Admission number two.
“Clay, I know I didn’t know your mom for long, but I can guarantee she wouldn’t want you holding grudges or stopping something you wanted to do in her name,” Liam mentions. He’s right. All this mess goes against everything she taught me. But then why did she lie?
“Have you thought that maybe your mom was doing the best she could?” Julia asks.
I’ve thought about it, and the more I do, the more I think that’s the truth. She was hurt, and she tried to spare us the same. She was my hero, and she continues to be, regardless of her lying about something so huge.
“I’m glad you told us, though. I hope you know we’re here if you ever need anything,” Julia adds while I’m lost in thought.
“I know.”
Aspen throws himself on my lap, holding me tight. “I love you, buddy. Thank you for telling us.”
I snort a laugh and return his hug. “I love you too, buddy.”
And he’s crying.
“Not everything is about you, West!” Julia shouts.
“I’m sensitive, okay? He, just, he has been through so much. He deserves happiness. And it seems like he found it.” He continues crying, and we laugh. He’s ridiculous.
“Now, tell us more about her.”
My face brightens at the thought of Natalie.
“Shit, you really like her,” Mateo adds, and I nod.
“You should see the way he looks at her,” Liam adds.
“Wait, how does Daddy Liam know this girl, and we don’t?” Aspen asks.
“Her daughter is on our team. Did I not mention that?”
Gasps, eyes snapping open, and a bunch of questions fill the space. Aspen leaps up from my lap, accidentally scaring Chili, who bleats and runs away.
“Great, you scared her.”
“She knows I love her. She’ll be back.”
I exhale. “We didn’t know. We found out last week that her daughter plays. She’s cool, the kid, and actually, she’s the same kid I was talking about going to the center.”
I wait for them to grasp all the information I gave them. I see it the moment it clicks.
“Wait, wait, wait.” For everyone except Aspen, I guess. “So if that’s the kid you were talking about, does that mean her dad?—”
“Passed. Yes.”
“How?” Aspen shouts.
“I’m not sure. I haven’t asked.” It’s not necessary. She will let me know if and when she’s ready. I don’t mind. “All that I know is that it was sudden.”
“Maaan,” Aspen adds.
“That’s a lot,” Daisy mentions.
I nod. “They’ve been through a lot, and I know they don’t need more mess in their lives, you know?”
“Oh, sweetie. You’re not a mess,” Daisy whispers, putting Calla in Mateo’s arms so he can burp her.
