“But, there’s a few things we should discuss first.”
“Like?”
“Like my kids. My ex. That kind of stuff.”
“Okay. Do your kids stay with you during the offseason?”
“They don’t, because it disrupts their school schedule. But they do drop by quite a bit.”
“That shouldn’t be an issue. What do you think?”
“It shouldn’t be. You’ll probably cross paths with them eventually. But we’ll cross that bridge when we get there, okay?” I tell her. “I just want to enjoy some time off and spend more time with you.”
“I’d like that.”
“Good. Now where were we?” I quip, spreading her over my lap. She sinks onto me, my shaft buried deep. We spend the next hour making slow and sweet love. I can’t wait to head back to Chicago and move to the next stage of our relationship.
CHAPTER 11
GABE
The drive from Blue Valley to Chicago takes almost 8 hours. As I drive, my thoughts drift to Layla. Now that I’m back in Chicago, I’ll be able to see her, talk to her, and kiss her every single day. Hell, we’ll probably burn up the sheets being in such close proximity. The flame between us is pretty damn intense. She makes me feel alive again. Thinking back to before my divorce, I didn’t even realize how much I hadn’t felt. I was numb. Looking back, that may have been a contributing factor to the breakup of my marriage. But it wasn’t all just one-sided. It was both our faults. We drifted apart and neither one of us chose to do anything about it. Instead, we let it happen. In hindsight, maybe it was for the best. We’d married young and had kids, all the while I was rising through the ranks in the majors. We both wanted a family, but it was Steph who raised our kids. I love my career, but I wish I’d have been able to spend more time with my kids as they grew up. But, at least I’ve made it a point to stay in Chicago during the offseason. It’s easily one of the best decisions I’ve made. And now Layla being in Chicago? It makes it even better. I can’t wait to spend more time with her.
As I get closer to the city, traffic thickens, snarled by a dusting of fresh snow. This time of year, Chicago can get a dusting or it can get buried. It all depends on Mother Nature. Driving down Lake Shore Drive, traffic comes to a halt. As I wait, I peer out over Lake Michigan, watching its choppy waves roll to shore. It’s a gloomy, cold day. Last night, when I checked the forecast, it called for snow showers, then maybe fog in the morning. Typical weather for this time of year in Chicago. Traffic is still stalled, so I seek out the high-rise buildings overlooking Lake Michigan. Layla lives in one of these. I’d like nothing more than to drive straight to her and pull her into my arms, then kiss her with everything I have. But I need to get home. Kyra and Deacon will be there soon.
Slowly, traffic starts to move again and my phone rings. It’s hooked up to my SUV, so I answer that way. “Hey, Steph.”
“Hi, Gabe. I’m just confirming that you’ll be home by four. The kids said they’re going to pop over after school. They miss their dad.”
I smile. It always feels good to come back to Chicago. “I’ve missed them, too. Tell them to be ready to eat. I’ll be cooking tonight. And I should be home within the hour.”
“Glad to hear that. I’ll be sure to tell them.”
“Hey, I need to go. Traffic is finally starting to move again.”
“Bye, Gabe.”
“Later,” I reply, ending the call. Steph and I co-parent. There’s no ill will between us. And for that, I am grateful. Knowing Kyra and Deacon would stop by, I had groceries delivered and it’s ready and waiting for us. I’ll cook dinner and enjoy some time with my kids, then see Layla once I’m free. I can’t stop smiling. It feels damn good to be back.
I make it home and it’s like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I get to see my kids tonight, then I’ll see Layla tomorrow. And I don’t have to go back to Blue Valley until January. The next few months are going to be good ones, I can tell.
As I’m hauling all my stuff inside, I hear a key in the lock. That must be Kyra and Deacon.
Dropping off my bags at the end of the stairs, I head towards the front door.
“Dad? You home?” Kyra calls out.
“Right here!” I reply, coming around the corner. “There’s my girl!”
Kyra runs into my arms and I embrace her, hugging her tight as I swing her around, just like I’ve done for years. She’s older now, and my arms strain, but I’ll never stop doing this. I’ll accept her hugs until I die.
“Get in here,” I joke, motioning Deacon to my side. I pull him in for a group hug.
I’ve missed my kids so much. It’s only been a few months since I’ve seen them, and already they’ve changed. Deacon shot up an inch or so and he’s bulkier than I remember. Damn, my kids are growing up so fast!
“Okay, Dad,” Deacon says, backing out of the group hug. Kyra follows.
“What? I’ve missed you two. Tell me you missed me just a little bit?”
