“Agree to weekends only during football season and I’ll see what I can do for you.”
“What about school breaks?”
“I’m good with that.”
“Okay, deal.” He holds his hand out like a gentleman, and I shake it, confirming our agreement.
He throws his backpack over a shoulder and shoves his phone in his back pocket.
“Good. I’ll talk to Cal.”
“Thanks, Coach.”
“See ya tomorrow. Get some rest,” I say as I climb into my driver's seat.
I hate that he’s in this position. Not that I don’t think kids should work, but he’s already burning the candle at both ends. He’s one of the hardest working boys on the team, and his parents already put a lot on him. If a job will ease his worry for his family, I’m happy to help.
In fact, I’m headed to Cal’s at this very moment.
Daisy mentioned she was going to take Maui to Cal and Charlie’s place to work today. She’s been home for three days, and our only communication has been about the dog. I certainly haven’t asked how her weekend went. I don’t want to know. But I sure as shit hope she ended things with Mark.
It only takes five minutes to get from the high school I graduated from to my best friend's house. When I see Daisy’s car parked in front of the house, I thank my lucky stars she’s still here.
Wasting no time, I rush up the front porch steps and give a knock as I open the front door. This group isn’t big on formalities, and Daisy is here, so everyone should have their clothes on.
“Hello, hello,” I say into the empty house.
That’s strange. Maui usually comes running when she hears my voice.
I continue through the house and stop when out the back window in the orange glow of the early evening sun I see not only Charlie, Daisy and Maui, but Mia and Ryan and Cal’s sweet pit bull, Ruby. They’re gathered around the dining table that Charlie crafted after she moved in. The table includes a built-in fireplace that sits as the centerpiece their huddled near in a conversation that has Daisy rolling her eyes. Our pup is curled up at her mama’s feet, her head resting on one of the many toys we’ve spoiled her with.
Daisy is facing the kitchen window and sees me before anyone else does. She slides her chair back, takes a drink order and then excuses herself, with Maui hot on her heels, as she comes through the back door.
“Hey, pretty girl. Come see Daddy.” I pat my thighs, calling our child to me.
Daisy stops just inside the door, placing her sunglasses to the top of her head and her hands on her hips. “Owen, we’ve talked about this. I’m not calling you daddy.”
God, she really is perfect.
“Never say never.”
She ignores my comment. “What are you doing here? I would have brought her back to your place.”
“I know, but I missed her.”
I missed you.
“How was practice?”
“Good. The boys are working really hard.”
Don’t ask her if she ended things. Keep it cool, bro.
“They must be. I hear the coaching staff leaves something to be desired. The school was pretty desperate, and dropped their coaching standards. Breathing? Check. Arrogant? Check. A high school football legend in his own mind? Check.”
“Don’t forget. Devastatingly handsome.”
She rolls her eyes. “You’re ridiculous.”
