Chapter 34
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
B riar
It’s been a month since I’ve given birth. Aaron has been by my side except for when he goes to class or practice. The official season hasn’t started yet so at least Aaron isn’t missing out on games. He has the NHL teams watching him this year since he is a senior. He’s hoping to be able to have more than one offer from a team close to Riverside, since I still need to finish my degree.
I’m at home during the day, taking care of Atlas. Most days the house is quiet since everyone is at school, practice, or out having fun. I’m breastfeeding Atlas on the couch in the family room when Hugh walks in. He’s one of the freshies living with us this year.
“Oh shit, sorry.” He turns away since my boob is fully out and Atlas is sucking on it.
I grab one of Atlas’s blankets and throw it over us.
“Sorry, I wasn’t expecting anyone to be home this time of day,” I say.
“Right, yeah,” he says. He heads upstairs to his room. I hear him call his friend. “Bruh, I just saw Murray’s girlfriend’s tit,” he says. Damn. This isn’t good. We need our own place. Mack and Ruby have been chill about having us around, but we are a family now. These living arrangements aren’t working.
My cell rings and I answer the call. It’s Annie.
“How are you doing?” she asks.
“Fine, just feeding Atlas,” I say, placing my cell on the pillow beside us.
“Aw, he’s such a cutie,” she says.
“How’s school going?” I ask.
“It’s been good. It’s full days but I love what I am learning, finally,” she says of veterinary school.
“That’s awesome. I think it’s great that you’re going after your passions. Sometimes I wonder if I made the right decision with wanting to go to law school,” I admit.
“Well, you have time to think on it,” she reminds.
“Yeah, I love being home with Atlas, but I think it would be best if I return to school for the spring semester instead of waiting until next year. I want to have a degree in my hand.”
“That sounds like a solid plan,” she says.
“How’s your new condo? Is it weird to be living alone?” I ask.
“It’s lonely when Cade’s out of town,” she notes, sounding like she really misses him.
“That’s going to be me next year when Aaron is traveling with a team,” I say.
“You kind of get used to it but not really,” she says. “Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.”
“Nah, I get it. It’s their job. They get paid well to do it. It comes at a price. Do you know if your building has any available apartments? I know they like to rent to grad students, but maybe they would consider us because they are family friendly.”
“Uh oh, are things not working out in the hockey house?” she asks.
“Well, Hugh, that’s the freshie, just walked in on me breastfeeding Atlas. He kind of got embarrassed and called his friend and told him that he saw Murray’s girlfriend’s tits.”
She starts laughing so hard she’s cracking up. “Shit, Briar, I’m sorry. It’s funny but not funny.”
“Tell me about it,” I say. “I’m breastfeeding for goodness sakes. My tits as he called them are now my baby’s food.”
“I can look into it and let you know. I see the property manager around all the time,” she says.
“That would be great. I think Aaron and I need our own space.”
“You guys are adorable,” Annie says.
“Thanks, I’m tired is what I am.” I yawn. “Atlas fell asleep. I’m going to put him down and take a little nap myself.”
“Okay, we’ll talk soon. I’ll be in touch,” she says.
“Thanks.”
We end the call. I place Atlas in the bassinet we have set up in the family room.
I’m out like a light the moment my head hits the pillow.
Atlas is stirring and I open my eyes. “Hi, Buttercup,” Aaron greets me. He’s holding Atlas and swaying him in his arms.
“I picked up some roasted chicken and mashed potatoes,” he says. “We ran out of Mom’s meals yesterday.”
“It’s impressive they lasted a month. Thanks for picking up dinner,” I say to him.
He leans down and kisses me. Since he has to be up early for morning skate, I’m the one who wakes up with Atlas.
“I think we need to move,” I mention to him.
He sits beside me on the couch. “I thought things were going well here.”
“If you call Hugh walking in on me breastfeeding Atlas and him running to tell his friend on the phone that he saw Murray’s girlfriend’s tits, then you know it’s going well.”
Aaron passes Atlas over to me. “I’m going to kill him.” He stands from the couch.
“It’s not his fault. He’s an eighteen-year-old kid, and we are a family with real responsibilities,” I remind.
“You’re right. We should move. Atlas should have his own room. Maybe I can contact a real estate agent,” he suggests.
“I spoke to Annie earlier. Her condo is mostly for grad students, but I think they can give us an exception. It’s not like we’ll be throwing any ragers anytime soon.”
“I’m down with that if it’s what you want,” he replies.
“We need our own space,” I confirm.
“You’re right. This was just a trial. I’m sure there are some guys from the team who would love to take over the empty rooms. I just feel bad leaving Luc and Mack with a bunch of freshies.”
“They’ll survive. It’s Ruby I’m worried about.”
“She’ll be fine. If one of the freshies gets into her space, Mack will put them in their place,” he assures.
“I know.”
“Let’s go have dinner, yeah?”
I get up and take Atlas with me. He has light hair and his eyes are a mix of green and blue. He’s growing so fast.
“Mom and Dad want to come by this weekend. Maybe they can stay with Atlas for a couple of hours and we can go out somewhere,” Aaron suggests.
“That sounds perfect. I haven’t been out of the house all month. I could use some fresh air,” I say.
“Perfect.”