Lucy freezes, and Sofie walks over more slowly, “Did I hear you now have a locker here?”
Lucy nods. “I have a classroom too.”
“Well then,” Sofie replies, “you’re officially employed.”
Noelle is next, soft sweater and warm eyes, bookstore calm radiating off her. “Was the locker wood or metal?”
She looks at me and asks, “Both?” I nod.
“Lots of room for books?” Claudia asks.
Lucy walks quickly to her and hugs her. “Lots.”
Claudia smiles softly, “That’s excellent.”
“Ah,” Paul says, adjusting Savannah on his lap, “The future captain arrives.”
Lucy steps to the side and looks around. Claudia and Savannah flail in excitement when they see her.
“Same hallway,” Claudia tells him. “Different rooms. Lucy’s down at the end with the big kids. Savannah’s just at the start.”
Nalani rises slowly, hand resting over her stomach like mine. “I’m three weeks behind you. We’re basically in sync.”
“You’re all building team depth,” Sofie adds and smiles at Anna, “You must be Anna. Aleks has said a lot about you.”
Anna arches a brow. “Should I be worried?”
“Not in the least.” She smiles. “And I’m very happy to have a friend who can still drink.”
“Um, hello, what am I?” Noelle asks.
“A lightweight,” Sofie answers.
Claudia squeezes my hand discreetly. “Congratulations.”
“I feel like an idiot saying this, but I really didn’t know,” I admit.
“You’re no more an idiot than I am for thinking you getting sick on the plane was nerves. I mean, hello, you’re Hildy Sullivan, one of the strongest women I’ve met.”
“Let me know if there’s anything I can do to assist you in getting ready for their arrival.”
“A few weeks ago, I would have let pride rule my answer, but realistically, I’ve lost five months of prep time, so I may just do that.”
“You honestly have everything you need.” She assures me.
“Boobs and a bassinet,” Nalani giggles.
“Diapers, clothes, about twenty-four more hours in a day,” I only half joke, and continue. “I know it will all be okay.”
“The childcare center here is truly amazing.”
“I’ll be using it,” Nalani yawns. “Koa keeps telling me to take a year off and then dive back into law school, but,” she shrugs. “I just don’t know if I can.”
“You’re both having late spring, early summer babies; make that decision after you’ve had time,” Claudia suggests.
“I really don’t have a choice, I?—”
“You tell Lenzin you want to take eighteen years off and he’ll support it.” Anna smiles and takes a sip of her wine. “I swear I see hearts in his eyes whenever he looks at you.”
