“I don’t want to be alone while going through this. And I know this might sound silly, but I truly want to get to know you, more than just the hockey player, but the man who you are so when our baby does arrive, I can make sure to tell them what a great daddy they have.”
When silence falls over the phone, I wonder if we’ve been disconnected.
“Eli, you still there?”
“Yeah,” he croaks. “I’m here.”
“Oh okay, did you, uh . . . did you hear what I said?”
“I did, and Jesus, it kind of knocked the wind out of me. I want the same thing. I think we’re going about this the right way. Getting to know each other so when the baby is here, we can always be on each other’s side, rather than fighting over the child.”
“Exactly.”
“You know, I’m pretty sure you’re the most laid-back pregnant woman. There have been a few guys on the team who have come and gone, been traded or retired, and I’ve heard nothing but horror stories with getting someone pregnant.”
“Well, you don’t need to worry about that with me.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Hey, they want to get moving, so I’m going to hang up since it will start to get loud in here.”
“Sure. Safe travels. I’ll see you later.”
“Thanks. I’ll be quiet when I get in. Bye, Penny.”
“Bye.”
I hang up the phone and smile softly. Now that we’ve shaken off all of the awkwardness, I truly think I can do this with him. Have a baby, raise a kid. I mean, if I were to choose anyone on the team to do this with, it very well might have been Eli, just because he’s so easygoing, him and Posey. But Posey’s fetish with bologna sandwiches would most likely bother this pregnant stomach.
I’m just glad I have someone who wants to do this together. I could be way worse off.
My phone beeps with a text message, and I have a feeling I know exactly who it is. I bring my screen into view and catch Eli’s name.
Eli:What’s your favorite breakfast?
I roll to my side and hold my phone out in front of me as I text him back.
Penny:Like of all time? Restaurant and everything or just generic breakfast food?
Eli:Generic breakfast food.
Penny:Hmm, well, given that breakfast is my absolute favorite meal of the day, I’d say I have many favorites. I love bagels, especially with a mound of cream cheese. I enjoy a good yogurt parfait as long as the fruit isn’t all mushy and gross. And of course, the classic cinnamon bun is never wasted on me.
Eli:If you had to pick one, your last breakfast ever, what would it be?
Penny:Slightly morbid, but I’ll go with the questioning. I’d probably have to choose a cinnamon bun.
Eli:Have you ever been to Denver?
Penny:No. Are they known for their cinnamon buns?
Eli:Lol, not that I’m aware of, but there is a place here that Posey and I go to called The Denver Biscuit Company, and they serve these giant cinnamon buns that are impossible to eat by yourself. If I had known this was your favorite breakfast food, I’d have brought one home to you.
Penny:My mouth is watering.
Eli:Next time we’re here, I’ll grab one for sure.
Penny:Why do you ask?
Eli:Just a good thing to know. Get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.
