“How far along are you now?”
“Almost eight.”
“Why does it feel like it’s been longer?”
I sink further into my pillow as I say, “Probably because the first week we found out, it felt like paint was drying while trying to have a conversation.”
He chuckles. “Yeah, that could be it. I’m glad we can joke about it. Does that mean you’re starting to feel more comfortable around me?”
“I think so. Maybe by tomorrow, I’ll actually be able to look at you and not have the incessant need to clean.”
“Glad that seeing my face makes you want to clean.”
I let out a low laugh. “Are you still thinking you want to live here? Because honestly, you don’t have to if you don’t want to. It all seems kind of silly at this point.”
“Is this your roundabout way of kicking me out?” I can hear the teasing in his voice, but there is also a slight edge to it.
“No, not at all. But everything happened so fast, and I know Pacey is breathing down your neck. I don’t want you to feel obligated. I can handle Pacey.”
“I can handle him too. I appreciate your concern, Penny, but I’m going to need to fight my own battle with Pacey. As far as the apartment is concerned, I’d truly like to stay with you, just so I can be there in case anything happens. I know I’m out of town a lot, but at least when I am in town, I can be there.”
“If that’s what you want, then that’s fine.”
He’s quiet for a second and then grows serious when he says, “But what do you want, Penny?”
I stare up at the ceiling, giving that question some thought. In this uncertain time of my life, I could really use the comfort of someone going through the same thing as me. And sure, Eli might not be the one carrying the child, but he’s still about to become a parent in November, and that’s some scary shit. It might be nice to go through that together.
“I don’t want to be alone while going through this. And I know this might sound silly, but I truly want to get to know you, more than just the hockey player, but the man who you are so when our baby does arrive, I can make sure to tell them what a great daddy they have.”
When silence falls over the phone, I wonder if we’ve been disconnected.
“Eli, you still there?”
“Yeah,” he croaks. “I’m here.”
“Oh okay, did you, uh . . . did you hear what I said?”
“I did, and Jesus, it kind of knocked the wind out of me. I want the same thing. I think we’re going about this the right way. Getting to know each other so when the baby is here, we can always be on each other’s side, rather than fighting over the child.”
“Exactly.”
“You know, I’m pretty sure you’re the most laid-back pregnant woman. There have been a few guys on the team who have come and gone, been traded or retired, and I’ve heard nothing but horror stories with getting someone pregnant.”
“Well, you don’t need to worry about that with me.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Hey, they want to get moving, so I’m going to hang up since it will start to get loud in here.”
“Sure. Safe travels. I’ll see you later.”
“Thanks. I’ll be quiet when I get in. Bye, Penny.”
“Bye.”
I hang up the phone and smile softly. Now that we’ve shaken off all of the awkwardness, I truly think I can do this with him. Have a baby, raise a kid. I mean, if I were to choose anyone on the team to do this with, it very well might have been Eli, just because he’s so easygoing, him and Posey. But Posey’s fetish with bologna sandwiches would most likely bother this pregnant stomach.
I’m just glad I have someone who wants to do this together. I could be way worse off.
My phone beeps with a text message, and I have a feeling I know exactly who it is. I bring my screen into view and catch Eli’s name.
Eli: What’s your favorite breakfast?
I roll to my side and hold my phone out in front of me as I text him back.
Penny: Like of all time? Restaurant and everything or just generic breakfast food?
Eli: Generic breakfast food.
Penny: Hmm, well, given that breakfast is my absolute favorite meal of the day, I’d say I have many favorites. I love bagels, especially with a mound of cream cheese. I enjoy a good yogurt parfait as long as the fruit isn’t all mushy and gross. And of course, the classic cinnamon bun is never wasted on me.
Eli: If you had to pick one, your last breakfast ever, what would it be?