“It’s only because he cares about you, sweetie.”
“No, I know.” A wave of guilt crashing over me. “I am feeling better today, but I didn’t take care of myself yesterday like I should have—which is how I ended up with the migraine.”
“I’m glad that you are feeling better. Your gender appointment is next week right?” She asks, excitement now creeping its way into her tone.
“Yes! And then we will slowly let everyone else know. Immediate family first, obviously.” I chuckle.
“Great! I look forward to hearing from you. Love you, Darcy.” She always ends our calls or texts by telling me she loves me. Despite this being a normal thing that people do when they care for each other, I find myself struggling to say it back. Even so, she continues to tell me, to let me know she cares for me as if I’ve always been one of her kids. Like Tatum, and the twins.
“Thanks for checking in. Bye, Rose.”
Chapter14
Truth Be Told
Tatum || 18 weeks pregnant, October
“Nik, just do the commercial. It’ll bring you some extra money and attention for the team. You live off of those energy drinks anyways.” I sigh, swiping my access card as I jab the elevator button that will take me up to the condo.
“Dude, I don’t need the money, and honestly? I couldn’t care less if the team needs the attention.” Nik’s gruff voice comes through the earpiece. These hockey players have had me at my wit's end recently. First, Dom wouldn’t do the shelter campaign. I had to force Collins—who is still mad at me for it. Then, Maverick backed out of his energy drink sponsorship because Bella and Kodi have the flu. Now, Nik is avoiding being brought in just to be difficult and for literally no other reason.
“Listen, Nik, I don’t care if you need the money or not. You’re the captain of the team, so step up and do the ad. I don’t have time for this. I’m emailing them right now and telling them you’ll be there. Okay, thanks, byeeeeee.” I exaggerate that last syllable just to piss him off more then hang up the phone as the elevator doors open to the condo. As I walk towards the living room, I send a quick email to the company telling them howexcitedNiklaus Zaigraev is to be doing the energy drink campaign and how he will arrive promptly at eight AM for the shoot the day after tomorrow.
When I don’t find Darcy on the couch, I am headed towards her room but see a blonde, messy bun sitting at the island with a cup of mint tea for her nausea and a book propped open on the countertop. She must hear my footsteps approach, because she turns towards me as I enter the room, gracing me with a small smile.
“How was your day with Sin?” I ask, pulling Coke from the fridge.
“It was good. Sin and I started a trashy reality show and napped. Your mom called to check in, by the way. A little bird told her I had a migraine yesterday.”
I dig into the freezer, pulling out a frozen pizza. I hold it up to Darcy and she nods excitedly.
“Good. I was worried, D,” I confide, preheating the oven. Pulling out an assortment of veggies from the fridge, I start to prepare a salad across the island from her.
“I know,” she sighs, “I’m sorry that you had to take care of me.”
“Don’t apologize to me. I want to be here for you but I also need to know you’re okay when I’m gone.” I still, waiting for her eye contact, my hands halfway through slicing a tomato.
“I know, and I want to be. Yesterday I was just exhausted, and I have started to set food alarms for my naps so I get up and eat.” She lets out a self-deprecating laugh.
“You can call one of us to help you instead of being uncomfortable all day,” I point out as I resume chopping.
“Me, ask for help?” She laughs, more incredulous this time.
“Mama, I’m serious.”
“Ugh, Tate, I know everyone loves me and everyone wants to help and I have to learn to accept it. I get it, okay?”
“Good. Now, do you want cucumbers in the salad tonight?” I ask her.
“No… But.” I look up at her to find her smiling brightly at me.
“Pickles?” I laugh. Cucumbers have been hit or miss since she’s become pregnant. Pickles, though? Always a yes.
“Pickles.” She giggles. Pickles aren’t something I typically add to a salad that isn’t of the egg or potato variety, but it’s a minuscule price to pay if it makes Darcy Whitestone happy.
* * *
Eatingour dinner on the living room couch, we catch each other up from our time apart. Wanting to talk to her about this morning, I steel myself for rejection. Maybe she doesn’t want me.
