Shattered Pieces

Nine

Hands, tiny hands clash into my face, and I groan, knowing it's time to face the day. I have the headache of my life, and I can hear my husband's light laughs. He thinks this attack from my baby is funny. Just wait until he's sore after a big game. I'm going to make sure Grayson is nice and ready to give his dada the same treatment he's giving me right now.

I carefully open my eyes, and an unbearable pain slashes through my eyes as the light assaults me.

"Spencer," I groan while holding my temple. "Take him, please."

"Mama," Gray squeals, and I've never wanted to hear anything less.

"We're going to grab some breakfast. Feel free to join us when you're a little less zombie-like." Spencer grabs the baby, heading out of our room.

Uncoordinated movements follow as I try my best to make it out of bed. My phone begins to ring, and I already hate whoever feels the need to talk to me right now.

Of course, it's my partner in crime from last night.

"Kia," I attempt to smile, but it's more of a grimace as her face appears on my screen.

She appears to be in her kitchen, hunched over the island. Good to see she's doing as well as me.

"Liv, I think we had too much fun last night." We both attempt a laugh, but pain takes over.

I trudge toward the bathroom, cursing myself for every sip of alcohol I took last night.

"No such thing." I try to sound confident as Kia musters up a weak smile.

"I knew you'd be my other half the moment I met you!"

Not a rational decision was made between the two of us and that's exactly the kind of friend you're supposed to have in your early twenties.

"Omg. As fun as it was to let loose yesterday, I know I drank way too much because I'm pretty sure I saw my ex pick up you and Simone last night, which is crazy."

Crazy indeed. I have no idea how I got home last night, but I'm willing to bet quite a lot that I don't know Kia's ex.

"Haha. Omg Simone. I need to check on her! I still can't believe you two know each other."

Small freaking world.

"Ugh, Bryce is summoning me. Anyway, let's get lunch this week... sober!" We laugh again because if there's one thing the two of us need to stay away from, it's alcohol.

"Actually, the first preseason game is on Sunday, and I'd love for you to come. I don't know anything about Cardinals game days yet, so it'd be nice to have a friend."

"Of course, count me in! See you Sunday, Liv."

With that, we end our FaceTime, and I head out of my room, preparing to face the real world. As I walk down the hall, I hear more and more voices, and I'm promptly reminded of the fact that we have a full house.

Spencer meets me with a cup of black coffee the moment I step into the kitchen, and I'm not sure I've ever loved him more. I cling to the cup as if it were my lifeline.

"Shhhh," I murmur, half pleading.

"Oh honey, you look like death." My mom smiles at me, but I don't react. Thanks for stating the obvious, Laura.

Spencer walks over, wrapping a hand around my waist and pulling me in close. "How do you feel?" He presses a kiss to my temple.

"What's worse than horrible?"

"Cause and effect, baby." He winks at me before lightly smacking my butt.

"Good morning, sweetie! I have some bacon, eggs, and toast for you. Spencer told me you might need a little TLC this morning."