“A lifetime ago.”
“You really are old,” I remarked.
Wyatt gave me a look. “You haven’t grown up, have you?”
I just shook my head with a grin. “Nope.”
The two of us were quiet for another minute as we walked along the field. I might have seen Wyatt about three weeks ago when I was home for postseason, but it felt like ages ago now. Our lives were so hectic with football, hockey, and kids that we didn’t typically get a moment for just the two of us.
“How’s everything been?” Wyatt asked a moment later.
“Good.” I moved the football between my hands. I didn’t have a lot to complain about. I got to do the thing I loved most for a living. I had a great apartment and the means to afford it. I had friends and an entire team that supported me.
“You’ve become a better liar, but your tell is still the same.” Wyatt shot me a look as we both came to a stop.
“I don’t have a tell.”
“Yes, you do.” He eyed the football in my grip. “What’s up?”
He wasn’t going to let it go until I said what was on my mind. Both him and Landon had a weird sense of knowing when I was hiding something. Always had. Like the time I tried to get away with failing calculus. All it took was one look at me and they knew something was up. Guess time and distance didn’t change that.
“I’m just…anxious with the new season coming up.” It was only partly the truth, but I wasn’t ready to fully talk about the anxiety that filled me when I thought of this upcoming season.
“That’s normal. I’d be a little worried if you didn’t feel that way.” Wyatt crossed his arm and looked at me in understanding. He got the pressure that came with playing a professional sport and the expectations to be at the top of your game.
“You need to remember you can only control what’s in front of you. You can’t control how your teammates will play. You can’t control how the other team will do. As long as you step out onto the field and play the bestyoucan, it’s a win.”
I understood what he was saying. But as the quarterback, I still had that feeling,that pressure, to make sure the team won. The weight of it all didn’t solely rest on my shoulders, but it sometimes felt like it did.
“You have a great team behind you. I know you guys will do well this year.” He reached out and clapped my shoulder. “It’s only one season. There will be plenty more.”
“Yeah.” Before Wyatt could push more on the subject, a small but fast body slammed into the back of my legs. Beyond grateful for the interruption, I made a huge show of falling forward onto the grass.
“I gotchu,” Kai screamed loudly. I fake groaned and rolledonto my back. Discomfort tore through me when she jumped on my stomach, turning the tortured sound that came out of my mouth real. Pure dead weight settled as she bounced on top of me and cheered.
Wyatt grinned, standing there watching his niece use me as a bouncy toy. “Did you get Uncle Matty?”
“I did!!” Each word was enunciated with a bounce.
“Yes, you did,” I grunted, the breath getting knocked from my lungs. “Wyatt, a little help over here,” I wheezed.
The asshole just stood there and let Kai continue. “I’m good.”
“You are such an asshole,” I muttered under my breath.
“Ohhh, Uncle Maty said a bad word!” Kai announced, sitting still on my stomach.Shit.Lydia will have my head for swearing in front of her daughter again.
“How about we go find Wrenley?” Before she could start moving again, I hooked my arm around her and jumped to my feet. Kai’s giggles filled my ears as I shifted her onto my shoulders, hands gripping her little legs as her hands grasped my chin.
As I started walking back toward everyone, I shot a glare over at Wyatt. He just laughed and followed after us.
Up ahead, the others were standing around watching as Wrenley and Jayden played with a couple of footballs.
“Hold tight, cupcake,” I warned Kai. Once her grip on my chin was almost choking me, I ran toward the group. Kai giggled and squealed, not at all fazed by the height. She was fearless, and I just knew she was going to give Landon and Lydia mini heart attacks when she got older.
“MATEO BOONE! YOU DROP MY DAUGHTER AND I WILL MAKE SURE YOU WALK WITH A LIMP FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!” Lydia yelled.
“I would never!” I called back. I would rather fall and break my leg than ever let any of my nieces or nephew gethurt. I never knew the lengths I’d go to make sure Kai, Wrenley, and Jayden were safe until they were born.
