“Complicated how?”
“I’m not sure you’ve ever been so interested in me in your life,” I try to joke, but Dakota cocks a brow, not taking the bait. “I like him, yes. I like him more than I’ve ever liked anyone, but unfortunately, it’s not that easy. Plus, he’s older and just got custody of his eleven- and fifteen-year-old sisterand brother that he didn’t even know he had. His mom…wasn’t great. But he’s got a lot going on, so it’s not like a relationship is his priority right now.”
All true and understandable, but Dakota sighs. “I get that, and it sounds rough. I hope things work out for him. I can’t imagine going through what he is, but you’ll always be my priority. Just make sure you’re not accepting less than you deserve—and I hate to be the one to say this, but you also have to think about what you want. If this moves forward, it sounds like you would end up being a parent to two kids. There’s nothing wrong with that, but you need to make sure it’s what you want at twenty-eight years old. It sounds like they’ve been through a lot, so if that’s not something you can handle, you need to get out now, before those kids get hurt.”
Because we both know what it feels like to be hurt by a parent, even if that’s not technically what I am to Nash and Sadie. When Dad left, it broke us, and I would never want to inflict that pain on someone else. “I know.”
“Sorry. I’m not trying to be an asshole. It’s cool seeing you down bad for someone.”
“I don’t know if I would say down bad.”
“How old is this guy? We’re not talking grandpa, are we?” he teases, which helps ease the stress he stirred up.
“Just forty.”
“I think I need to talk with this guy and ask him what his intentions are with my brother.” Dakota crosses his arms.
“You’re an idiot,” I say, but I’m glad he’s making light of this now and being playful. He said what he had to say.
“I love you, big bro, that’s all. You’re so good to everyone, always there for anyone who needs you. I want to make sure you find someone who sees how much of a catch you are and treats you accordingly.”
I pull him in for a one-armed hug, brain spinning fromeverything he said. “Thanks, Kota. I love you too. And he’s a good guy as well.” He just hasn’t ever had anyone love him the way he deserves.
*
James and Ihave our talk Monday night. After answering all my questions about his day, he asks, “What about you? Do anything fun after you tortured me in class?”
“I did no such thing,” I lie.
“You didn’t keep your eyes off me, and you left a sex note in my lunch.”
I laugh, and he chuckles. I like leaving notes for him with his food. I have no idea what he does with them, but I imagine him blushing and smiling each time he reads them. “I didn’t tell you I had dinner at my mom’s last night. My brother and his girlfriend were there. I think she’s the one for him.”
“It’s nice that you guys are close.”
“Yeah, he’s pretty great.”
“Will you tell me more about him?” James asks, and I smile before doing just that.
We don’t see each other on Tuesday, but I leave his food there like always.
In the afternoon, my phone buzzes with a text from Nash. My pulse immediately jumps with worry.
Nash: Hey.
Hey? That’s it? But then I figure there must be more to it, otherwise he wouldn’t be messaging.
Me: Hey, you. What’s up?
Nash: Not much.
Nash: Basketball tryouts are next week.
Ah, so that’s what this is about. I should have figured.Poor kid wants something or someone so badly, but he’s afraid to ask.
Me: Do you have plans today? We can get together and practice.
Nash: Sure, if you want. It’s cool if you don’t.
