it in my lap instead.
Rory hummed. “Do I want a burger, a cheese quesadilla, chocolate cake, or a salad made of pickles and tomatoes?”
“Get ‘em all. See what you like.”
“I can’t do that.”
“Why not?”
“Because it’d be like nailing a neon sign with a flashing arrow to my uterus. I’m trying to keep the…” she whispered the word, “pregnancy a secret.”
“You don’t have to keep the baby a secret with me.”
She batted me with the menu as the music lulled. “Shush! Don’t even mention the word. From now on…call it a football.”
“What?”
“I’m carrying a football.”
“Make sure you wash the lube off of it first.”
She batted me with the menu again but smiled politely as the waitress returned to take our orders.
“Burger please,” Rory said. “But no condiments on it. Or cheese. And don’t even let it near any onions.” She bit her lip. “Can you put some ice cream on the side of it?”
I stared at the menu. “And I’d like a cheese quesadilla, piece of chocolate cake, and any variety of pickled vegetable you have in the restaurant.” Damn it. I ordered for Rory but forgot what I wanted. My mind blanked, and I pointed to the first thing I saw. “Poutine.”
What the hell was poutine?
The waitress didn’t question our orders. Then again, McCrees was a common Rivets’ hangout. She was probably used to pregnant woman.
That didn’t mean I was. “So this football…you still haven’t said who…handed it off to you.”
Rory’s teeth clamped down on her straw. Message received. “It was a mistake. And I should’ve known better, but I thought we’d just…go for it.”
“Does he know about the football?”
“The signals didn’t get crossed, if that’s what you mean. He doesn’t agree with my play call. Would have preferred that I…punt.”
“And so he’s left you alone on the field?” My words sharpened. That was twice I’d gotten aggravated this evening, but at least this irritation was justified.
No one treated Rory like this.
Rory bit her lip. “When we played the game, he rushed to the line. I thought we plugged the hole, but a rusher got through.”
“And then he dumped the ball back on you after he scored.”
“Look, I can handle it,” she said. “Sure, my life is a little out of bounds now, but I’m not going to fumble. As long as I keep the game plan a secret for a bit longer, I’ll come out with a winning record.” She sipped her water. “I’ve just gotta remember not to spike this football.”
I stared into her eyes for a moment too long—savoring her determination, her grace, and her bravery.
“I’m sorry, Doc…” The silence stretched. “Are we still talking about a baby…or is this another cognitive test?”
Rory shook her head. “I’ve got it under control. I don’t care about the player involved.”
“He’s a football player?”
“No. I meant he’s…someone who jumps in and out of bed with women. It was my fault for not realizing his reputation.”
“This isn’t your fault. This guy needs to step up.”
“Getting him involved would be chaos. We talked, and I’m going to do this myself. I have to focus on the fellowship now. It’s too good of an opportunity to waste, and if anyone learns about the pregnancy, I’ll lose this chance. The fellowship will take my spot and award it to one of the dozen others who applied.” Rory rubbed her tummy. “One of the men who wanted the gig. Just because they have a penis, they think they can practice medicine better than me. Well, I’ll have you know, I’ve got a nine-month study buddy with me now. She’ll come in handy.”
I chuckled, but Rory hadn’t moved her hand. Her fingers drew little circles over her flat tummy.
“Is it a baby or a genie?”
She frowned. “What?”
“The way you’re rubbing,” I said. “Looks like you expect the baby to pop out and grant you three wishes.”
Rory jerked away, checking to see if anyone else had caught her motion.
“Relax,” I said. “I think most people walk out of here clutching their guts. You’re fine.”
She sighed, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “You know…I could use a genie about now.”
“Got a wish you want to make?”
“Don’t you?” Her smile was a gentle tease.
“Only one,” I said.
“What is it?”
“You first.”
Rory shrugged. “Isn’t it obvious? I want my fellowship.”
“That’s fair.”
She met my gaze with a temptingly arched eyebrow. “And I know what you want.”
I hoped not. Rory was far too innocent to read the thoughts that stiffened me head to groin.
“You want to play football,” she said.
“Eight