“Anytime.”
“I’ll see you at home later?”
“Yeah. I think we have to stay late, but eventually, I’ll get there.”
My gaze lingers on him as the streetlights outside catch the gleam in his bright eyes. It’s like all the happiness of his youth and his entire future ahead of him spiral together. I will never know where the time went. My heart feels like it’s in a constant state of confusion. Many days I yearn for the little boy he used to be, but yet I’m so proud of the man he’s growing into. I don’t doubt for a second my brain is snapping a photo of this moment and storing it away for a later time when I yearn to return to this memory. “I’m proud of you,” I say gently.
“Thanks, Mom.” I wasn’t going to hug him in public, but it’s like he can sense I need it, because he reaches out, drawing meinto a side hug. Taking the rare opportunity for public affection, I give him a good squeeze. Then I step back, wave, and turn toward the parking lot. I pretend not to notice him watching me as I stride all the way to my car.
My heart thuds like a rock in my chest. Not in the exciting way I’d expect for a day like today when Noah has so much success. Although, yes, it is surreal to see my little boy towering over me, charming fans, being a whole grown adult.
When I slip into my car alone, my mind stops thinking about Noah growing up and shifts to the way my gut flutters when I think of what just almost happened in that closet.
Did I imagine that?
I shake my head, half laughing, and I start my car and steer out of the parking lot.
If I know Bill, he’s going to try to contact me.
If I’m honest, I sort of want him to.
Okay, not sort of.
I want to see him again.
Now what do I do? Nonchalantly text Noah and say, “Hey, dinner’s almost done, by the way, I like your boss.”
Yeah. No. That text is not going to happen.
This crush needs to stop!
thirteen
Bill
The last fan waves as he heads out the arena doors. I return his smile, then watch as he disappears in the parking lot. The secondthe door shuts behind him, I exhale and lean back against the wall, letting the silence seep in.
It’s been a long day.
But a good one.
No, it’s a great day.
One of those days where dreams come true. It all went so fast, I almost feel like I missed half of it. I turn away from the exit and walk back toward Victory Hall, gathering up the stray flyers and a couple of empty water bottles that fell out of the overflowing recycling bin. This morning when we started this event, everything felt surreal.
Maybe like I was dreaming?
Now, the place feelsmine.
Footsteps patter behind me. I turn and find Cleo carrying his overstuffed key ring on his way to the front door, likely to lock up. “Hey,” I call to him. “I was actually looking for you earlier.”
He raises a brow. “Oh, yeah?”
“The food storage closet has a lock that isn’t working. I got stuck inside and had to call for help. One of the guys busted it open. You will need to check it out.”
“Boy, I’m sorry I missed your call.” He nods curtly. “Today was crazy with nonstop spills and things to take care of, but I’ll look at the door first thing tomorrow.”
“Appreciate it.” I nod and watch as he locks the front door, as I expected. Turning back to me, he throws his hand up and waves before heading out. “Night, Bill.”
