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“And what did you tell him?” Quinton asked, glancing over at me.

“I told him that I wouldn’t keep him out of his son’s life, but at the end of the day it’s up to Theo if he wants him there.”

“That’s all he can ask for, baby. Hopefully, he comes home and does the right thing. Theo is a good kid.”

“Go, baby!” I yelled when Theo hit the ball and took off for first base.

“My boy is good,” Quinton said plopping down next to me.

“This is actually pretty fun.”

“I can’t wait for Lil’ Q to be old enough for T-ball.”

“Chile, the boy can’t even walk yet.”

“Look how you’re doubting him. Give me my son.”

“Here, you ain’t hurting my feelings. He’s heavy.”

“That means he’s well-fed.”

“That he is!” I confirmed.

“I’m ready to be well-fed. It’s been too long.” He winked.

“You’re so bad.”

“Come on, Vick! Show ’em what you got, buddy,” Quinton shouted, jumping to his feet with Trey resting on his arm this time.

Victor hit the ball on the first try and took off for first base. I was on my feet right next to Quinton as my baby ran into home right before someone threw the ball to get him out.

“Good job, Theo!”

“The boys want to play flag football too. I’m excited like I’m back out there,” Quinton raved.

“I don’t know if I want Theo playing football. It’s too easy to get hurt. I know you’ve seen all that CTE stuff. I would rather for him to focus on something less dangerous.”

“I understand, baby, but it’s flag football. They won’t be tackling. I like having Vick in sports because it teaches him about comradery and leadership skills.”

“That sounds good, Quinton. I just don’t want him thinking playing sports is more important than his education.”

“They won’t, baby. They’re not even allowed to play if they don’t maintain their grades.”

“Well good.”

The game went pretty fast. Our boys won a close game 5 to 4. They were so excited that they almost knocked me down, running over to make sure that I was paying attention to everything. I wasn’t a baseball fan by a long shot, but I couldn’t wait until the next game.

“What y’all want to eat?” Quinton asked as we all loaded into his truck.

The boys rambled off their ideas as we pulled out. It really didn’t matter to me where we ate. I was starving.

“I don’t want no more Mexican food or pizza for a while,” Quinton added.

I shook my head. “Me either.”

“Well, what about that place with all the choices by the mall? Then everybody can get with they like,” Theo suggested.

“Oh, yeah, the buffet place, Dad,” Victor noted.