Despite the lousy example he has as a father, I’m certain he’ll be a great dad. He’s attentive. Caring. Kind. Overprotective. A grizzly bear with a soft heart. What’s there not to love?
Don’t be stupid. Don’t go catching feelings for a man you can’t have.
If I wasn’t damaged goods, I might’ve been the kind of woman he’d want as the mother of his kids.
Why would he want criminals as in-laws?
“I’m sorry, Kaz.” A woman interrupts my spiraling thoughts.
We turn around.
Our interaction drew a crowd, and a procession of people line up for autographs and selfies.
Half an hour later, the last happy fan disperses, leaving behind them an electrifying buzz in the air.
Number 22 for life.
Kaz’s fans adore and admire him. It must be quite an amazing feeling to have people look up to you like that. The elation on both the kids’ and their parents’ faces at being in the presence of a hero is transcendental. So many of these people were aware of The Way Home Initiative. What Kaz is doing is commendable, and I get to be part of it. He has so much influence, clout, and respect.
I’m part of something meaningful.
Satisfaction buzzes through me like an electric current.
Through my new position, I’m doing something that will have a positive impact on the lives of so many New Yorkers. Men and women in blue protect us from the bad guys—people like my family who will never lose sleep over screwing people out of their hard-earned money.
I’m not like them.
I’m not like them.
I’m not like them.
A hand drops on my shoulder, and I jump.
“You okay?” Kaz jars me out of my thoughts.
No.I force a smile and nod.
“I’m not comfortable with the grinning or small talk, but I always make time for fans.”
He’s mistaking my smile for what it really is, a shield to hide my real identity.
“They supported me when I was playing, and now they support my charity. I’d never turn them down.”
He has such appreciation for people.
“All these photos are going to keep me busy tomorrow at work.”
“I’m impressed,” he says.
I tilt my head to the side. “Impressed?”
“It’s a weekend, you’re not on the clock, but you were all business there.”
“You have no idea how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. It doesn’t bother me one bit to take photos with your fans on a Sunday to share on your socials. Plus, I was able to remind all those fans about the fundraiser.” I lift my hands up. “Talk about double duty.”
He chuckles.
“All right, my work here is done.” I rub my hands together. “Let’s go back to your place.” I make to turn around.
