“What are you nervous about?” Ally asks, taking a sip of her coffee.
“That it’s all too good to be true,” I admit. “Blake’s been so patient, and he never pressures me. If anything, I’m the one pushing for more.”
Quinn smirks behind her coffee cup but doesn’t voice her opinions.
“But I’m scared I’m falling for the first guy to show me attention after Edward, and I don’t want to make the same mistakes. Edward was really sweet and attentive at first, too.”
My ex-husband preyed on my vulnerability, and I almost paid with my life.
“Has Blake given you any reason to think he might hurt you?”
I consider Sophia’s question. He’s hinted at regretting something from his past, something that put a strain on his relationship with his sister, but he’s never made me feeluncomfortable or given me any hint that he’d hurt me or Tinsley. If anything, it’s been the opposite. I feel safe and at ease with him, and he’s only ever been sweet and comforting towards Tinsley.
“No,” I say slowly. “But I feel guilty sneaking around behind Everett’s back and making Blake lie to him. Surely that means this is something we shouldn’t be doing?”
Ally shakes her head. “You’re being careful and seeing where this is going before involving people who have a stake in this relationship working out. That’s not a bad thing; it’s a careful thing, and after what you’ve been through, it’s a safe thing. Everett will understand if this is something you and Blake want.”
“What about the age thing?” I ask, knowing I’m trying to self-sabotage, but powerless to stop it. “He’s only twenty-five. Why would he want to get involved with a divorced single-mum who escaped domestic violence? My life’s a mess, and he doesn’t even know the half of it.” My panic is rising now. “What will Edward do when he finds out? I can’t give him any leverage over me with Tinsley. He can’t take her?—”
“Breathe,” Quinn says, gripping my hand tight and squeezing. “Edward will never take her away from you. There are too many people in your corner to testify about what that son of a bitch put you through. What have you told Blake about him?”
“Nothing,” I say in a small voice. “He knows we’re divorced and that I have full custody, but I think that’s it.”
“As hard as the conversation is going to be, I think that’s your next step before you decide if this will go any further. Be honest and upfront with him. I know it’ll be hard, butuntil he knows everything, you don’t know if it’ll be too much for him or not.”
I nod, knowing she’s right. “I’ll check his roster this week. Maybe he can come over while Tinsley’s at school.”
“Good idea,” Ally says. “And if you need us afterwards, all you need to do is call.”
My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I frown as I slide it out to check it.
I can’t stop the flush that spreads over my cheeks, or the smile tugging on my lips when I see Blake’s messages.
Striker: I can’t stop thinking about you, pixie. What are you doing?
Striker: I won’t be able to concentrate on my game without knowing if you’re there.
Striker: Please tell me you’ll come.
Striker: I want to see you, even if I can’t kiss you.
“I need a man who’s going to make me blush as hard as that,” Sophia says in a dreamy voice.
When I look up, she’s resting her elbows on the table, her chin in her hands as she grins at me. Quinn and Ally are both smirking.
“He wants me and Tinsley to go to his game today,” I admit, blushing harder.
“And?” Ally prompts.
My gaze drifts to Tinsley, still playinghappily.
“I can’t risk running into Edward. He goes to all of Everett’s home games. Tinsley doesn’t need that.”
I don’t need that.
The last time I saw my ex-husband was in court after the custody hearing. Everything else has been dealt with through the lawyers or Everett. I didn’t have to be there, but I needed him to see he hadn’t broken me beyond repair. Facing him that day was my show of strength.
Quinn frowns. “You can’t keep letting him dictate your life, Jules. As much as we know the real reason you’d be at the game, Tinsley deserves to watch her brother play. She worships him.”
