“If you say so.” Nikki grabbed her phone and started to FaceTime her mother. “Here goes nothing,” she whispered as the phone connected.
Her mother’s beaming face lit up the screen. “Nikki! I am so glad you called!” She waved. “Hi Chase.”
I waved back. “Evenin’, Miss Jennings.”
Nikki started to cry instantly. “Damn hormones,” she muttered while wiping off her face. “Mom, I have some news.” She paused, glancing over at me. “Well, we have news.”
Miss Jennings’ eyes grew three sizes as her face washed with worry. “Oh? What are you crazy kids up to?”
“We moved in together,” I blurted out. The anticipation of the bigger news was weighing on me, and I needed to say something.
Nikki’s mom’s face softened. “Oh, lord, thank heavens. I was worried you were going to say something else.”
“Wait, Mom, there is more.” Nikki fought the tears and forced a smile. “We’re pregnant.”
Miss Jennings face twisted into the most joyous grin I had ever seen. “Well, Chase, I guess it’s time for you to start calling me Barb,” she joked, and Nikki sniffled.
“Mom, you’re not mad?”
“How could I be mad, Nik? You are going to be the most wonderful mother and I cannot wait to be a grammy.” By this point, all three of us were crying. “Chase, have you told your folks yet?”
I shook my head. “No ma’am. You’re the first one we’ve told.”
“Well, don’t I feel special. You better get your little butt to the docs and have them check on my little grandbaby in your tummy. And Chase, you better make her take her vitamins and start taking it easy.”
“I promise.” I muttered, wiping my wet cheeks.
“I think Chase is going to be breathing down my neck to make sure I am doing everything right to grow a healthy little bun in my oven.”
We ended the call and Nikki started to cry harder.
“What’s wrong, babe? That went so well.” My thumbs started to fight the tears rolling down her cheeks.
“I’m just so happy.” She was hysterical, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
“You’re too cute when you’re hormonal and sentimental.”
“Chase?” She looked up at me with watery doe eyes.
“Yes, my love?”
She scooted closer to me. “I think I want to teach dance instead of staying with the New York City Ballet. I think it will be better for taking care of our baby since you will be going out of town for games and at practice so much. I just think it is for the best.”
“You’ve thought a lot about this haven’t you?”
“Yeah, and there are a few studios hiring that are pretty close to here.”
I tucked her into my side. “If you think that is for the best, then I support you. I also think we can make it work if you want to stay where you are.”
Chapter 15
Nikki
Walkinginto Serena’s office for the second time was more nerve-racking than the first. I had already told Lisa and Jules about the baby and my choice to leave the ballet, but it was time to bite the bullet and tell the big boss.
“Nicolette, what a lovely surprise.” Serena waved me in. “Please, sit down.”
I took a deep breath before taking my seat. “How have you been, Miss Serena?”