Halftime? He perked up. “How long does that last?”
Audra shrugged.
“Not long enough for our meeting if that’s what you want to know.” Hadley’s gaze pinned him.
He held up his hands. “I only asked a question. Pee wee soccer isn’t my usual venue.”
“Fine, but it’s not too late to have Lex take you to your hotel and we can meet in the morning.”
“I don’t mind if you have the meeting now,” Audra said with a thoughtful expression on her face.
“Thanks, sweetie.” Hadley touched the girl’s shoulder. “But I want to watch Ryder. I told Mr. Mortenson the two of you come before our meeting.”
The girl straightened. “If you marry him, you won’t have to have a meeting.”
Whoa.The kid had it all wrong.
“I can’t date a client,” Hadley said before Blaise could respond.
That was a good rule. Not that he wanted to hire Hadley’s services for himself, but he needed to explain the situation in person. Which he’d hoped to do already.
The corners of Audra’s mouth turned down. “But Ryder and I need an uncle. Colby has an uncle who plays four-square with him. Mr. M could do that with us and other stuff.”
No, Blaise couldn’t.
Nothing against the kid. She appeared to be potty-trained and able to speak in full sentences. She also hadn’t vomited yet. All plusses, or maybe that was normal for seven-year-olds.
Or was she six? He couldn’t remember.
“Colby’s dad died.” Audra’s voice was softer than it had been. “Ours is still alive, but it feels like he’s dead. Even before he went to jail, he wasn’t around.”
Blaise sat, unable to speak. Not from what the girl had said, but from understanding the emotion behind her words. He’d been part of a happy family, but drugs had stolen his parents from him. Once that happened, his mom and dad hadn’t been around because they’d either been high or chasing the next fix.
Hadley kneeled next to Audra’s chair. “It’s hard not having your dad around, but he loves you. Your parents aren’t together now, but that doesn’t change how they feel about you and Ryder.”
Audra nodded. “That’s what Mom says.”
Blaise remembered what Hadley had told him about her sister.
They’re divorced. He’s in jail.
Caples.
The kids’ last name sounded so familiar.
And then it hit him.
Hadley had told him the name of the firm, but he finally connected the dots. Their dad must be Clint Caples. He and three others had nearly taken down an investment firm with their shady dealings. The scandal had riveted the finance world.
“Wait…” Eyes wide, Audra glanced up at Blaise. “If you can’t marry Aunt Hadley, you can marry my mom. She’s pretty. And nice. Except when you want an extra cookie. Or forget to clean your room, then she gets on you. But if you put your dirty clothes in the hamper, I’m sure you’ll get along fine.”
Oh, boy.Blaise had no idea what to say. He rubbed his neck.
“That won’t work because Mr. Mortenson doesn’t live in San Francisco,” Hadley said as if that was the only reason against the marriage. “He’s only in town for a meeting and will fly home to Oregon tomorrow.”
“Tonight,” Blaise said a beat after her.
“You should stay,” Audra said in a matter-of-fact tone. “Aunt Hadley makes lasagna for dinner on Tuesdays. It’s my favorite. Though Ryder likes her enchilada pie better.”
