I nod and let out a breath. That’s the best news I could have hoped for. I was sure it was worse, the way he was grimacing last night.
“Glad to hear it.” At this point, we need him in the rotation. If he’s not, we’re in trouble.
“How are the kids?” I ask. It’s hard being a dad in this line of work. We’re gone more often than not and our spouses, or in my case, my ex, shoulders the responsibility of taking care of the family. Hell, who am I kidding. She’s the rockstar who does it all. Every single one of us, married or not, appreciate the women who take care of our children. Exes or otherwise.
Adam smiles. “Growing up fast. It seems like just yesterday they were learning to walk. Now they’re in grade school.”
“I hear you. My kids are getting ready for college soon.”
“Anyone special in your life?” he asks, suddenly serious.
I shake my head.
He claps me on the shoulder. “Maybe it’s time to get out there again. Try dating. You need a woman in your life.”
I crack a half-hearted smile. “Maybe.”
He laughs. “Progress.”
I shrug. Not really. I don’t have time for a woman right now.
The rest of the plane ride goes by smoothly, players and coaching staff alike dropping by my seat to chat and strategize. All in all, the trip goes by pretty fast. Which is good, because I hate flying. And I’ve flown my fair share as both a player and coach. The pilot’s voice comes across the intercom as the fasten seatbelt sign comes back on.
“Okay, folks, we’ll be landing shortly. Please stow away all personal items. Make sure to stay in your seats with seatbelts fastened as we descend.”
I fasten my seatbelt and tuck away my tablet and other items. The pilot lands the plane without any trouble and taxis across the runway, towards our gate. As we move, I think back to what Adam said, about needing a woman in my life. He’s not wrong, but it’s tough in my line of work. For now, though, I’d at least take one night with a beautiful woman. And if we never see each other again, so be it. I’ll take what I can get.
CHAPTER 3
GABE
After the game and a tough loss, the team takes a charter bus to our hotel. I let the players check in first, making sure they get settled in. As they get their key cards, I look around. And wouldn’t you know, a beautiful woman walks through the door, soft-sided leather bag in her hand, wearing a smart business suit with a skirt that shows off her shapely legs and heels. And instantly, something stirs inside of me, my libido sitting up and taking notice. I like what I see. Which is saying something, since I haven’t been with anyone since my ex. Which has been almost a year. Easy there, tiger.
I wonder who she is?
“Next,” the attendant at the front desk calls out.
I don’t know who she is and I probably won’t ever see her again. Too bad. I would have liked to get a chance to get to know her. I check in and accept my room key and head upstairs, the woman pushed to the back of my mind.
We had a day game today, so there’s plenty of time for me to get comfy in my room and check in with my kids. Deacon is a senior in high school, playing varsity baseball. Kyra’s a sophomore and will graduate in a couple of years. The years have flown by, but it hasn’t diminished my love for my children. Flicking open the screen on my phone, I FaceTime Kyra first.
“Hey, baby girl. How are you?”
“Hi, Dad. I’m good,” she tells me, a smile on her face. “I miss you.” She gives me a small smile. Our conversations pretty much go the same way, every time we talk.
“I miss you, too. Catch me up. How’s school? How’s your mom?”
She lets out an exaggerated sigh. “School is school. I joined the debate team.”
Of course she did. She’ll be great at it. She’s as stubborn as they come. “That’s great! How are your classes?”
“Eh, they’re okay, I guess.”
“Just okay?” I ask. Usually, Kyra loves her classes. But she doesn’t seem all that interested in them at the moment. I wonder why?
“I wish I could take all college classes. High school classes are so boring,” she whines.
“Why don’t you ask your mom about it? I’m sure they can work on that.” In fact, I know they can, because the high school both her and Deacon attend is a private prep school. The school pushes all students to achieve high levels of success. I know, because I pay for it. It’s not cheap, let me tell you. But it’s worth it. I want my kids to have the best chance at success. And the school they attend helps with that.
