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“Neil and Bo will be out for a while. Winston is hoarding Maddie in his room, but we can still go to my place.”
“Perfect. I need to shower first though.” She looks down at herself and seems to remember that she was running.
“Grab your things and shower there. Then you can ride with me.”
“Thanks.”
“I'M SO SORRY to do this to you, Neil,” Audra starts when I answer the phone.
“What are you talking about?” I interrupt, parking at a fast food restaurant for lunch.
“My appointment was rescheduled for this afternoon because the doctor has to make a trip out of town. I tried to get it on a different day when I knew you could come, but I wasn't able to do that. I know you wanted to go. I'm sorry.” She sounds near tears, and I hate hearing that.
“What time is the appointment?”
“At one thirty.” Shit, she's calling it close. “I know it's last minute, but I got busy at work this morning and couldn't call.”
“I only had two morning classes and we don't have practice today, so I can come. Have you had lunch yet?”
“No, I was about to head to my parents' place.”
“I'll meet you there, okay?”
After she agrees, I head that way. Today, I'll get to see baby girl, and we'll also have to do the paternity test. At least I feel more rested than I did this morning. I may have dozed during the little break between classes. Tonight when I go to Audra's, we're definitely going to have to work on homework again.
Audra's sitting at the same table as last time, but unlike then, her mother is sitting with her. Audra is facing the front and smiles when she sees me. That's new, or at least, it feels like it. I kiss her temple again before sitting down next to her. I can't help it. She's carrying my baby girl, and she was worried I would be upset that I wouldn't be able to go with her to the appointment. I want her to feel good about things, so a little, innocent kiss there should help with that.
“Hey, Audra. Hey, Mrs. Garcia. Are you eating with us today?” I ask.
“Yes, I am. Audra said you've been very sweet with her.” What? When have I been sweet? I've only been like normal and nice. Maybe there's not a difference between nice and sweet. Upon seeing my confusion, she adds, “She told me about last night. I told her she could have called me, that I wouldn't mind and besides, it sounds like you have quite the load on your shoulders. You play hockey, correct?”
“Yes, ma'am. It's really not that much and I didn't mind going to the store for her.”
Mrs. Garcia smiles at me. “I don't think we've ever watched a game before. How long have you been playing?”
“Since I was old enough. We have a game Thursday night, if y'all want to come.” It's risky inviting them because what if Audra wants to see me afterwards? None of the guys, except Bo and Coach, know about her or the baby.
The waitress brings us a pizza and Audra starts to devour a slice.
“Would you like to go, Audra?”
“Um,” she wipes her mouth with a napkin and finishes chewing the bite she took, “I've seen a game before, that's how I eventually ended up meeting Neil.” She puts a hand on the top of her stomach. “But if you want to go, then we can. I haven't been to one this season.”
Mrs. Garcia smiles. She's obviously looking forward to this. In between eating, she continues to ask questions. “Where are your parents? Do they live around here? What do they do?”
“They live a few hours from here and they own a realty company. We used to live around here, but they moved once I started college. I stay with a couple of teammates in a house they used to rent out.” I figured it's best to go ahead and give her all the information before she could ask.
“What are y'all looking to do once the baby comes as far as living arrangements?”
“We haven't talked about that yet, Ma,” Audra inputs.
“Then what have you been doing?” She narrows her eyes at me first and then Audra, like we're doing something very wrong.
“We've been trying to get along. I didn't exactly know him before and we didn't start off great. I'm pregnant, Ma. It's not like we're partying or going at it like rabbits.” I really don't feel comfortable, sitting here while Audra talks to her mom about sex. Audra takes a sip of water, clears her throat, and adds, “We need to get going. I'll call you later.”
She stands, and I follow suit all the way to the doctor's office. While we're waiting, she apologizes for her mother.
“It's okay. Are we changing our living arrangements? Where are you going to put the crib and all the baby stuff? Would you even want to live together? I guess it would be very helpful for those late night wake up calls.”
