Page 86 of Third and Ten

My phone chimes and I jump up to grab it, secretly hoping to hear from JD again. But it’s my mom, letting me know my dad is having a particularly bad afternoon. I say a quick prayer for his sake before returning to my work.

A minute later, I get the text I’ve been waiting for, and I can’t help smiling to myself as soon as I see JD’s name at the top of the thread.

JD

Just got done with practice, and it turns out that I’m not as sweaty or tired as predicted. So, if you change your mind about later…

Just lmk if you’d like me to stop by after I put the kids to bed, and I’ll make sure I don’t go overboard at dinner. ;)

Tenley

How…romantic.

*gif of Jimmy Fallon saying “Ew!”*

JD

Uh, quick, think about my muscles? My butt in a football uniform?

How about, I’m great with kids?

Tenley

*gif of Blanche from The Golden Girls spritzing herself*

JD

Does that mean I can see you later tonight, Blanche?

Tenley

You know, I’ve always considered myself to be more of a Dorothy…

JD

*heart react*

Good thing I like my women old and bossy.

I bite my lip, suddenly nervous again. I thought I’d taken care of the JD situation for tonight, but I should’ve known better than to assume he wouldn’t at least try to take me up on that offer. I’d dangled the possibility of sex in front of him, after all, even if it was only meant to be a joke.

I know JD isn’t going to pressure me into anything before we’re both ready. I’m just not sure that one thing won’t lead to another, given our…chemistry.

Then the thought occurs to me that the overwhelming attraction might not be coincidental, as well as this afternoon’s case of sudden-onset baby fever. I reflect on some of the symptoms I use to track my cycles and open the charting app on my phone.

Bingo. Peak fertility.

Well, that explains a lot. It also means I have no choice but to be responsible this weekend, or JD and I could be in big trouble.

I need backup or a pep talk, and Loren is the first person who comes to mind. I grab my phone and hope she answers quickly.

Tenley

Hey…are you busy?

Loren

Not at all. Plus, thanks to your boyfriend, Camellia’s pretty empty, so I don’t exactly have any exciting prospects.

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