Page 4 of Ella’s Data

“No, Esther and the other women have been cooking, and the guys are going to cook the steaks, burgers, and dogs on the grill. So, just bring yourself,” she says.

“Text me when y’all head that way. I’m not that far from the clubhouse so it’ll only take me a few minutes or thereabouts to get there,” I tell her. “I’m going into town to grab some supplies to keep me going,” I tease.

“I know you like being able to cook,” she says, “and I also know you don’t get to do it all that often. Just be prepared for plenty of meals courtesy of Esther. She loves to feed all of us.”

I giggle because she’s not wrong. When I came for Fee’s wedding, Esther sent me and Thelma off with plenty of homemade meals that she froze for the both of us. I ate good for quite a while and then had to resort to takeout again.

“See y’all in a few hours,” I promise. “Is there anything you need me to pick up for the girls? Or you?”

“Nope. Eli has it all under control,” she says.

After I get dressed and ready to face the day, I head into town for the nearest grocery store. I’m glad they don’t have any of the national chain companies, I seem to find better deals at the family-owned stores. Grabbing a cart, I start in the produce section, grateful to see that so many of the fruits I enjoy are in season. I usually cut up watermelon, pineapple, and strawberries and eat fruit bowls, while the other berries I love are mixed into Greek yogurt, along with granola. Once I’m properly stocked up, I head up and down each aisle, replacing everything I’m out of, and adding quite a few other items I want.

But when I see what the deli section now offers, I realize I’ve hit the mother lode. They have freshly prepared meals with the protein, starch, and vegetable in a pre-portioned package. I know Esther will send me away with plenty of food, but in the meantime, these will tide me over. There’re even a few packages with three and four grilled chicken breasts, so I grab a few of those as well. I can use the mixed greens salad mix I have in the cart to make some easy yet filling salads.

The baby aisle calls to me, and I find myself adding things I think that Cami will enjoy, as well as a few odds and ends for Colleen. I’m a bit shocked at how full my cart is, then I realize that I’ve been running on empty food-wise for a few weeks, so it’s to be expected. It doesn’t take too long to go through the checkout line, and I willingly accept the bag boy’s help to take it out to my car, slipping him a five when he’s done.

“Oh, no, ma’am, I can’t accept this,” he says as he tries to give it back.

“You helped me, so please take it,” I plead. “It’s bad enough I have to unload all of it by myself.”

He chuckles then finally takes the money. “Thank you, it’s appreciated. I’m trying to save up for the homecoming dance.”

“Well, I hope you have a great time,” I reply, sliding into the driver’s seat. “Take care.”

“Now I remember why I hate grocery shopping,” I grumble as I lug the last two bags into the RV. I look around and see all the bags, as well as the six-packs of soda littering every square inch and sigh. “Better get it done so I can get cleaned up and be ready when Fee texts me.”

By the time I’m done putting everything away, I realize I better hurry because it’s been a few hours since I talked to her. I’ll put together my fruit when I get back later. Rushing into the bathroom, I take another shower to freshen up, then spend a ridiculous amount of time figuring out what to wear.

It’s still a bit warm, but the evenings get cool and I don’t expect to leave until well after dark. So, I finally decide on a pair of light-colored jeans and a hot pink T-shirt, along with my sneakers. I have a lightweight zip-up hoodie already in my car that I can put on in case it gets too cold later.

With everything for the girls in a bag, I sit down to relax until I hear from Fee, opening up the app on my phone to read. I’m about three chapters in when my phone chimes with a text.

Fee: We’re heading to the clubhouse now!

Me: How are you feeling?

Fee: A little sore, but those padsicles are awesome!!!!!!

Me: You’re using those shout-y marks again… lol.

Fee: Because until you’ve had a watermelon slide through your hoo-ha, you will never understand how good they feel!

Me: I’ll take your word for it. I’m going to be the designated auntie, remember?

Fee: Pfft. Whatever. I noticed how you and Data are when y’all are around each other.

Me: Don’t you need to pay attention to the baby?

Fee: She’s sleeping and her daddy is driving, so I’m temporarily available. But did I mention that my boobs hurt?

I start laughing because she’s freely shared all the things about her pregnancy. From the HG she dealt with, to the heightened libido, to how her skin felt when she finally started getting her baby belly. Honestly, I love her for it, since I lived vicariously through her journey.

Me: Whatever. Your milk’s probably getting ready to come in.

Fee: If they get any bigger, I’ll knock myself out just walking.

Me: You’re crazy.