Page 40

Easton

W hen I’m on my way to the stadium, Macy calls, saving me from calling her, and I take a deep breath, ready to be civil. Only she doesn’t make it easy.

“Since you won’t let me see him while I’m here, I need you to book a flight for me and Isaac for Christmas. I assume you don’t want him flying alone, so you’ll need to fly me to San Francisco first and then I’ll take him home. Maybe you can come and get him.”

Dammit . “He changed his mind.”

“Excuse me?”

“He said he wants to spend Christmas with my mom. Don’t worry, he’s not choosing me over you.”

“Bullshit. What did she say to him? I bet she forced him.”

I huff out a sigh, rubbing my temple as I drive. “He may only be three, Macy, but he knows what he wants.”

“No. I don’t accept that. He said yes, so he’s coming. He has to come.”

“What does that mean?” I bite back a groan. I knew this wasn’t going to be easy, but I didn’t think she’d argue this much.

“I need him. It’s Christmas. I need my family during Christmas.”

“Then come to San Francisco. You can take him for lunch and I’ll—”

“No.”

“No?”

“He’s coming to Florida.”

“He’s not going.”

“He said he wanted to come until you brainwashed him.”

“Kids change their minds. All the time. He told me he liked broccoli but that only lasted a day.”

“You’re comparing my situation to broccoli ?”

Fuck, she’s impossible. I pull into the parking garage at the stadium and park, wishing the call would have cut out when I drove underground. “He’s not going, Macy. If you want to spend time with him, it will have to be here. And that’s his choice. It didn’t come from me.”

“He’s coming. He has to.”

“Why?”

“Because you don’t get to have everything you want. All the damn time.”

“What? Macy, I—”

She hangs up, cutting me off midargument and I panic. So much for being civil. I’m not sure that’s even possible anymore.

Coach Pierce is waiting for me outside the locker room when I arrive. He nods his head toward the stairwell and I follow him out of sight.

“I was expecting you to call this morning. How’s your mom?”

My shoulders drop as emotion clogs my throat. I knew I’d have to talk about this today, but I thought I’d have some time before it happened. “She’s not great. She…ah…she has ALS.”

“Fuck.” Pierce’s eyes widen as his face pales. “I thought you were going to say she broke her hip.”

“That would have been a better alternative.”

“Jesus. I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.”

“I know, but—”

“Wilder,” someone calls my name and I turn to find Paige’s dad walking toward me, his expression somber. Did Paige tell him? “Hi Jonathan,” he acknowledges Coach before turning his attention to me. “How are you holding up?”

“Ah. I’m okay. Thanks.” I hesitate, unsure how I’m supposed to respond, and Coach notices. “I’m ready to get back into it. I won’t miss any more practice.”

“We wouldn’t fault you if you did,” Salvatore says, and surprisingly Coach nods in agreement, confusing the hell out of me. I didn’t think they got along.

“All good. I just want things to proceed as normal. But I appreciate the support.” I want to tell them both to fuck off, but somehow I don’t think that’s a good idea when I just promised Paige I wouldn’t do anything rash. And one of the guys is her dad. But it was hard enough talking to Paige about everything and now the world knows my business? What the hell is going on?

“Totally understandable,” Sal continues on. “Keeley said you’d say that.”

“Keeley?”

“Yeah. She missed a marketing meeting yesterday and emailed to apologize. She didn’t say much, only that your mom was in the hospital.”

So it wasn’t Paige? I can’t decide if I’m relieved or not. Maybe it would be better if it was out in the open.

“Thank you both. But I’m good.”

I give them a nod before walking away, frowning when I reach the locker room to find them still chatting. Are they friends now? Actually, not my problem.

Taking a deep breath, I walk in and beeline straight to my locker, ignoring the looks aimed my way. Since having Isaac, I’ve only missed a few practice sessions, and it’s been a while so they all know something’s up. I just hope they don’t know wha—

“East, how are you, man?” Thomas asks, coming over to pat me on the back, Luke and Reed trailing behind him. “I hope you don’t mind us intruding, but we wanted to offer some help.”

Fuck . “I’m good.”

“I’m sure you’re great,” Luke cuts in, having to have his say. “But you’re still going to listen.”

“Fine. Get your ‘condolences’ off your chest.”

“We’re not here to say sorry about your mom,” Luke snaps back, his expression a mix between annoyance and sympathy. “We’re here to help. Amelia and Lainey both offered to look after Isaac if you want to bring him to the game tomorrow. Lainey used to be a nanny for Dylan so she knows what she’s doing.”

Goddammit , I didn’t think about the game.

“And I’m sure I could ask— ah… Bria to help,” Reed adds with an awkward smile while I bite back a groan. “She loves kids.”

“So everyone knows my business now?”

“No,” he says, putting my mind at ease before adding, “only the people that care about you.”

“I don’t even know Bria; why do you think she would care?”

“ I care ,” Reed snaps. “Luke cares, Thomas cares. No matter how hard you try to push us away, we’ll still care.”

“I appreciate the offers but I’m fine and—” Paige already offered.

“You know your sister is friends with Amelia, right?” Luke cuts in, ready to push the issue.

Fucking Keeley. “So that’s how you found out she was my sister?”

