“I’m a Heat guy,” he says pointing to the name on his jersey.
“Nice.” I’m surprised by the ease of this conversation, but I shouldn’t be. Leo is extremely easy to talk to as well. Like father, like son. They have a gift for making me feel more extroverted than I am.
Benjamin tucks the ball back under his arm. “Dad, the traveling team guys are meeting up at Edgewater Paintball. Can I go?”
“What time?”
“Noon.”
“Sorry, bud,” Leo rubs the back of the neck with his hand. “I have to get a couple Airbnbs ready for new arrivals. Then at twelve thirty, I’m meeting Pastor Dave at the church to talk through the upcoming renovation.”
“But this is a team hangout before our first tournament next weekend…” Benjamin trails off, the disappointment palpable.
“I’m sure there will be more opportunities.”
Benjamin’s shoulders sink, and he nods his head before turning away.
Lowering my voice, I say, “I could probably take him. Aunt Val said she’s working from home today.”
“I don’t want you to have to do that. Edgewater is a half hour away.”
“I really don’t mind.” I remember what it was like being a kid. Although I didn’t have a ton of friends, the ones I had were important to me. I never wanted to miss a birthday party or an outing.
“Are you sure?”
“As long as you’re okay with it and Benjamin wants me to.”
“I’m sure he’d be stoked.”
“Sounds good to me, then.”
Benjamin is almost to the wooden path when Leo shouts, “Ben!” Upon hearing his name, he turns around. Leo waves him back, and Benjamin jogs toward us.
“Chloe said she can drive you to paintball.”
“Really?”
“Sure, if you want me to.”
“Yeah! Thank you!”
“Okay, I’ll pick you up at eleven thirty.”
“Sweet!” Benjamin chucks his basketball high into the air, catches it and then runs toward the boardwalk. “See you guys later! Thanks Chloe!”
Leo lets out a small sigh. “Thank you.” His expression is gratitude mixed with something deeper. “That’s one of the hardest parts of being a single parent…I wish there were two of me.”
“That sounds tough,” I say softly.
“Ben’s a great kid. Wish I could give him everything…”
My heart squeezes seeing the love and pain in his eyes. After a moment of quiet, Leo’s positive demeanor returns. He points to my surfboard. “What’d you say we try this in the water?”
I turn toward the sea and realize I’ve lost my nerve. “I can’t really imagine being able to pop up in the water…or even swimming in the ocean.”
Leo reaches out and gives my arm a gentle squeeze. “Why don’t we start by putting our feet in today?”
Relief washes over me at Leo’s suggestion. “I think I can handle that.”
