Page 37 of Hooking

Cravings: pumpkin cream cheese muffins

Heartburn out of control.

Finally felt you kick. Made me cry.

Dad’s emotions: Still haven’t told him about you. I know I should have by now since we’re halfway there, but I just can’t find the right thing to say to him.

I snap my pregnancy journal shut as I sit on the front porch of my parents’ home. Annoyed. That’s the current mood I’ve been living in for the past month since I decided to visit my parents in Ketchum.

Two months. It’s been two months since the Pucks and Fucks Podcast aired Channing’s interview revealing that he was indeed not becoming a father to some money-hungry puck bunny. I was so happy, I peed myself. Literally. One of the perks of pregnancy bladder.

My phone beeps from the wicker table as I reflect on the past month. I told Hayley I needed time and took an extended leave, making her promise to not tell Channing where I had gone.

My parents were shocked yet ecstatic they were going to become grandparents. Not how they had envisioned it, but they were excited, nonetheless.

Hayley: Channing asked about you again today. Wants to know when you’re coming back.

Channing had called and texted what felt like a million times when the news broke that Natasha was a snake. I didn’t know what to say to him though. ‘I’m happy you’re not going to be the father of Natasha’s baby, but congrats, I’m pregnant, so you’re still going to be a dad.’

Yeah, not exactly how you start over.

Does he even want to start over? But what if he does want to start over? Will telling him about the baby make him think otherwise?

I know I shouldn’t think like that, but it’s crossed my mind several times. This isn’t how I expected having a baby to go. Sure, it wasn’t expected to begin with, but I never thought I would actually be doing it alone because I’m scared to tell Channing it’s his.

Hayley must not like my avoidance because not even two minutes after she sent her text, my phone rings. “Please tell me you’re not avoiding me now.”

“I’m not,” I say, slowly rubbing my hand over my small bump. “Just a lot on my mind is all.”

“You’re sure about that? You’ve been gone for a month. And as much as I’m happy you’re spending time with your parents, I want my best friend and assistant back. Margie is just not cutting it. Yesterday, she double booked me and then gave me the wrong paperwork. I almost put Campbell on injured reserve because she gave me Denizen’s file.”

“I’ll be back in another week or two,” I say, knowing that she’s not exaggerating. Margie is her father’s secretary who is way past her prime. She should have been forced to retire the moment she sent Mr. Richards to Mexico, not New Mexico where his meeting was. “Plus, I have a doctor’s appointment, so I have to come back.”

“Oh, thank God, I haven’t lost you to Ketchum. Not gonna lie, I thought I was gonna have to fly to Idaho and drag your ass back here.”

I can’t help but smile at her over-exaggeration. It’s not like I’m going to leave Seattle. At least not yet. But once the baby comes, I’m not quite sure what I’m going to do. Especially if I end up as a single mom.

“There will be no ass dragging, thank you. You’re just not my type.”

She laughs before saying, “Well, I do know someone who is your type and completely available.”

“How is he?” I asked instantly, regretting it.

“He’s okay. His stats are all off. Granted, I think it’s because he’s slightly distracted, but

you should call him, Cass.”

“And say what?”

She releases a sad sigh. “I don’t know. Keep it casual. Just put him out of his misery, Cass.”

“I’ll see you in a week.”

“Oh, Cass. I didn’t mean to upset you. I—” She starts to say before I cut her off.

“It’s fine, Hayley. I’m just feeling a little nauseous right now. I should eat something.”

“Okay. I’ll talk to you later,” she says, before I disconnect the call.

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