Page 27 of The Golden Goalie

“Not until you show us what’s in that room,” Seb says, crossing his arms over his chest. I shake my head. I know that look. He may fool everybody into thinking that he’s a goofball, but I know better. He has an incredible work ethic and drive under his carefree persona; he’s also incredibly stubborn when he wants to be. They all are; which makes them incredibleteammates on the ice. Off the ice...not so much in a situation like this.

“Let’s see,” Gunner says.

“Not you too,” I groan.

“It’s official. Cap wants in,” Seb says with a grin.

“Fine,” I snap. “But only because I want this idiocy to end.” I open the door and step out of the way as all three of them crowd into the small room. Somebody whistles, but other than that, it’s silent.Too silent. I head into the fray. I’m going to have to deal with them sooner or later. Might as well get it over with.

“Dude,” Sebastian says, turning to look around the room. “You are way in over your head.”

I agree in his assessment but keep it to myself. Gunner turns a confused look on me. “I thought you weren’t dating her.”

“I’m not.”

“It looks like you are,” Sebastian says with a laugh. “It looks like she’s moving in with you, actually.”

“I don’t know why you guys are giving me such a hard time. This was your idea!”

“Mine?” Seb asks, eyes wide.

“Yeah, from that stupid list.”

“I said a basket. Asmall basketof stuff. This—” he shakes his head and then starts laughing. He puts his hand on my shoulder as a sympathetic smile crosses his face. “You are in deep, my Friend.”

“No, I’m not,” I argue, though I sense it’s useless. Then I face all three of them. “You think it’s too much?” I ask, rubbing the back of my neck. The fact that they all start laughing does not bode well for me.

Chapter 13

Amber

The next few weeks fly by. Between going to school full-time, working full-time, and growing a baby, I’m exhausted all the time. I had my sixteen-week appointment last week, and I told my doctor that I’m still sick all the time. But he waved off my concerns and said it was normal for a first pregnancy, especially because I’m under so much stress.

I haven’t seen Rico since that night at his house. I’m kind of surprised I haven’t heard from him but kind of not as well. He’s somebody that I can’t quite figure out. But it’s a good thing. I can’t be in another relationship, and being around the handsome goalie makes me question that. So, keeping my distance is really good. Sadly, he’s not the only one I’ve been keeping my distance from. I haven’t spent any good quality time with my mom or Brielle for a while. It’s not on purpose; it’s just sort of happened. Part of me mourns the loss of what used to be, but the other part knows this is just how it is. I got myself into this mess, and I need to see it through. I’ve never been a super dependable person. Looking back, I see that now. I see that my mom babied me, and maybe Brielle did too. And I let them. But that all ended when I got pregnant. I had to grow up and face my new reality. There’s no time to feel sorry for myself. Whenever I do, I remind myself I’m not working hard enough, and I get back to work. I’m not going to be able to keep my distance today, though. It’s my mom’s birthday, and Brielle is having a small party at her house. I get dressed for the day, frowning at the way my t-shirt fits over my growing belly. It’s still not supernoticeable, but there’s definitely a bump now. I run my hands over it; it still always amazes me that there’s a baby growing inside there. “I’m going to take care of you,” I say softly as I run my hand over the small bump. I’ve already been looking at apartments, but I haven’t told my mom yet. But there’s no way I’m going to stay here once the baby is born. She doesn't need that added pressure; it would be too much for her. I’ve been trying to pick up as many weekend shifts at the library as possible to start saving for it, but it all seems so impossible with what I’m still paying for classes and for my mom’s medicine. I haven't told my mom yet just how behind we are. I keep hoping I can just get to the end of this pregnancy and college classes and then be able to start catching up, but I don’t know. But I refuse to tell her. This is my mess; I will figure it out.

“Amber, Honey, are you ready?”

I open my door. “I’m ready, Mom.” She doesn’t say anything, and I look at her face. She’s staring at my stomach.

“Amber,” she breathes. She reaches out and rubs my belly, and I stand still. Her teary gaze meets mine. “You’re showing.”

“I’m not really able to hide it as well anyway.”

“Amber,” she scolds. “You don’t need to hide this.”

I don’t respond as I grab my wallet and phone. “Ready to get to your party?”

She sighs. “I guess. I wish you girls wouldn’t make such a fuss.”

“We’re barely making a fuss, Mom,” I tell her as we head down the hallway. “We’re just celebrating you; I think we’re allowed to do that on your birthday.”

“Well, I hope you didn’t go to too much trouble.”

I kiss her cheek. “We love you.” I detour to the kitchen and grab the dessert I made for today.

“What did you make?” she asks.

“What’s your favorite dessert this time of year?”

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