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She answers me in seconds.
Patty:Yes, come over when you get in.
Her response makes me feel elated and makes my stomach turn in one breath. I want to be happy and claim what’s mine but there is a lot riding on the line, not just for me but Patty and Coach.
Me:Give me five.
She must be exhausted but maybe she is feeling just as anxious about talking too.
When I pull into our building parking lot, I blow out a large gust of air, trying to rid myself of my nervous energy. The reprieve is short-lived as I take the elevator up to our floor. I am grateful she only lives across the hall and that none of the other guys live on our floor. It gives us privacy and prevents them from knowing details about us.
When I get off the elevator, it doesn’t take long for me to knock and her to answer. She stands in her front door with a messy bun of wet hair, in a gray tank top and short shorts.
“Come in,” she yawns.
“You must be exhausted,” I say as I take her in. Even tired and wearing no makeup she is stunning. I take in her body. Nothing looks different to me, other than her breasts seem to have grown. The thought makes me hard and I need to refocus.
I kick off my running shoes and take off my jacket. Then I follow her in.
“Can I get you a drink?” she offers. “Maybe something to eat?”
“I’m hungry but it can wait,” I reply.
“I’m hungry too,” she admits. “I’ve been getting the weirdest cravings.”
“Really? Like what?” I ask, intrigued.
“I’m eating real beef hamburgers. I got a falafel the other day and loved it. I don’t even eat falafel. Spicy fries are my best friend, and oh, I am so digging desserts right now but I can’t have too much or else I want to puke.”
At hearing she wants to puke I wince.
“Don’t get freaked about that. I’ve been puking quite a bit,” she shares and takes a seat on her couch. She grabs a throw pillow and hugs it to her stomach.
“Damn, sorry you haven’t been feeling well. I can’t believe that you of all people are craving all kinds of junk food.”
“I know. It’s only the first trimester. If I keep eating like this, I’m going to gain tons of weight,” she pouts.
“I wouldn’t worry about that. You should eat what makes you feel good. You’re beautiful either way,” I compliment.
Our gazes lock and I see the emotion pass her gaze.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about the baby sooner. I was kind of freaking the hell out. I didn’t even tell my parents until recently. I was scared, given my history, that the pregnancy wouldn’t be viable,” she explains. “I didn’t want to get my hopes up only to have them crushed.”
I swallow hard. “Is it? . . . I mean the pregnancy. . .is the baby, okay?”
She nods and I watch her throat bob as she grips the throw pillow a little tighter. I see fear in her eyes, and I don’t understand why. “Mom got me in to see a doctor and the first ultrasound looked good. The heartbeat was strong,” she says and her eyes tear. “I’m sorry, I’ve been very emotional.”
“Hey, come here,” I invite. I lean forward and take her in my arms. She moves the pillow to the side. “I’m glad to hear everything is good with the baby, but I want you feeling good too.”
She pulls her head back to look me in the eyes. “You aren’t completely freaked out by this revelation?”
“I mean, I am freaked out, but I really like the idea of you carrying my baby,” I confess to her. It isn’t a lie. “I don’t know much about kids. I like the idea of having a family, and I think there is something here between us. I know it’s complicated. . .”
She pulls out of my embrace.
“Evan, things are complicated,” she repeats.
“I know. Trust me, I’ve thought of all the reasons why this is bad timing and could screw with our careers, and possibly your dad’s, but I’m happy about this baby. I need you to know that I don’t regret the night we had in Chicago. Not even for one minute, Patty. Not one minute.”
