Page 41 of The Game Changer

“Do you need to sit down for a little bit?” I ask, starting to feel helpless that I can’t make things better for her.

“I’ll be fine for a little longer. I might have to go find us a table early for lunch and just wait for the two of you there,” she says.

“Want me to go rent you one of those electric cart things?” I offer.

“Don’t you even dare,” she tells me, that stern mom voice coming out.

“No electric carts, got it,” I say, laughing at how serious she got when she shot down my offer.

“I’ll be fine. Just a muscle that won’t stop twitching on me. I’ll get an appointment with my chiropractor when I get home and he’ll get it back to normal once again.”

“Would a massage help?” I ask.

“Probably,” she replies.

“I can make a few calls and see if I can find anyone with an opening for late today that you could see.”

“I’ll be fine, little brother. You don’t have to worry about me so much,” she says, trying to reassure me. Little does she know, I can see right through her BS and know that she’s in more pain than she’s leading on about.

At the next animal enclosure, I slip my phone from my pocket, sending off a group text to Becca, Scott, Brian, Kinley, and Jill to see if anyone has any suggestions on where I can get Cindi in for a massage, at the least.

John: Question for all of you, but probably more so for the women. I’d like to book an appointment—today preferably—for my sister to get a pregnancy massage. Anyone have any suggestions on places to call?

Becca: How sweet of you! There is a mommy to be spa type place that I’ve been to a couple of times. I can send you their contact info if you’d like.

John: That’d be great, thanks!

Becca: Anytime!

Kinley: Ditto what Becca said, I went to the same place and they were always really good.

John: Thanks, ladies, I knew you’d have the answer.

I look up from my phone, checking to see where Cindi and Mason are. They’re both watching as the animal trainers check out the elephants, getting them to lift their feet so they can be looked at. I hit the contact from Becca’s text to call this place she recommended.

“Mommy to Be, this is Pam, how can I help you?”

“Hi, I’d like to book an appointment for my sister. She’s visiting and pregnant with twins. Her back has been bothering her, do you happen to have anything available today?”

“Are you looking for just a massage for her or any other services?”

“Uh..” I stammer, “no idea, a friend’s wife recommended your business, what other services do you offer?”

“We’re a full spa, so everything from facials, massages, manicures and pedicures.”

“Oh, okay,” I say. “Do you have any packages that include a few services?”

“We do!” she says, her voice getting a little excited. “I have an opening for this afternoon, starting at two, for a three-service package. She can choose from any three services we offer. I can also do a four-service option, as well, it just depends on how long she’d want to be here. We allot an hour for each, unless she opts for a longer massage.”

“That sounds perfect. Let’s go with the four-service package,” I tell Pam. I give her all of Cindi’s information before hanging up. We’ve got a few hours until she needs to be dropped off, so I slide my phone back into my pocket and join them at the fence.

“Everything okay?” Cindi asks once I’m back by her side.

“Yep, just taking care of something quick,” I tell her, not wanting to spoil my surprise just yet.

“Okay,” she says, leaning her head on my shoulder. I wrap my arm around her, letting her lean more of her weight on me. I’m sure to the average outsider we look like a couple, here with our son, but I don’t really give a shit what other people think.

“Uncle John,” Mason says, getting my attention.

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