Page 83 of Christmas Bubble

“No, babe. You be you. Go surprise your coach with your nice gesture.”

“Okay. I’ve got this.”

Despite my initial excitement, as I’m approaching Riley’s place, nerves get the best of me. What if he doesn’t want me to come over unannounced? What if he’s not ready for me to properly meet his parents?

Shit. I didn’t even think of that.

Well, it’s too late now. Besides, I don’t have to come in. I can just give him the pie and leave. Yeah, that’s what I’ll do.

I walk up to the door and ring the bell. A moment later, the door opens, but it’s not Riley.

“Um…hi.” I stare at the woman. It’s not Riley’s mom. I remember her from the call.

The woman stares at me in confusion. She’s beautiful, with blonde hair and bright-blue eyes.

“Can I help you?” she asks.

“Um…I’m looking for Coach…I mean, Riley.”

She smiles. “Oh, you must be one of his work colleagues. I’m Mel, his wife.”

The way she says the words with such certainty and confidence almost knocks me sideways.

“Is Riley here?” I ask.

“He’s gone out to do some shopping. We’ve all just flown in, so it’s a bit of a mess.” She straightens her long hair. “Is this work-related? Can I pass a message? Riley has always been a workaholic.” She giggles.

“Um, no, it’s not important. I heard his dad had an accident and thought he might want some pie to cheer him up.”

She holds out her hands to take the pie from me. “Aw, that’s very thoughtful of you. Thank you. We really appreciate your support. We’ll write a note of thanks to the school.”

I stand there speechless and confused.

“Was there anything else you wanted?”

“No. That was…no…” I walk back to my car.

I sit there for a while trying to process what just happened. He called me. He said he missed me.

But he never said his ex-wife was with him and never invited me to come over. It reminds me how little we really know about each other.

I’m on autopilot all the way home.

Juju runs to me as soon as I’m through the door.

“What happened?”

“I don’t know.”

“What do you mean?”

I sit on the couch with my coat and shoes still on. “His ex-wife was there. She referred to herself as his wife. He never said she was there when he called.” I look at Juju. “Do you think he lied?”

“Why don’t you call him?”

I shake my head.

“Fine, I’ll call him.” She grabs the phone from my hand before I can stop her and calls his number.