you’ve got time to figure out your calm activity and how to add him to it.”
“Hmm, but Christenson’s got the Italy tournament. Are you going to that?” Kodi asked, jumping back into our conversation.
“He mentioned it, but we didn’t really talk about it. What is it?”
“It’s a two week friendly series in late December between some international teams. It’s sorta like a soccer holiday romp. Christenson, Ricci, and Taylor are going. I don’t know if any of them are starting though.”
“Late December as in he won’t be around for Christmas?” I asked and Kodi cringed.
“I’m sure you could go with him,” she said quickly. “I mean, the holidays in Italy? That’s not a bad way to spend your winter break.”
“You’ll have to get Ricci to tell you where all the good stuff is and bring some of it back for us.”
“Come on.” I laughed. “Going anywhere, let alone Europe, on a teacher’s salary is impossible.”
Beside me, Nicole nodded. Principals might make more than teachers, but not "spontaneous trips to Europe" more. But across the table, Kodi and Rosa shared a look.
“So is not wanting to use his money another piece of baggage or …” Rosa said, trailing off. I rolled my eyes.
“He’s already paying for all the out-of-pocket medical bills. So not completely. But a trip to Italy is too much, right?” I looked at Nicole, who nodded, but of course the other two disagreed.
“If it makes you feel any better, the organizers would probably cover your flights and stay,” Kodi said.
“Besides, he makes more than the cost of the flights per game. Spend his money, it’ll do more good making y’all happy than it would sitting in a bank account.”
“Honestly, I’m surprised you’re letting him pay the medical bills,” Nicole said. “I’m sure that’s some sort of growth for you. You should be proud.”
“It is and I am, thank you. We literally played for it before I gave in.”
“That tracks,” she said with a little giggle.
“Okay, so your homework,” Rosa started, pausing to rummage through her purse and pull out a pen to start writing on a napkin. “Let Christenson buy you one thing that isn’t practical and brings you joy.”
“Does a mattress count? That’s an unnecessary and expensive upgrade, but his mattress was so much better than mine.”
“No,” Kodi and Rosa said, while Nicole said, “Yes.”
“Mattresses are practical. And if you’re sharing the bed, it’ll benefit him too, which isn’t the point of this,” Rosa said, waving the napkin around.
