Aston slings his bag over his shoulder as he comes up behind me, wearing a cowboy hat.
“You heading out?” he asks.
“Yeah. You?”
He nods. “You got any dinner plans?”
I pause and look over at Alie. “Not tonight, no.”
Aston smirks. “Okay, buddy. Come by, and I’ll show you my place before we eat.”
“You here in Jersey or the city?”
“Here. You know I’m not a city boy. I need to have space.” He tips his hat and winks.
“Right. I’ll text you later when I’m on my way.”
He walks away and holds his hand in the air in goodbye.
With one last look at Alie, I walk out of the building into the late afternoon sun.
As I make my way over to the car, where Joey is waiting for me, one thing is clear to me: this season isn’t just about football anymore.
CHAPTER
TWENTY-THREE
Alie
The week went by in a blur, but I talked to Liam every day, and he ate lunch with Sera and me on the days he was at the facility.
My parents had to take a quick trip to Florida, so it’s been easier to quietly navigate this situation without feeling like we’re under a microscope. But I’ll need to tell them when they get back. Liam wants them to know, and I know it’s time.
Yesterday, Liam asked if we could do something as a family so he could spend some more time with her—or I guess … us. So, we planned to go to Central Park today.
I overthink every little thing while we wait for him to come get us.
What should Sera wear?
What if a sudden cold snap comes through?
How many snacks should I bring?
Is this too soon?
Is this too much?
Is this the moment that makes everything work or crack?
By the time Liam knocks on my door, I’ve rearranged Sera’s backpack three times and changed my own outfit twice.
Sera beats me to the door, her tiny sneakers tapping excitedly on the floor. “Liam here?” She asks.
My heart does this strange, fragile twist that’s one part hope and the other … fear.
“Let’s see,” I say, opening the door.
Liam stands there, looking confident and sure. And holding a small stuffed horse.
