Page 77 of Resilient Rhythms
“I didn’t see that coming,” Levi admits as he hugs me. “I one-hundred percent did not see that coming. Damn, Kenny.” He kisses my cheek. “You good, mama?”
“I’m good, Levi,” I answer truthfully. “For the first time in a long time, I may actually be great.”
Levi grins at me and the shadows that perpetually cloud his eyes lighten for a heartbeat.
“Do we really have to bowl now?” Allegra asks, her eyes darting around the group. “Don’t we want to go…celebrate?”
“And skip bowling?” Mav clasps his chest in horror. “What kind of a team player are you, Allegra Rousell?”
“A shitty one,” Levi laments, smirking at A.
She smacks him in the stomach and Derek flips him the middle finger.
“At least one game,” I say. “I’ve actually been looking forward to this.”
“That’s because you’re good at it,” Levi grumbles.
“The best,” Mav agrees.
“Come on, guys,” I continue. “I’m just happy to be doing something normal with you all.”
“Oh, all right,” Allegra acquiesces. “But then, let’s go out for dinner. We have so much to discuss.” She reaches for my hand. “Baby names, nursery themes, your due date. Did you tell Nova and Ivy yet?”
“No,” I laugh, loving that she’s as excited as I am. It feels good to be swept up in something happy and loving. It feels even better to connect with one of my best friends again. “I haven’t even told my parents.”
Jameson’s eyes gleam at this news. As if he needed the assurance that he truly is the most important person in Mav’s life—the man he goes to first for all things, always.
“Can we tell Ivy and Nova before your parents?” Allegra asks, wrinkling her nose.
Levi chuckles. “It’s not your news to share, little sister.”
“Please, Kenny,” Allegra continues. “I can’t keep a secret as happy as this one.”
“We’ll call them at dinner,” I agree.
“Yes!” she squeals, squeezing my hand. “Okay, let’s get bowling over with.”
“Jesus, A, it’s as if you don’t even want to be on The Bowling Tones,” Mav accuses.
She snorts and flicks a dismissive wrist. We all hear what she’s not saying—I don’t.
I fight the urge to laugh and move to pick up my bowling ball.
“Are you sure that one isn’t too heavy?” Jameson calls out.
“You’re still healing,” Mav reminds me, hurrying to my side.
“I’ll bowl for you if you’re tired,” Levi offers.
“Seriously?” Allegra gapes, her eyes darting around the guys. “If all it takes is getting knocked up to have you all dote on me, maybe I’ll let you put a baby in me.” She looks at Derek.
“I’ve been begging for a while now, Stellina,” he replies without missing a beat.
“Ew,” Levi groans.
“Ahh! Do it. We can be pregnant together,” I gush.
Derek’s smile widens into a grin.
