Page 32

Easton

I wake to Paige’s naked body wrapped around me while the events of last night play on repeat in my mind. Like Paige, I could get used to this, and that’s a dangerous notion.

I’ve spent so long concerned about Isaac getting attached to someone else and losing them, like he did with Macy, that I never stopped to think about what would happen if I got attached to Paige… and lost her.

Reaching for my phone, I switch off my alarm before it wakes Paige and allow myself another minute to bask in her warmth.

The situation we’ve created for ourselves is so delicate it could break at any given moment. If it’s a crack, I’m sure one of us could fix it. But what if it shatters beyond repair, and we’re all destroyed in the process?

When the sun peeks through the gap in the curtain, I reluctantly get up. Paige stirs when I move but thankfully doesn’t wake, mewling as she rolls over. It’s so adorable, I can’t stop myself from pressing a kiss to her cheek, wishing I could stay longer.

She’s still asleep when I have to leave, so I write a note and sneak out, closing the door softly behind me.

Other than Macy, I have never had another woman in my bed. I’ve never wanted to. But with Paige, I could happily spend every night lying next to her. It’s so easy between us. Which is a comfort considering God knows both our lives are complicated as fuck.

Not that we’ve ever really spoken about the details.

She doesn’t need to hear about Macy. I’m not stupid; I know no one wants to know about their partner’s ex. The problem is that Macy’s not going away, and at some point, I’m going to have to face that.

I’m early for practice, as usual, and as I pull into the parking lot, Coach Pierce pulls in behind me.

“East. Any luck with the school situation?” he asks, waiting until now to bring up our conversation from the event, somehow knowing that I’d never want to talk about my business if any of my teammates were around.

“Honestly, I haven’t given it much more thought, because when I do, it’s closer to being real.”

“Ahh, I know that feeling. It’s hard when they grow up.”

“It is. But at the same time, I love the little man he’s growing into.”

“How’s things with your mom? Is she still looking after him?” I spoke to Coach about my situation as soon as Macy left. He’s the only one I opened up to, other than my mom. And that was because I had to. I wasn’t sure if I’d have to miss practices or bring him to away games, but Mom’s been an angel and I haven’t missed a thing.

“She’s a godsend. And I have no idea how she does it.”

“She’s a mom. They have superpowers.” He laughs until he realizes what he said. “At least, most do. Fucking Zane.”

I laugh at his attempt to correct what he said and shake my head. “At some point I have to stop blaming him. Macy fucked up long before that, and I just refused to see it. Or maybe I was the problem.”

“Either way, that kid needs to grow up. Zane, I mean. He’s a hell of a player, but he’s too cocky for his own good.”

“Kind of like Luke was?”

“Still is. But at least he doesn’t get himself into trouble with the other players.”

“True, but if things had worked out differently with Amelia and she’d ended up with one of our teammates, that may have changed.”

Pierce laughs. “Always so much drama. Here’s hoping that D’Angelo really does improve things for the team. I may have been against the change in the beginning, but the guy is growing on me.”

“Really?” That’s interesting. Maybe he’s not worried about his job like some of the other coaches are. “You think he’s going to help the team?”

“I fucking hope so, or we’re doomed.”

“Something tells me we’ll be okay. It’s just going to take a bit to get used to the change.”

P ractice runs smoothly, so I’m on time to pick Isaac up from Mom’s, and when I arrive, she has dinner on the table and a smile on her face.

“We’ve had another busy day; this little man should sleep well tonight.” She kisses me hello and ruffles Isaac’s hair. “Any news?”

I know what she’s asking but it’s been radio silence. Macy’s yet to ask me if she can take Isaac for the holidays. “Not yet, but I’m looking into my options.”

“Good to hear. And remember, I can get you a contact.”

“I know.” But I have a feeling I could get one too if I asked Paige about it. I bet her father has friends in high places.

After a somewhat quiet dinner, Isaac and I head home with him regaling me with stories of his day. Since Mom bathed him before dinner, we’re able to start our bedtime routine as soon as we get inside. And it’s only then that he finally mentions Macy. Four days later.

I’d almost wondered if I’d imagined the whole thing since he’s usually excited about everything that relates to his mom.

“Will you come to Flowida, Dad?”

I wish I could pretend I didn’t know what he was talking about, but I can’t lie. “Did your mom invite you?”

“Yeah. And you.”

“I don’t think she meant me. I think she wants to spend some time with you. Alone.”

His nose scrunches before he curls his body into mine and shakes his head. “I want to go with you.”

“I can’t go, Buddy. What about Nana? If we all go to Florida, she’ll be alone.”

