Page 123 of Break Out

With a watery glower she sighed. “It’s better than okay, pumpkin. These are happy tears.”

There was a knock on the door and my doctor came into the room. She spoke with the tech and looked at the various measurements, and looked at me. “You’re still feeling all right?”

I nodded. “Just tired, but it’s been that way the whole time.”

She smiled. “Yes. You’re starting the second trimester soon, so you might feel a little less tired.”

“Enjoy that while you can,” Mom muttered.

The doctor tipped her head at Mom. “Right. I’m referring you for a gestational diabetes test. It’s standard procedure to keep you and the baby healthy. In the meantime, everything looks good and we’ll see you back next month unless something changes.”

The tech handed me an envelope. “I’ve written down the gender in there, that way he won’t hear, and we’ve had moms-to-be change their minds and want a surprise after all.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, and there are paper towels, so you can wipe off the gel before you get dressed.”

“I’ll wait outside for you,” Steel said.

I squeezed his hand. “Okay. Are you coming back to the apartment?”

He checked the time on his phone. “We’ll see.”

As soon as the door closed behind him, Mom held her hand out. “Let me see. I’m dying to know.”

I held out the envelope and kept hold after she grabbed it. “Don’t tell me. I decided I don’t want to know.”

Outrage washed over her. “Simone Dolores, you can’t be serious!”

“What? I’m not keeping you from knowing.”

She scoffed. “Yeah, but I won’t be able to tell anybody because your brother can’t keep a secret, neither can Abby, and it’s only because Alexandra has a big mouth that I knew about your break up with Jordan.”

I gave her a closed lip smile. “There’s always Dad.”

Mom growled under her breath and took the envelope. “I’ll keep this safe. At least I can think about baby shower themes.”

I tilted my head. “Without giving away the gender, right?”

Her smile fell. “You really know how to rain on a parade, honey.”

I chuckled. “Sorry… not sorry?”

She shook her head. “Do you need more towels for the gel?”

I wiped my belly one last time. “No, I’m good.”

“All right. Will we see you this weekend?”

The paper on the exam table made a crinkling sound as I swung off. “I’m supposed to be in Augusta.”

“Again? This is crazy.”

I adjusted my blouse. “I have to figure out if I can handle living there.”

She sighed.

“It’s only a little over four hours away, Mom.”

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