She immediately asks me, “What was that all about?”
“What was what?”
“You and the hot coach?”
“Stop calling him that.”
“Turn your head and follow my gaze.”
I do. She’s looking at Greyson. He’s squatting in front of Luna, hand on her shoulder. He’s turned his ball cap backward and his face is full of quiet pride.
“What?” I ask.
“Hot coach.”
I roll my eyes.
“So, what did he want to say to you?”
“He wants me to come over for dinner.”
“Really?” Her voice carries.
“Yes. Please keep it down.”
“Are you sure you two still need to keep hiding? He’s so obviously into you.”
“You heard Mia. She wishes her dad were here. It’s not time.”
I don’t expect my sister to understand needing to protecta seven-year-old from an attachment that might end up devastating her. She’s not a mom yet.
I sigh, turning to watch Mia who is now playing tag with her new teammates. “I wish it weren’t so complicated, Avery. You have no idea. Greyson’s amazing—protective, thoughtful, easy to be with and … I really, really like him.”
“Like. Yeah. Youlikehim.”
“Stop.”
“Fine. You like him. Look at Mia.”
I glance at my daughter. She’s tagging Greyson and then she takes off running. He runs after her and then pivots and tags Tabitha.
I turn back to Avery. “Caring about a grown woman is one thing, Ave. Being part of a seven-year-old’s life when life gets real is another.”
“He looks like he’d slide right into that role just like he could slide into home base.”
“This is Mia’s life.” I bite my lower lip.
Of all the people in the world, it matters most to me that Avery understands my reasoning.
“I don’t get a do-over. I can’t put Mia through that kind of loss again. She could already say Dada when Danny left. And then he was gone.”
I look Avery in the eyes, fighting the fresh sting at the thought of Danny leaving us the way he did.
“Greyson and I are still in that easy stage when everything feels magical and perfect.” I pause, looking over at Greyson who has abandoned tag to talk to a few of the dads.
“Easy isn’t the same as proven, Ave.”
Avery nods. “I get it. And you’re right. The selfish thing would be to lock things down with the hot coach. But, as usual, you’re putting your daughter first—for her good.”
