Breakthrough

Distant Memories

I quietly rolled over onto my back and looked at the clock on Blake's night stand that read 8:28 am.

Today was a game day for me. It was also Tommy and Gail's last day in LA. Their flight left around nine the next morning. The Lakers had a late afternoon game today so afterwards, Blake, Tommy, Gail, Taylor, Marieka, and I were all going to dinner. Blake and I wanted to tell his brother and his wife about the baby before his parents went back to Oklahoma.

I got up and went into the bathroom to get a shower and brush my teeth. I threw on my black pants and my white collared shirt with the little Lakers logo on the front. I looked at myself in the mirror and adjusted the shirt a little bit to make it more comfortable. I was only 8 weeks but, I was already worried about showing. I looked the same I did 8 weeks ago. At least I thought I did. I read online that women don't typically show until they are between 12 and 16 weeks and sometimes even later than that. I just didn't want a bunch of questions from work especially with Blake being in the public eye and him and I recently being featured in a magazine. I just didn't want that yet. I don't think I was ready for that.

I sat at the end of the bed putting on my black Nike free runs as I watched Blake stir in his sleep. I stood up and grabbed my bag and my planner before going over to his side of the bed.
"Hey I'm going," I whispered into his ear and gave his chest a little rub.
"Mkay," he said with his eyes still closed with his lip puckered at me. I leaned down a little more and gave him a quick peck before walking downstairs.

When I got to Staples I went straight to my office where there was a stack of paperwork waiting for me on my desk. The papers varied from players charts, medical histories, to upcoming events I would have to attend with the team. We were getting ready to go on a road trip again for five or six days in a couple of weeks.

After I started reading over some of the paperwork I heard someone knock on the door that was slightly cracked.
"Yeah, come in," I said shuffling some of the papers.
"Hey lady," Julie said.
"Hey! You're back."
"Yes, sadly I'm back. Still in vacation mode trying to get back to the grind."
"Girl, I know the feeling and it sucks," I said agreeing with her.
"Indeed. So how did everything go while I was gone?"
"Everything was great. We had John and the two interns who have been awesome. So everything went smoothly," I said standing up.
"Good, good. I hoped--actually I knew everything would be ok," Julie said smiling.
"Well, I'm glad you trust me. Should we go ahead and head down there?" I said.
"Probably. I know John was already getting some of the guys stretched out," she said as we walked down to the court.

We lost again that night. I guess he guys have gotten used to losing with Kobe getting hurt and all. I went back up to my office to grab my bag and next week's schedule before calling Blake.
"Hey, sweets. I was just about to call you."
"Yeah? Well I'm just wrapping it up here and then I'll be on my way home," I said shoving a folder into my bag.
"Ok, you gonna be able to get ready by 6:00? It's already a quarter till 5," Blake said.
"Yeah, I mean it'll take me twenty minutes to get home and I'm just gonna jump in the shower and throw on a dress and some sandals," I said heading out to my car.
"Ok, well Taylor and Marieka are gonna meet us like 6:45 or so."
"Ok, sounds good. I'll see you when I get home ok?"
"Ok, be careful."
"I will, I love you."
"Love you too, bye."

When I got home I went upstairs to get a quick shower not even saying hello to Blake. I threw on a blue and white maxi dress paired with brown sandals, put my hair up in a low bun, put on some dangly gold earrings, and topped everything off with my jean jacket. After spritzing some perfume on I headed downstairs to see Blake, Tommy, and Gail all sitting in the living room.

"Why don't you look lovely," Gail said as she saw me at the bottom of the staircase.
"Yes, yes she does," Blake said biting his bottom lip and getting up from the couch to give me a warm hug.
"How was work?" He asked.
"Eh, we lost. It's not even a good game to watch. We just get our asses beat."
"Yeah, yeah you do," Blake said laughing.
"I know, losing is not something you're familiar with," I said rolling my eyes.
"No it sure isn't," Tommy commented.
"Come on. You guys don't have to gang up on me. I've had my fair share of losses," Blake said holding his hands up in defense.
"Sure, you have," I said sarcastically.
"You know I think we should head out. I don't wanna be stuck in traffic going downtown," Blake said.
"Nice save son, nice save," Tommy said as Gail and I laughed.