Page 22 of Falling Stars

“It’s not okay. Is Amara helping you with bills? Did she find a job? She’s always so evasive when I ask her.”

“She got a check from Diego.” Whether she’s planning to give me some of that is another story. I love my sister, but she’s terrible with money.

“Oh, did you get the crochet kit I sent you?”

“The little lion? Yes, it’s adorable, but you know I can’t crochet to save my life.”

She rubs her temple. “You have to make it. And promise me it’ll always stay with the baby.”

The way she says it sends chills down my arms. “I promise, but what’s so important about this toy?”

“It’s just…tuve un sueño.”

When she doesn’t say more, I let out a groan. “Are you going to share what was in this dream?”

“No puedo explicarlo.All I know is you have to crochet the toy and make sure you write or engrave the baby’s name on the wooden handle.”

I can’t be frustrated with her. I’ve had plenty of dreams I can’t explain. “If the lion looks more like a mongoose, will this be a problem?”

She smiles. “As long as it’s done with the love of a mother, it will be enough.”

My two o’clock appointment knocks on the salon window.

“Mom, I have to go.”

“I hate that you have to work on Sunday. What time is Maverick’s game?”

Of course she knows he plays today. “It already started.” I’ve been panicked about missing it all week. I had my neighbor record it on her DVR, so I can watch it after work. Ever since I declined Mav’s invitation to fly to New York, I’ve regretted it. Paige and Mav’s brothers are up there now while I get to dye someone’s roots.

Am I destined to miss out on all the fun in life, like college and trips to New York to see NFL games, because I have to keep my family afloat in Wild Heart?

Even though I’m in the middle of a pity party, I can admit I miss Maverick. He and I might not be close like we used to be, but I’ll always be his biggest fan. I wish we could get past our awkwardness, but every time I go to text him, I can’t think of what to say. That bra landing in his face plays in my head on repeat, and it pisses me off that I care.

“Maybe you’ll catch the end of the game,” my mom says, breaking into my thoughts.

That’s unlikely, but I smile to reassure her. “I’ll talk to you in a few days. Love you.”

“Love you,mija.”

When I unlock the front door, I get a sharp pain in my back that has me sucking in a breath.

“Are you okay, dear?” Miss Rosie says. “You look like you’re going to burst.”

I chuckle as I rub my back, which makes my giant belly bulge out more. “Believe it or not, I still have a few weeks to go.”

“Oh my word. I’ll say a prayer for you.” She takes my hand. “Are you sure you should be working right now?”

As much as I’d love to go on maternity leave for the next three years, I can’t afford to take off even one day. “I’ll be fine. Lorraine Ashbury just told me last week that I have good birthing hips.”

Which means she thinks I have a big ass.

Bless her heart.

By the time I finish Miss Rosie’s hair, my back is aching something fierce.

“Dear, you don’t look so good,” she says as I finish blowing out her bangs.

“I’m okay,” I say, though I’m flushed and sweaty and hungry but also nauseated. I force myself to swallow. “Want to go to the Field House and grab a sandwich with me? My treat.”That bar has several TVs. Someone there will be watching Mav’s game.

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