He walks away to grab a shower before we need to leave and Jolene tells me how happy she is for me. And Peanut.
"I knew this would happen," she brags.
"You did not," I argue.
"Ok, I didn't, but it's seriously so perfect. Who better to understand what made you who you are today?"
"It feels very right," I admit.
Jolene and I spend a few more minutes talking about the podcast, and she tells me she'll see me next weekend. "Let me know if there's something you want me to bring from Phoenix. Anything you need that you can't get in Olive Township."
I tell her no thank you. Everything I need is right here.
Off the phone with Jolene, and with Hugo in the shower, I compose an email to David Boylan. If we're going to move forward creating episodes around Hugo's dad, David would be an ideal person to interview.
From: Mallory Hawkins
Hi David,
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me and Hugo. During our conversation, I did not get the chance to tell you that I am the host of a true crime podcast called Case Files. With the blessing of the De la Vega family, I am looking into the possibility that the murder of Simon De la Vega may be connected to a murder that took place in Phoenix fourteen years ago.
Although I haven't begun recording episodes yet, I wanted to check in with you and see if you would be open to an interview that I would use as an episode.
Again, I am thankful for the time you gave us already, and for giving my baby her first gift.
Best,
Mallory Hawkins
Host ofCase Files
Hugo walks out, ready to go. I hit Send on my email.
"Baby is measuring exactlywhere she should be. Your fasting glucose looked great. All in all, Mom is healthy, and so is baby." Dr. Connolly gives me a reassuring smile.
Music to my ears. As if Peanut can feel my happiness, she delivers a swift kick.
I grab Hugo's arm, place his hand on the spot on my belly. He's been wanting to feel her, but so far he hasn't been able to.
The seconds pass, and Hugo frowns when nothing happens. Dr. Connolly laughs, and on our way out of the door says, "That's kids for you. They rarely do what you want them to do. Just wait until she's a teenager."
After we get checked out and I've made my next appointment, Hugo calls Penn to see if he and Daisy are available for lunch.
We meet them at Good Thyme Café, where Hugo requests a table on the back patio. "It's going to get pretty warm starting next week," he says, and Penn teases him for watching the weather like an old man.
"Like an olive farmer," Hugo retorts, clapping Penn loudly on the back.
The hostess leads us to a gorgeous little space behind the restaurant. It backs up to a greenbelt of grass that could only be kept that green with the use of sprinklers. Beyond it is wild desert, palo verde trees and saguaros as far as the eye can see.
Ambrose video calls Hugo after we place our order. Hugo answers, corralling the salt and pepper shakers and propping the phone against them.
It's my first time meeting Hugo's best friend, though I've heard enough about him. His shoulders are so wide they fill the screen, making me ponder his wingspan. Everything about the guy is massive, from his chest to his arms, but it's his smile that's the most disarming. There is kindness in the corners, a humble curve to his lips.
"It's nice to meet you, Mallory," Ambrose says. "I've heard enough about you by now, it's good to put a face to all the yammering Hugo's been doing."
"Alright, alright, before you two start trading funny stories about me," Hugo cuts in, "what's going on, Ambrose?"
