Page 95 of Slap Shot Surprise
“It was a great success. The board was happy, the guests had fun, and we raised good money. Thank you again for the generous donation, by the way.”
“No problem. It wasn’t a big deal.”
“It was to me. You know, for a guy who thinks he doesn’t have a very good memory, you’re very good at recalling things I say.”
“Well, maybe that’s the secret. If you say it, I’ll remember it.”
Smiling, I reached into the pickle jar and pulled out a spear. “Nicky wanted a midnight snack.”
He laughed. “Yeah? How is the little papaya?”
“Twenty-two weeks strong and kicking.” I took a bite.
“Is he moving around more?”
“Definitely. He’s feisty.” I took another bite. “You want to say hi?”
“Sure.”
“Okay, I’m putting you down by him.” I lowered the phone toward my belly. “Go ahead.”
“Hey, buddy. I think about you all the time and can’t wait to meet you. Be good for your mom and keep growing big and strong.”
I brought the phone up again. “He definitely heard you. He’s throwing some good punches.”
Joe’s smile lit up my screen and my heart. “How are you feeling?”
“Tired tonight, but I’ve had good energy this month. The second trimester has been great for me.”
“Yeah, my book said that the second trimester is the best for a lot of women.”
I smiled. “You’re reading the book?”
“Yes. This afternoon I read that the baby is like one pound now and he can hear music and sirens and dogs barking. And I read that it’s very important for you to be drinking enough water and getting enough rest.”
“I am,” I said. “I promise. Tonight’s a late night, but I’m going to sleep in tomorrow.”
“The book also said sleeping might be hard.”
“So far, so good,” I said, propping the phone against the coffeemaker so I could put the lid back on the pickle jar and put it away. “I’m still able to get comfortable at night. But I’m sure that will change.”
“It said to make sure you’re not doing anything too strenuous from here on out.”
“I’m not. I still take my walks outside, since we don’thave snow yet, but once that happens, I’ll go to the rec center and use the treadmill.” I picked up my phone and headed out of the kitchen. “My brothers are going to help me take the office furniture out of the spare room and get it painted after the holidays.”
Joe grimaced. “I’m sorry I can’t be there to do it.”
“It’s fine.” I sat down on the couch. “You’ve got games to win so you can get to the playoffs. How was tonight?”
“Okay. We won, but my shoulder was giving me trouble so I was out for the third period.”
“Oh no! It was that bad?”
“Yeah. I think I’m out for the next game too.”
I frowned. “Will you get physical therapy or anything?”
“Yes. I’ll know more after I talk to the orthopod tomorrow.”
