“I’m not saying things won’t work out. They might. We talk about the future as if that’s where we’re headed. We justhaven’t gotten to the point of really discussing anything realistic.”
“Because you’re tapping the brakes.”
“Because my daughter deserves some reliable consistency in her life and not another man who matters but disappears. Even if he’s sticking around, announcing our relationship will change things for her. And she’s had plenty of change this year already.”
Avery nods again. “You’re the best mom.”
“I’m doing my best. It’s not always the best.”
“It looks like the best to me. Though, our mom did a pretty bang-up job too.”
“Yeah,” I agree. “Look at us. She did great.”
Avery laughs. “Right? We’re awesome.”
“Thanks for pushing me,” I say. “I need you to do a sanity check. If you think I’m wrong, tell me.”
“You know I’ll tell you. Bottom line? I just want to see you happy.”
“Thanks. I am happy. I’m happier than I’ve been in a really long time. It might not be ideal having to hide what we are from everyone, but I’m ridiculously happy when I’m with him. And that has to be enough for now.”
Chapter 30
Hallie
What the heart has once owned and had,
it shall never lose.
— Henry Ward Beecher
I text Greyson as soon as we walk in the door from the game.
“Go change!” I shout down the hallway after Mia. “And throw your uniform into the hamper, please!”
“Okay, Mommy!” she shouts back.
Hallie: Is there any way we could do this dinner European style?
Ace: With you, it’s always European style.
Hallie: Grey. I’m being serious. I want to be here for Mia tonight. I don’t want to take off on a night she won a ball game to come see my clandestine lover.
I pause, realizing what I just typed and scramble to unsend the message, but his reply comes through instantly.
Ace: Did you just call me your clandestine lover?
Hallie: Skip that part. Can I come late, after I tuck Mia in?
Ace: As your clandestine lover, I say you can throw pebbles at my window after midnight. But, in all seriousness, yes. Come when you can. No rush. I’ll have dinner ready at 8:30. Does that work?
Hallie: I can be there at 8:30. No pebbles. But I might bring a large rock to throw at you if you use the phrase clandestine lover with me again.
Ace: You started it.
Hallie: And I’m stopping it too.
Ace: I’m laughing. Don’t tell anyone.
