Page 158 of The Nanny Goal

“But you’re only allowed to see that on after you tell us the whole story,” Kiley says, holding on to the hanger.

“Well, it starts with asparagus sorbet…” I leave out the more private bits, but they get the gist of what happened two years ago.

As one, my friends all look to Inessa, who is happily playing with Kiley and Becca’s dogs. “That same night?”

“The very same.”

“Ooof.”

“Mmm.”

“So you just…”

“Blocked him. Moved on with my life. Kissed a lot of frogs. Got into culinary school.” I blush. “And somehow, found my way back to them anyway. But I’m older and wiser now, and I know what I want.”

“Cheers to that.” Ani lifts her seltzer water. Then her eyes go wide and she puts her hand to her belly. “Oh.”

“Oh?” I think weallsaid that at the same time.

She breathes carefully. “Just Braxton-Hicks, I’m sure.”

A few more girlfriends arrive, and Ani doesn’t report any more contractions, but as we head downstairs, and then pose in the lobby as a whole group, I know I’m not the only one watching our most pregnant friend.

“It’s not time yet,” she says as we settle into our seats for the game. “I timed this baby to come in the off-season.”

As we wait for puck drop, I send a photo of my jacket to my mom. Not quite a peace offering, but I’m wearing it proudly, and I know she’ll like it.

Emery

Never thought I’d say this, but…had my WAG Jacket debut tonight

Mom

Does this mean Alexei will wear a chef’s jacket this summer when we visit?

I laugh. And then I drop a heart on it, because it’s not just that she tried to hit the right note, but that she sent it backimmediately.That says she’s been thinking about what I said.

I don’t send it to my brothers, but by the first intermission, Forrest has seen it on social media, and he sends a screen cap of that to the sibling chat.

Forrest

The Twittersphere doesn’t like your WAG jacket

Logan

Whoa, they’re already jacket official? Didn’t they start dating two weeks ago?

Camden

She’s living with him, she better be jacket official

Wyatt doesn’t reply, because his team is also playing tonight.

I smile and mute the chat notifications.

* * *

Hamilton wins, and is now up two games to one in the series, and they have another game at home still.

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