“It’s the right word,” I assure her, remembering what the nurse told us.
Mom.Dad.Daughter.
“And that means you’re family.So, of course everyone wants to meet you.I mean, there are other women too, but Mila and all are the ones I’m closest to and know the best.Oh, and Brienne will want to meet you too.”
“Brienne?As in the owner, Brienne?”
“Yes!”Winnie beams at me.“She’s amazing and not as intimidating as I thought she’d be.She takes such good care of her players and those who are important to them.”
Again, I doubt this applies to me.I’m not important to Atlas at all.
Winnie continues with barely a pause.“I’m thinking maybe we can all get together for brunch, because we’re allowed to drink mimosas at brunch.But it will have to be a day Atlas has off since he’ll watch Grayce.”
Suddenly, all of this feels wrong.There’s no world that I live in where I’d ask Atlas to help with Grayce so I could go drink mimosas, and moreover, I don’t do girlfriends.I never have, mainly because growing up in the foster system, girls are downright mean.The guys were sleazy, but the girls were the biggest bullies.
I fumble for a gentle response to decrease her expectations.“I’m not sure that’s going to work.Brunch isn’t really my thing.Or mimosas, for that matter.”
It’s a lame excuse and Winnie stares at me, her eyes boring deep.She tilts her head, reading me too easily.“You don’t have a lot of friends, do you?”
It should sting less than it does.“No, but I don’t feel I’m missing out on anything.”
“You’re completely missing out,” she says, her voice softening.“Atlas says Gray was your best friend.I know his passing must’ve left a huge hole in your heart.”
“He was my only friend, really.”The admission tastes bitter and shameful at the same time.
“Why’s that?”
I stare at the mug, watching the steam curl.I could deflect, but Winnie’s warmth makes lying feel pointless.“Because I don’t open myself up to that experience.I learned early not to count on people.”
Winnie’s expression hardens.“Who taught you such nonsense?”
“Foster care teaches you that,” I reply bluntly, not to shock her but because it’s the reason I am the way I am.“You’re constantly moving.New house, new rules, new faces.Nothing stays the same.You learn to avoid attachment so you can’t be let down or hurt.”
Winnie’s eyes shine but I don’t see pity, which I appreciate.“I didn’t know.I’m so sorry that’s how you grew up.”She sips her coffee, then sets it down.“But Maddie, you’re not in foster care anymore.You don’t have to do it alone.”
I bristle.“I’ve managed just fine by myself.”
“Sure.But it’s always easier with help.”She leans closer, earnest.“Atlas is solid.He’s stubborn as hell, but he means what he says.And the Titans family?We show up.We’ll show up for you too.”
I shake my head.“I don’t understand why.I’m not part of the team.”
“Grayce is,” Winnie counters gently.“That makes you part of it, whether you like it or not.You don’t have to buy the merch or memorize stats.You just have to let us in a little.”
I swallow hard, because the idea of letting anyone in both tempts and terrifies me.“I’ll… think about it.”
“Good enough for now,” she says brightly.Then, as if she senses the heaviness, she switches gears.“By the way, I heard there’s going to be an opening at our school.Our counselor’s leaving at the end of the year.”
I blink.“School counselor?”
“Elementary.You’d be perfect.You already work with kids, you’d get to be part of the community—”
I cut her off with a shake of my head.“No, thank you.”
Winnie cocks an eyebrow, likely assuming I’m declining help because of past traumas.But for once, that’s not true.“I don’t mean to sound ungrateful.It’s just… that’s not really what I love.My heart’s with kids in the system.”
Her eyes fill with understanding.“It’s your calling,” she concludes.
I nod, a small smile in place.
