Page 59 of Power Move

As Davey entered the house, Chloe emerged, carrying a massive coffee mug.

“Watch out,” she said, “because the party people have arrived.”

I snickered. “For a bunch of old people, they go hard.”

“I hope I’m that interesting in my seventies.”

I laughed.

“Oh, there is the darling Eva Pavlak!” Norm announced, finding his way out as if on cue.

“Norm. How are you?” I asked.

“Good,” Norm said. “While you all strategize, I’m going on a wine tour with the other less-important people.”

“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, Norm,” Chloe said.

“You’re the fun Markham,” Norm declared.

“Tell Cal that,” she said. “Although, he will be evenlessfun soon. Daphne was having contractions last night. Who knows if we’ll have a baby soon.”

“That’s mildly terrifying,” Norm shivered.

I reacted internally, crossing all my fingers and toes that no one looked at my stomach as I stood to fetch my second allowable cup of coffee and thought the Delphines might be doubly blessed in short time. I held my empty coffee mug over my stomach like a sitcom actress might if hiding a pregnancy.

As I passed through the French doors opening into the living room, our CFO strode out like he was on fire, knocking into me. My coffee and plate flew, as did I, tripping and falling flat onto my stomach with a thud on the marble floor. I tried to stop myself with my wrist and failed. It smarted and pain surged. Nervously, I rolled over, spying his panicked face. His fear was nothing in comparison to the worry within me. My wrist ached but that wasn’t the real reason for concern. If a simple fall had cost me my chance at motherhood, I’d be heartbroken.

Daphne rushed over, ducking down slowly. “Oh my God! Are you okay, Eva?”

“Daph, get up before I have to hoist you,” Lanie pleaded. “Good God, woman, I am sure Eva is fine.”

I sat up awkwardly. I realized my stomach muscles didn’t work like they used to, and I was reliant on my left wrist only as my right was fucked.

“You fell awkwardly,” Daphne said. “We should get you to the doctor.”

“Nonsense, Daphne. She’s not made of glass!” Danna’s stiff-upper-lip-ness showed.

“This is not a ‘rub dirt on it’ situation, mother!” Daphne said. “Come on. Lanie, help me up!”

“Cal! Come hoist your wife!” Lanie shouted. “She’s again decided to get herself stuck down on the ground.”

“For fuck’s sake, Daphne!” Cal grumbled. “Why do you keep getting in these predicaments?”

“Eva fell.” Daphne took Cal’s hand.

Bob Lawrence, our CFO, stared in disbelief. “Oh, Eva, I feel terrible. I was focused on something else. Are you okay?”

“It was an accident,” I said. “My right hand is really screwed up.”

“Oh, God!” Bob panicked, holding his hand to assist me to my feet.

“You should see a doctor,” Daphne said. “I’ll take you.”

“We have a strategy session,” I protested.

“Yourwristis more important than that.” Daphne knew my worries.

“I suppose,” I said.