“Everything’s going to be okay. We’re so happy for both of you, and this baby is already so loved. I know so much is unknownand scary, but it’s all going to work out. The hormones suck. Trust me, I cried all the time. Best thing to do is to let it happen,” she says into my hair.
I wrap my arms back around her, feeling oddly welcomed and safe with her. It’s not a feeling I’m used to with people I barely know, and yet here I am.
“Thank you so much,” I whisper, then pull away. “Are you going out with the team tonight too?” I ask, because it would be nice to have a girl to hang out with. I would have to lie to Ian about how I know her, but I’ll just tack it onto the list of things I’m not telling him.
“No, we’re doing a family night tonight since they’re going on the road. I used to travel with them, and Liv would too, but since she started gymnastics last year and with how important it is to her, I stay home so she doesn’t miss any classes.”
She’s an amazing mom, is my first thought. To be so selfless and ensure Olivia’s needs are being met. It should be the basics of being a parent, but in my case, I never grew up with that. Don’t get me wrong, my grams and pops were great and took care of us, but it shouldn’t have had to be them. You know?
“That sounds like a great time. Ian wants to spend time with me before the away games. That’s why I’m going. And Quentin will be there,” I add, internally freaking out over that fact.
Three people in one space, with one big secret doesn’t sound like a great idea, if you ask me.
“Oh, I wouldn’t expect him to be anywhere else.” She smiles, a knowing look in her eye.
“I don’t know what you mean,” I respond, crossing my arms under my chest.
“My brother is a caretaker. Always has been, so I know he’s going to be wherever you are, taking care of you both.”
“He really is. Sometimes I have to remind him that I can take care of myself and Blueberry. I’m pregnant, not dying,” I say with a smile, a small laugh accompanying it.
She smirks. “I like you already.”
Olivia interrupts before I can respond, “Mom, can we visit Auntie Aurora and Uncle Cam and Vivi and Aiden tomorrow?”
Camille laughs, and in a gentle tone, says, “No, Livvy, we can’t. They live in Colorado, which is a bit far from us. And your dad is taking you out for the day to spend time with you.”
Olivia pouts, but nods in understanding. “Okay, but soon?”
“They’re coming to visit in two months. All of your aunts, uncles, and cousins.”
“Yay!” she exclaims, then tugs on her mom’s arm. “Can we go get Dad?”
“All right, I’m going to go find my husband. You okay here?” She looks back at me.
“Yes, it was nice to talk to you.” I give her a small smile, which she returns with a full one.
“Likewise,” she says with a wave before taking Olivia’s hand and walking away.
I notice a few women looking at me in curiosity, but I avoid their gazes, pulling out my phone to see my group chat with Kaya and Clara is going off.
Clara
Teags, can we throw you a baby shower?
Kaya
We know you don’t like big ordeals, so it would just be the three of us.
Clara
But if there’s anyone from Quentin’s side you’d like there, let me know. I was just thinking how we should celebrate you and Blueberry.
Kaya
Don’t let Clara influence you theme wise, do what you want.
Clara
