Page 138 of Ruin The Friendship
“I have a pit sticking out of my center, so that's the only way I can describe it.” I take a bite of popcorn, washing it down with my pop.
“I can see it,” Grace says, running her eyes up and down my body. “Doesn’t change the fact that you’re adorable.”
Groaning, I mumble out a thank you as she sits beside me. The arena is absolutely packed. It was close, but the guys have made it to the second round of the playoffs.
It’s the first game of the second round, and my heart is already pounding in anticipation. This is probably going to be my last game before the baby comes, since getting here was a feat in itself. My body hurts so bad,and my lower back is killing me today. Grace was nice enough to pick me up, so I didn’t have to leave when Fletcher did. I wasn’t up to driving myself tonight.
My mom tried to call me earlier today, but I declined. She’s left me multiple voicemails since the day the article came out. I haven’t responded. Never once in any message has she apologized for the hurt she caused me and the way she used Fletcher and caused a rift in our relationship, no matter how brief it was.
I can’t knowingly open myself up to any more hurt from them, and I definitely am going to do everything in my power to protect my daughter from it, too.
In an attempt to conserve energy, I stay in my seat for warm-ups. I’ve been napping often, too tired to function by the end of the workday.
Fletcher skates over, waving at me from his favorite spot on the ice, and heat floods my cheeks when he blows me a kiss.
Zoey plops down next to me, handing me a pop and swiping a handful of my popcorn.
“Hey,” I scold. “That’s mine.”
She laughs. “There’s plenty more in the back.”
“Never take a pregnant woman’s food, Zo.” I gesture to the machine behind us. “You want some, go get your own.” I narrow my eyes, daring her to take another handful of the popcorn Grace so kindly brought me.
“Jeepers, fine,” Zoey says with a scared-sounding laugh. “You always used to share your popcorn.”
“That was before a child inhabited my uterus and turned me into a popcorn fiend. I swear, this popcorn is the only thing that sounds good right now. Nothing else will live up to it, and believe me, I’ve tried.”
She shakes her head dramatically. “And that is why I’mscared to get pregnant. Don’t get me wrong, I want kids. The pregnancy, though? No way. Too much discomfort, and I feel like I wouldn’t even know my own body anymore.”
An ache spreads through my back, and I groan. “Ugh, I have to adjust.”
I pass my popcorn to Zoey with a glare, hoping she gets the hint not to take any more, and stand, stretching my body before sitting back down and readjusting.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Grace questions, her eyes filled with concern.
“Totally fine.” I wave her off. “Just the end of pregnancy aches and pains.”
Zoey hands me my popcorn back, and we chat about nothing and everything while we wait for the game to start.
Ten minutes into the first period, Calvin scores the first goal with an assist from Adam, giving us the lead.
I’ve had to shift in my seat no less than ten times, and I’m so unbelievably uncomfortable. I’ve been having some practice contractions this week, and tonight is no exception. These are a bit stronger than the ones I’ve previously had, but they aren’t regular by any means.
“God, I’m so glad to have Adam back,” Zoey says when the first period finishes. “It’s been so nice having him around again. And now, he and Vincent can finally get to know each other, too.”
Grace chimes in. “Calvin is absolutely loving playing with him again.”
“Fletcher loves it too.” I wince when an especially painful tightness spreads across my stomach.
“Okay, now what was that?” Grace pulls out her phone.
“It’s nothing,” I say through gritted teeth. “Just a practice contraction.”
She types something on her phone. “Practice my ass.”
I wave off Zoey’s fluttering hands. “I’m fine. My doctor said if they aren’t consistent, it’s just practice. Besides, I can’t leave the game.”
Zoey glances over at Grace. “Are you timing these?”
