I left Leighton in bed earlier this morning. She’s on her first day off in three days, and since I’m in my off season, I’m picking up the slack and giving her a much-needed break.
I walk into Mariano’s, grab a cart, and shop for everything I need to surprise them all with breakfast. I open the donut case, picking the glazed for Monroe, Long John chocolate for Lincoln, chocolate cake for Lake, and sugar for Leighton.
It’s then I spot a familiar-looking blonde. I hurry to pick out the donuts, put the box in the cart, and try to sneak away before she sees me.
“Hayes? Hayes Carlisle?” she calls.
Now I have more than one person looking at me. If I ignore her, I look like a dick, and there will be bad press about me.
I turn back around. “Hi, Julianna.” I glance at her left hand and spot no ring.
Art came to Monroe’s school play, and we were wondering why Julianna wasn’t with him, but we decided it’s their business, not ours, so we didn’t ask.
“How’s the family?” she asks.
Of course, she knows we’re still together. Anyone who looks us up on social media will see pictures of Leighton and the kids at the home games, Leighton and me at numerous functions, or Leighton and me out with our friends.
I nod. “Really good.”
She raises her left hand, wiggling her fingers. “I’m sure you’re not surprised.”
I shake my head, not wanting to get into this drama.
“I knew he was cheating. I just never knew with whom.”
“I’m sorry,” I say, unsure what else there is to say.
She sighs. “Well, Leighton’s probably happy. She got the kids.”
I bite my lip, so I don’t say they should’ve been hers all along. Art did drop his petition, and Leighton was granted permanent guardianship. We celebrated by taking the kids to the expensive new steakhouse—along with her parents, Aunt Iris, my parents, Callie, and the three guys. Wish the DICS could have picked up that bill.
“Anyway, I actually have a date tonight—unless you want to fix me up with one of your teammates.” She laughs. “Foster Davis looks like a good time.”
I have to force my smile. “Yeah, none of them are looking to settle down.”
“Not like you. Leighton sure got lucky.”
“I like to think she did, but I’m even luckier.”
She makes a sound as though she’s annoyed but trying to mask it with niceness. “You’re sweet. Anyway, I’d better get going. Tell Leighton and the kids I say hello.”
“I will.” My hands are already on the cart and ready to wheel away.
“Bye, Hayes.”
“See ya.” I try to walk steadily and not like I want to get away from her, but that was the most uncomfortable conversation I’ve ever been part of.
I buy all the groceries and Uber back to our place. The minute I open the door, I realize my mistake in leaving to get groceries.
Lincoln is throwing the ball against the wall, Monroe is acting as if she’s a marching band, and Leighton has her head in one hand and a coffee cup in the other.
“Shit. I’m sorry.” I cringe.
“You got dressed!” Monroe comes over and points at me.
I unzip my coat and show her that I still have my pajamas on.
“You almost got in trouble,” Lincoln says. “Do I have to stay in my pajamas all day?”
