It’s a lie, but alas, the internet told me to stay away from certain exercises during the first trimester.
Hadley
Oh. Need anything? The moms will miss you at coffeetime after class.
I laugh to myself, because it looks like I can join the moms club. But then an affectionate smile overcomes me. Hadley’s mom April, plus her mother-in-law Brielle, and her husband’s aunt Violet would only be supportive, probably constantly asking if I’m okay too.
I’m not ready for that.
Another time. Sleep is calling my name.
So is figuring out how to tell my baby daddy.
Sweet dreams.
I have Vaughn’s number, but neither one of us have texted since that night in Florida. And tonight, I’m not ready to try and reach out. How does one break the news?
I better come up with a way and fast.
* * *
Sittingin the waiting room at the doctor’s office, I fully recognize that scrolling on my phone to check out how Vaughn played during last night’s game against Boston is not the way I should be heading into this appointment. Nor is getting side-tracked that he is so ridiculously handsome in his pre-game suit that it’s all over social media.
The door to the doctor’s office opens, and I freeze when I see Violet. Not only is she now related to Hadley through marriage, but she’s also the wife of the owner of the Spinners, and a friend in a way, as she joins the Pilates classes. She’s only a few years older than me.
Her face grows crooked as she takes off her wool hat to reveal her dark hair. “Hey, Isla… uhm… didn’t expect to see you here.”
Because she’s about five months pregnant with her second child, so of course she’s at the OB/GYN’s office.
I give her an awkward look because I already see she’s puzzle-pieced things together in her head, and saying I’m here for a yearly gyno check-up doesn’t seem like it’s going to cut it.
Throwing my arms up in a loss, I ask for a favor. “What are the chances we can keep this visit between us? Like, completely sealed so not even your husband is aware. I’m not ready for the world to know.”
Violet comes to sit next to me in the waiting room, and she nudges my shoulder with her own. “Absolutely. I never saw you here… Is this why you missed barre?” She rejoined when she hit her second trimester and skips a few more strenuous exercises. Then again, she doesn’t need to exercise at all—she’s stunning.
I pull out my devil’s-food cookie box and grab one before offering her the box. She takes one on offer. “Something like that. Thisobviouslywasn’t planned.” I hold my hand up. “Please don’t ask about the father.”
She quirks her lips out. “Does he know?”
I shake my head. “I’m kind of wrapping my head around the fact that I need to stock up on diapers before telling him. Another point for me, we’reobviouslynot in a relationship.”
“I gathered.” She touches my arm to comfort me. “He has a right to know at some point, don’t you think?”
I nod in agreement. “I’m trying to focus on one thing at a time.”
Violet smiles warmly. “Okay, are you excited? Babies are a lot of work but oh so fun. And pregnancy can be the best time of your life too.”
The corners of my mouth curve up. “Actually…” A radiant smile hits me. “I am excited. Other than Briggs, I don’t really have any biological family, and well, this baby will be helping my family grow. Plus, I might have already looked at some baby clothes online, and well… they’re so cuuuute.”
She laughs. “I know. We have a bunch of girl stuff if you end up having a girl. It’s a boy this time around, so I get to shop all over again.”
My eyes drift down to my still-flat stomach, curious if it’s a boy or girl inside of me. “Time will tell.”
The door opens to the corridor for the exam rooms and a nurse appears. “Isla Chase?”
“That’s me.” I stand up and look to Violet who gives me an assuring smile.
“My appointment isn’t for a while if you don’t want to go in alone.”
