“I don’t want to put you out.”
I glare at Simon.
“You know you aren’t. Grey is a great kid. Besides, we’ll be asleep long before you get home. What trouble could we possibly cause in one afternoon?”
Simon stands and puts his hands on his hips. “You haven’t hung out with my son long enough apparently.”
“Is that a yes?” Grey asks. “Please, Dad. Please.”
Simon’s gaze catches mine, and I nod.
“I really don’t mind.”
He lets out a big groan, but he nods. “Fine. But you do as Greer says, and you’re in bed by 9:30.”
“Deal!” Grey says then high-fives me.
I laugh as he runs back into the house.
“Are you excited about your signing?” I ask.
“Signings are my favorite. I just didn’t think of how much my career would impact Grey’s life as he got older. When he was smaller, it was easier to just lug him around. He didn’t argue. But it’s clear, as you can see, that I need to make some changes over the next few years.”
Simon packs his computer into his bag with jerky movements. Obviously, not being with Grey bothers him. If I weren’t staying to take Grey to camp, I’d suggest that he and I surprise Simon.
I reach out to rub his arm.
“Hey, you’ll figure it out. Some seasons of life are harder than others, but it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.”
He pauses. As soon as his eyes fall on mine, I add, “You’re doing a really good job, Simon. I’m not just saying that because you pay me or because of the vibe you’re putting off either.”
He shakes his head, but I see a faint smile.
“What kind of vibe am I giving off?”
“One that hints you’re second-guessing this signing just so you can stay with Grey. Go. He’s going to be busy anyway. This is why you have me now.”
Simon lifts his bag over his shoulder, pivoting to stand right in front of me. His expression is unreadable, but the way his eyes linger on my lips says enough.
It’s probably best that he’s leaving for the night. A little space would do us good. Being attracted to someone and not being able to do a damn thing about it is frustrating.
“Text me when you’re home from camp, and then I’ll text you later on to check in.”
“You got it.”
He opens the front door, stepping in to shout, “Grey, I’m leaving!”
Grey comes racing down the stairs, then he holds his hand up to high-five his dad.
I hear the slight groan Simon makes, but he hits his kid’s hand and then hugs him.
“Dad, stop. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Grey wiggles from the embrace and runs back up to his room.
Simon grabs his keys off the entry table, unlocking his truck.
“Oh, you’re leaving right now, right now.”
