Page 87 of Center Ice
AUDREY
Jules:
Where are you?
Audrey:
I’m almost home, why?
Ijust dropped Graham off at a friend’s house for his first kindergarten playdate, and I’m almost back to our place—it’s not like Jules didn’t know I was taking him over there today.
Jules:
Did you forget about brunch?
Shit. Earlier this week, when the mom of one of Graham’s friends reached out about a Sunday morning playdate, I suggested to Jules that we should host a girls’ brunch. She must have made those plans, but she didn’t tell me about them. Or, I don’t think she did?
Audrey:
Yep. I sure did. I’ll be home in a minute.
Jules:
Also, you got a package…
We get a lot of deliveries, which means this one is standing out to her for some reason. And then it hits me: Drew said a package would be coming my way today.
Audrey:
Okay?
Jules:
Let’s just say I recognize the packaging and I have questions.
I have no idea what she’s talking about, but I’m pulling onto our street when her message comes through, so I don’t bother replying. Instead, I hop out of my car after I’ve parked and take the steps two at a time. When I come in the back door, Jules and Lauren are standing at the kitchen table, inspecting a black mailing box.
Lauren takes a sip of what appears to be a mimosa to hide her smile.
“What’s going on?” I ask. They’re acting unusually strange.
“You got a package,” Jules says.
“Yeah, you mentioned. Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Why don’t you come open it?”
“Drew said he was sending me something, but that I should open it alone.”
“I’ll bet he did,” Lauren mutters, and she and Jules break into what can only be described as uncontrollable giggles.
“Are you guys drunk?”
“Nope,” Jules says, then looks at Lauren. “She really doesn’t know.”
“What don’t I know?” I ask, my voice raising slightly.
“What’s in the package?”
