“I'm here getting Matty from school early and Hudson— “
“Oh my God, is he okay? Did something happen?”
“No, no. He’s just fine. He’s here in the front office. Matty brought him with him when he was checked out of class. You just have to tell the receptionist that it’s okay if he comes with us.” She’s silent for a moment and it occurs to me that we’ve only just met. Even though the boys have taken to each other like ducks to water doesn’t mean that she will with me. Maybe she doesn’t trust me like that yet. “That okay with you Darlin?”
I hear her breath catch.
“Y-yes, I suppose that's fine. I mean, I know where you live.” She chuckles. “Just make sure that location stays on. I know where you work now, too.”
“Yes ma’am.” I can’t keep the smile from my voice.
The receptionist is full on glaring at me now. I hand her back the phone with a self-satisfied grin. The boys follow me as I lead them out to the SUV.
They ride with their heads together over the video game almost the whole way home. Finally, we pull into the drive and Matty meets my eyes in the rearview with a grin. “Thanks Dad.”
They jump out of the car and likely head up the stairs of our two-story home before I can even respond. I just shake my head.
When I head inside to the kitchen, I start fixing them an after-school snack. I’m pleased to see they went into the backyard to throw a baseball instead of plopping down in front of the tv.
Hudson’s blonde head is the exact same shade as his mothers. I purse my lips and twirl my phone in my hands.
Is it weird to message her so soon? I haven’t had to worry about proper etiquette with a woman… ever, really. After Matty was born I kept my hookups on the road during away game series. I never wanted to bring women around who I couldn’t trust. I never dated anyone after his mom.
It’s not like Hudson needs anything. He is here though. It wouldn’t be weird. Hopefully.
Tate
Allison, It’s Tate Bridges, your neighbor.
Was that too much? Fuck. I’m already screwing this up. Obviously, she knows I'm her neighbour, I have her kid.
Allison
Hmm, it’s not ringing a bell...
I roll my eyes. Okay. Joke's on you, Allison.
Tate
No? You don’t remember the 6’3 hockey player, brown hair, blue eyes… maybe you were just more acquainted with my abs.
I reread the text multiple times. Now I'm just coming on too strong. There’s still no reply from Allison. My pulse spikes. Did I imagine thetension between us? Is it all in my head? I can’t seem to remember how I used to charm women. I used to have charm, right?
Allison
I think it was the tramp stamp that I was impressed with the most.
Tate
Okay, we’re going there. First, it’s not a tramp stamp. Secondly, are you admitting to checking out my naked ass?
Allison
Idk, are you admitting to having a little blue butterfly on your ass?
Tate
Touché.
