Page 64 of Slap Shot Surprise
No. I’ve helped out young teams here and there, done things for charity, but never anything official.
You’d be so great at it!
Thanks. Maybe someday.
How are you feeling?
Pretty good. Eager to get past this first trimester, but I have a couple more weeks to go. Morning sickness is the pits.
Does anything help?
Not so far.
The following evening when I got home from work, a brown paper bag was on my doorstep. Inside was ginger tea, some honey, a box of saltines, and a bag of peppermint candies. There was no note, but I didn’t have to wonder long who it was from. By the time I’d brewed myself a cup of tea and eaten a few crackers, Joe had texted.
Did you get the stuff?
Yes! Did you send it?
I had it delivered. After you mentioned your sickness was still bad last night, I reached out to my sister and asked her what had helped with hers. Those were the things she said.
My heart fluttered.
That was very sweet. I’m already drinking the tea and eating the crackers, and I’m going to keep some of the candies in my bag and next to my bed. Thank you.
You’re welcome. Let me know if there’s anything else you need.
One night in mid-October, Chicago suffered a painful loss. After shouting expletives into a throw cushion on my couch, I messaged Joe.
How come you weren’t on that last power play? The puck was right there by the crease! You’d have scored.
Coach wanted me to rest my shoulder.
Are you okay?
I’m okay.
Also yes. I’d have scored.
I smiled at the screen. I could just hear him saying those words, and I knew the exact expression on his face.
How are you feeling?
Great. Officially in the second trimester. Morning sickness gone.
Glad to hear it. It’s 14 weeks now, right?
Yes! I’m impressed you know that.
Good. I like impressing you.
What are you up to this weekend?
I’m going to a birthday party for my niece Vivian. She’s turning 3.
Who does she belong to again?
She’s Austin and Veronica’s youngest. The party is at their house.
