It’s been three days, and I can’t wait any longer to talk to her. We missed our chance years ago, and I won’t let that happen again. If there’s even the slightest possibility that she feels the same, that she could ever be interested in a relationship with me, then I can’t let fear keep me from speaking up. Not again.
“Meet you at your house?” Bray asks.
“Yeah, you going to ride that ridiculous death rocket over?”
Letting out a low laugh, he snags his wallet and his keys from his stall. “It’s called a Harley. You seriously need to stop being such a dad.”
“I am a dad.” I flip my phone in my hand with a chuckle, then head for the door.
“We’re all aware,” he mutters.
Adeline’s office is empty when I pass it on the way to the garage, so I head home. There’s a good chance I’ll see her there at some point tonight. As my phone connects to the Bluetooth in my car, I discover I have a text from Vivi.
Vivi: is it okay if Winnie and I take Avery to dinner and a movie tonight?
Hmm. A little thrill zips through me at the prospect. This could definitely work to my advantage. Maybe it’ll give me a chance to talk to Adeline alone. And if I show up with Brayden, she’s less likely to hide from me. Then, when I find a convenient way to get rid of Bray, I can invite her to dinner.
Yeah. This could totally work.
I dig my phone from my pocket and respond.
Me: If you’re sure you don’t mind. I know she’d love it. I’ll Venmo you for the tickets etc.
Vivi: Stop! Winnie’s paying anyway.
I laugh. Of course she is. I’ll Venmo her, then.
Me: Thanks, Vivi. I appreciate it. Tell Avey girl if she needs me to just give me a call. I’ll be around.
Vivi: Take the night off. You don’t always have to be such a dad.
I huff out a laugh. I’m seeing a pattern here. But Jesus, I’m the only parent Avery’s got at the moment. I haven’t heard a word from her mother in weeks. For me, that’s a positive thing. The less I have to do with Tabitha, the better. But for Avery, it’s awful.
Still, maybe I should take their advice. Maybe, just for a few hours, I can focus on the other most important woman in my life.
I pull up to the brownstone as Bray is parking his motorcycle.
“Good news,” I tell him as he sets his helmet on the back of his bike.
Bray runs a hand through his dark hair, shaking it out. “What’s that?”
I clap once, the sound loud on the quiet street. “I’m kid free for a few hours.”
With a laugh, he shakes his head. “Fuck, maybe we should meet the guys out for a drink.”
I head for the door, pulling my house key from my pocket. “Let’s see if Adeline is home. Maybe she wants to join us.”
“You mean Coach Langfield?”
I scoff as I unlock the door. “Here, she’s Adeline.”
“Right, but to you, she should always be Coach Langfield,” he says, voice low and full of warning.
“Oh my gosh, do not check that box,” Adeline screams, the sound reverberating off the walls.
Brayden and I share a confused look, then stride to the kitchen.
“Whatever.” The tease is followed by a loud, raspy laugh. “If you’re going to answer this thing, at least answer it honestly. You can’t tell me you don’t want to get boned at least twice a week.”
