He gasps in mock shock. “Old man? I’ll have you know, young lady, that I have a lot going for me.” He pauses for dramatic effect. “My eyes are going, my knees are going, my back is going, and my patience is definitely gone.”
My father clears his throat. “You’re not the only one getting old, Dave. Last night, I was in bed for twenty minutes when I heard the pizza guy cough. Then I remembered I originally came to my bedroom for my wallet.”
Pierce barks out a laugh. “Ha! You got jokes, Dad.”
He nods. “Those dipshits on my team are rubbing off on me. Humblecut keeps everyone laughing through every damn workout with his dirty jokes. The whole team hangs on every word that guy says.”
I can’t help but smile. I suppose I’ve learned to love Daylen’ssense of humor. While occasionally ill-timed, like in front of police officers and cashiers, his jokes are clever and funny. He’s such a happy person and takes genuine joy in making the people around him happy. I hope our child gets that from him more than anything else.
“Are you listening?” Pierce asks.
“Sorry, I was daydreaming. What did you say?”
“Do you want to be partners?”
“It’s a little uneven putting the young people on one side, but sure. We’ll kick their asses, baby bro.”
The truth is, my father and I are by far the best two players. It’s better for us to split. Pierce and Doubles Dees are about the same. Pierce has youth on his side, but Double Dees plays more often. It’s a fairly even match this way.
My father and I exchange glances, letting me know he’s thinking the same thing as I am.
The game gets underway and, as expected, it’s a back-and-forth affair. Pierce is cool as a cucumber, seemingly unaffected by the ebbs and flows of the game. My father was right. He doesn’t have the competitive fire you need to play sports at the next level. I’m happy that my father recognized it and encouraged Pierce to pursue medicine over a football scholarship. It’s best for him. You need that killer instinct to succeed at a high level in athletics.
I’ve gradually come to the realization that my father isn’t a bad guy after all. It’s clear he and Pierce are close. I’m happy for my brother that he has a good relationship with my dad. I know how much Daylen treasures his relationship with his father.
At some point, I slam a ball a little too hard. It would have gone out, but Double Dees couldn’t get out of the way in time and it hit him in the stomach, meaning it’s our point.
“Damn it,” he curses, “if I weren’t so fat, it would have been our point.”
Pierce and I share a bemused look. Dave is a funny, self-deprecating guy. I enjoy playing with him.
We go on to win five of the nine games played. It’s been a fun morning. When I return to the bench to place my racquet in my bag, I pick up my phone and see a text from Daylen.
Red Flag: My family is visiting. We’re about to have lunch by my pool. Any chance you can stop by and join us? When the time comes that you let me tell them about the baby, I’d like for them to have met the mother of my child at least once.
Sometimes he’s so damn sweet. I can give him this.
Me: Of course. I have Pierce with me. Is it okay if he comes too?
Red Flag: Absolutely. He can talk to my sister about colleges in the area. She’s here looking. Thanks, I appreciate this.
DAYLEN
I was up all night tossing and turning. I’ve never been more excited about anything than when Kennedy told me that she’s pregnant. I was so consumed by my happiness that I didn’t stop to consider how she was feeling. How it would impact her body and her career.
I came on strong, and she was overwhelmed. I’ve just never considered raising a child without two parents in the same household. I had it for six years, and I cherish those memories. I want that for my kid. Having my child half the time isn’t appealing to me, but she’s right, we’re not ready for more. Yet.
And then she told me about her mom. Now I understandwhy she refuses to talk to her. I’ll never look at Ginny Jeffries the same way again. I wonder if Coach knows. It was on the tip of my tongue to ask Kennedy that question, but then she started sobbing in a way I’m not sure I knew she was capable of. It was like she needed to purge herself. It’s clear to me that she doesn’t talk about it with other people. I’m happy she felt comfortable enough with me to tell me. That must mean something.
God, we could be good together. I believe that. I just want a chance to prove it. I’m determined to win her over.
And the sex? It’s phenomenal. There’s something magical between us. It’s explosive every damn time.
I have to adjust myself, getting hard just thinking about the way we were yesterday. The way her body reacts to mine. The way I feel when she touches me. How rough I’m finding I like things with her. She’s opening my eyes to a part of myself I didn’t know existed.
But it’s not just great sex. There’s a connection I’ve never shared with another woman before her. She’s different, and I’m starting to think that’s a good thing.
Vance clears his throat from the leg press machine. “Dude, you’re really going to town over there. Is everything okay? Did one of your bimbos give you more than you bargained for?” he asks while nodding toward my junk, which I’ve got my hand on.
