Me:
Good.
Solid Brix:
It was cool seeing you at the game. What made you come through?
Me:
Practicing for when Baby Upton-Cole arrives. Felt pretty sure that you’ll want your child at the games.
Solid Brix:
When they’re old enough, I definitely want that. Keep coming through. I like seeing you in the stands. If you ever need tickets, let me know. I’m adding you to my list in the morning.
He couldn’t see my blush through the phone.
Me:
Okay.
Solid Brix:
We’re traveling tomorrow, but I’m sure you already know. You think Zyah’ll come through and do your shot for you again?
Me:
If not, I’ll get it done.
Solid Brix:
I wish we would’ve started this during the off season, so I could be there to do it every day.
Me:
Me, too. But everything will fall into place.
Solid Brix:
It’s been a long day. You should get some sleep. I’ll call you tomorrow once we get settled in St. Louis. I’ll check on you.
Me:
Okay. Talk to you then.
Solid Brix:
Sleep tight, Rowdy Ry.
I smiled at him calling me that before putting my phone down and heading toward the shower.
Brixton picked me up early on the day of the egg retrieval because our appointment was at seven in the morning. We were both equal parts anxious and hopeful. We arrived, and the staff got me set up in the triage area. Brixton stayed right by my side, laughing, teasing and joking with me while they hooked up the IV. Soon enough, it was time for him to do his part. I hated that he had to go produce his “sample” in a cup. Then I thought about my ex and how often he jacked-off and I figured that it wasn’t that big of a thing.
The actual procedure wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be. The reproductive endocrinologist, who had been recommended to me by Genesis and Christian, favored 1990s hip hop while she worked. I dozed off to the sounds of Nas’sNastradamus.
Dr. Montgomery gave me a bright smile when I awoke after the procedure. “Looks good,” she told me. “Looks real good. We got nineteen eggs.”
Once I was dressed, Brixton drove me to my house. He fed me the jerk salmon that Genesis made, along with a baked potato and a side salad.