“She can come with us. And Auntie Keeley too.”

“Auntie Keeley is going to see her dad for Christmas.” I internally cringe while I smile.

“Where’s your dad?” Dammit . I should have seen that coming.

“I don’t see him anymore.” Isaac pouts so I’m quick to ease his mind. “I’m okay.” I smile again, ruffling his hair. “Do you know why?”

“Why?” He shakes his head.

“Because I’m lucky enough to have you and Nana and Keeley and Auntie Addison who we’ll see again soon.”

“I have those people too!” His voice raises excitedly, and a beautiful smile lights up his face.

“You do. And no matter what, they love you.”

“Then can I stay with you and Nana for Christymas?”

My world stops for a second before my heart starts beating at double time. “You don’t have to do that. The choice is yours. You know I’d love to spend Christmas with you. But if you want to go with your mom, it’s okay. I won’t be alone.”

He shakes his head almost violently. “I want to see Nana.”

“How about we think about it.” I pull him into a hug. “You don’t have to decide right now. Right now your big job is to go to sleep.”

“Daad.” He playfully pushes me away. “That’s not a job.”

“Maybe not. But it’s time to turn off the light and say good night.”

“Will you leep next to me?” he asks, his hand clenched at his heart.

“Yeah, Buddy. I can stay for a little while. At least until you’re asleep.”

A fter getting less sleep than usual last night with Paige, I fall asleep next to Isaac, and when I wake around ten, my neck aches from curling up in a small space.

Feeling out of it, I beeline straight to my bedroom, stretching out my body before getting changed and switching off the light. The glow from the city shines a spotlight on the empty side of my bed until I close the drapes and block it all out.

I never put much thought into how I felt in the past waking up next to someone, because while Macy and I shared a bed for years, our feelings had gone long before she did. But with Paige, everything feels different and I wish I had more to give her.

Tucking my arms behind my head, I stare up at the ceiling and try to drift off while my mind spins. And when I’m finally a little drowsy, my phone rings, making me jump.

I usually silence it at night, so I’m clearly not thinking properly.

“It’s ten thirty, Keeley. Why are you calling so late?” I whisper to keep from waking Isaac as I walk into the kitchen, closing the door between the living area and the bedrooms.

“Late?” Keeley scoffs. “I just got home.”

“Good for you. It’s late for me. You know I’m up at five tomorrow? Anyway, what’s up?”

“I called to ask if I could take Isaac out for a couple of hours tomorrow afternoon?”

“What, why?” I shouldn’t be suspicious but I am. Keeley’s great with Isaac, but I usually have to ask her to help out—she doesn’t volunteer.

“I want to impress a single dad, to show him that I’m marriage material.”

“ What ? Fuck, no. You can’t—”

“I’m joking, dickwad. I promised him I’d take him to that new animal exhibition at the wharf and I got free tickets, but they’re only for today or tomorrow.”

I bite back a groan. It’s after ten p.m. I can’t deal with humor right now.

“That’s nice. He’s been talking about that. What time were you thinking? I’ll need to let Mom know.”

“I already did. I told her I’d take her shift. Give her the day off.”

“Her shift? You make it sound like I’m forcing her to work.” Guilt swirls around my middle as tension works its way into my chest. I know she’s tired, and she definitely deserves time off. But she won’t let me seek an alternative.

“I know it’s not you, East. She argued with me too when I offered. But I think she needs it. She looks tired.”

“I know. God, I know. If only it had been someone more responsible that offered to help out.”

“Uh. Shut it. I’m responsible. I pretty much manage an entire team of children. Children that are far less mature than Isaac is.”

I huff out a laugh. Can’t deny that she has a point. “Okay. I’ll put my life in your hands.”

“Aww, that’s the sweetest thing you’ve ever said. You are getting soft, Bro.”

“Want me to change my mind?”

“Nope. You’re the greatest. I’ll be there at six. Mom usually comes then, right?”

“She does.”

“And she stays until…” She trails off so I can fill in the blanks.

“I’m usually home by late afternoon on Friday. You know this.”

“I do. But how was I to know you’d be going straight home? Maybe you have a date.”

“Ha ha. You’re hilarious.”

“Well, date or no date, we’ll be at the exhibition until around four, and I want to take him to Mom’s for dinner so she still gets to see him. I’ll bring him home after that. I can stay at your place later if you want to…”

“I’m not going on a date, Keeley. I’ll see you in the morning.”

She hangs up and my thoughts drift to Paige. Again . I can’t see this getting any easier. But at the same time, I don’t want it to end.

What the hell do I do?