Ivory frowns before responding. “I get it. Obviously not what you’re going through, but the thought process of preparing for bad news so you’re not surprised if it is.”
“When will they contact you?” I ask.
“They had to send it to pathology and said that takes three to five business days,” Gabby responds.
Trying to be optimistic, I offer, “It’s only been two, so there’s still time to wrap your head around it.”
“Did they say how they’d let you know?” Ivory asks.
Gabby shakes her head then says, “I’ve been playing that convo in my head too. Like do they just tell you the bad news over the phone? Or do they tell you to come in and that’s how you know it’s probably bad?”
Ivory starts setting out plates in front of us. “Don’t jump to conclusions. They may just want you to come in so they can explain it all. You know medical terminology can be confusing.”
“Yeah, I don’t know. I just keep wondering if I’m just mentally preparing myself and reaction or if I’m manifesting bad news. Almost like that’s what I’m hoping for?”
Looping an arm around Gabby’s shoulders, I pull her close and try to offer as much comfort as I can. “I wouldn’t say that. I’d just say that your brain is trying to plan out every possible scenario. That’s what you do, Gabby. You overthink literally everything. We just need to quiet the intrusive thoughts.”
I may not have been through this exact experience before, but with my endo diagnosis, I’m familiar with the intrusive thoughts and worst case scenarios that run through your mind on a loop after something like this.
Her words are jumbled from our faces being smushed together when she asks, “Any idea on how to do that?”
“We have dinner and watch our favorite guys on TV,” Ivory says as she finishes plating our food.
I wish I could take it away, but all I can do is be here for her and offer as much moral support and laughs as possible, so I tack on a joke to the end of Ivory’s statement. “Then wait for Millerto text you and ask if you saw something that probably didn’t even happen.”
That does the trick because we all dissolve into giggles as the opening ceremonies start for the game. Halfway through the game, it’s clear the Troubadours are going to win and clinch a top spot in the post season.
When Chase steps up to bat and gestures to the camera, I look at Gabby and notice her blushing. Their secret messages are the cutest thing I’ve seen when it comes to game day routines and celebrations. It makes me miss watching Grant on the mound.
“Happy looks good on you, G.” I grin at her, and she wraps her fingers with mine, leaning her head onto my shoulder.
“That man loves the hell out of you,” Ivory chimes in.
“I love him too. I’m going to get him to sign the HR paperwork so we can go public.” Because Gabby is the general counsel and Chase is a player on the team, they need to document their relationship with the human resources department.
“It’s about damn time,” I cheer.
“He makes me so deliriously happy,” she sighs.
“I’m sure the orgasms help,” I tease.
Gabby blushes the deepest shade of red as she says, “They definitely don’t hurt.”
“Details. Now,” I demand, crossing my legs and turning in her direction on the couch.
“Okay, well you know how he came to family lunch, and it was our first big reveal or whatever? Well, when we got back here, I was trying to explain to him why I was nervous to let more people in on our secret and some of my insecurities about our relationship. So, he stood me in front of the mirror and showed me how good we fit together.”
“Oh. My. God,” Ivory says, fanning herself.
“How exactly did he show you? For research purposes, obviously.” I say.
“Taylor,” Ivory smacks at me, playfully.
“What? It’s an important question!”
Gabby laughs and finishes her spicy story. “He made me change into a lingerie set and then he stood me in front of the mirror and made me watch him as he went down on me. I came from just his mouth on me and him playing with my boobs. And, he came in his pants.”
“That is the hottest fucking thing I’ve ever heard,” I shriek.