“Yep. But that’s not the point. The point is that we know you’re going to need help and we’re all here for you—whether you like it or not.”

My shoulders drop, and for the first time I look past the surface level of the guys in front of me, seeing the decent men that they really are. “Thank you. I’ll keep all your offers in mind.”

“Honestly,” Reed says with a smile, “that’s the best response we could ask for.”

I ’m tired as I walk through the hospital corridors, but I couldn’t go home without seeing Mom, and when I get to her room, I’m happy I did.

“Easton.” Her face lights up with a smile. “ I wasn't expecting you.”

“Why?”

“Because you’ve got Isaac to worry about…and the devil.”

“ Mom .”

“What? Keeley told me she turned up at your apartment yesterday. Have you seen her?”

“No. Not yet.” My body tenses but I try not to outwardly show my anger toward Keeley. She really needs to keep her mouth shut. “I’m also guessing Keeley told you Paige wouldn’t let her in.”

Mom’s smile widens. “She did.”

“I, ah…I think I’m going to take another approach with Macy.” Thanks to Paige.

“Ooh. Are you finally going the lawyer route?”

“Yes and no. I’m going to seek advice but I’m also going to talk to Macy—civilly.”

Mom frowns. “Do you think that will work?”

“I have no idea. But I have to try.”

“And where did this idea come from? I admit, it’s not a bad one.”

“It came from Paige,” I admit, sheepishly.

“Paige, huh?”

“There’s nothing—” Mom stares at me deadpan, cutting me off. “Okay, fine. I like her. A lot, but life is crazy at the moment so we’re taking it slowly.”

I expect Mom to gloat, but she hits me with a warm smile as tears well in her eyes. “I’ve only met her a couple of times, but I like her too, and by the sounds of it, she’ll be good for you. Is she with Isaac now?”

“She is.”

“Then I like her even more.”

I do too, but I don’t admit that out loud. I’ve already given Mom enough tonight. Though she didn’t give me shit about it like I thought she would.

“You should go and be with them. I’m not going anywhere.”

“That’s the precise reason I want to stay—to keep you company.”

“I’m fine. They’re sending me home tomorrow. If I’m home early enough, I can watch Isaac.”

“Not a chance, Mom.” I laugh incredulously. “You need to rest. But I’ll bring him over for a visit on Monday. I just didn’t want to bring him here and worry him.”

Mom reaches out and squeezes my hand. “I wouldn’t have let you if you tried.”

“Okay.” I nod a few times. “Good to hear.”

“Go home.”

“Jeez, okay. I can take a hint. I’ll call you tomorrow. Is Keeley picking you up?”

“Nope. Phil’s coming.”

My face contorts but I smile through it. “That’s great, Mom.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not going to tell you about my sex life. But you need to get used to him being around. One day he’ll be your new dad.”

“What?”

Mom bursts out laughing, and while she’s being annoying, I love that she’s happy. “Oh, Easton. You’re too easy. Now go. Say hi to my beautiful grandson.”

“I will. And I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Good.”

I turn to walk away, but she calls out when I’m halfway through the doorway. “Oh, and Easton. Don’t mess it up with Paige. You and Isaac deserve someone good in your life.”

And there it is. I knew she’d have something to say. “Bye, Mom.”

P aige and Isaac are playing when I get home, and I’m greeted with a bout of laughter making my heart full. This is how I always thought my life would be after Isaac was born…coming home to a house full of warmth. True that I get it with Mom and Isaac, but this feels different. And I like it.

Making my way quietly down the hall, I find them playing with action figures and bite back a laugh.

“Come with me,” Paige says in her best superhero voice. “I’m here to protect you.”

My smile widens until I note what she’s wearing and pause, my chest tightening. It shouldn’t be a big deal to see her in my hoodie, but it is and it makes me want to replace her entire wardrobe with mine, claiming her.

Despite the fact that my clothes swim on her, I like seeing her comfortable in my world. In my home. In my clothes. With my son.

I take a step back, leaving them alone to gather my thoughts, but Isaac sees me and immediately jumps up, running over to throw himself into my arms.

“I’ve had the best day, Dad. Did you know that Paige knows about Spiderman?”

“No, I didn’t know that.”

“Well, she does and we played all day.”

He runs off to his room for God knows what and I grimace at Paige. “Sounds like you had a busy one.”

“It was great. I don’t mind playing superheroes. I’ve seen a few of the movies so I can pretend to know what I’m talking about.”

“Well, Isaac enjoyed it.”

“He did. And I know I sound like a broken record, but he’s an amazing kid.”

“He is. And he has an amazing woman looking after him.”

“Thanks.” Paige smiles and I note there’s something shy about it when she’s usually so confident. “On that note, I’ve been thinking… You have an away game next weekend, right? I want to look after Isaac, whether I stay here with him or we come with you. Either way, just let me know.”

Her offer catches me off guard and I pause. “I can’t ask you to do that.”

“You didn’t. I’ve cleared my weekend, so it would be rude of you to say no.” I laugh until a thought hits me.

“You cleared your weekend?”

“Yes, from Friday to Monday.”

“But it’s your charity event?”

“So.” Her brows furrow as she shakes her head. “I’ve already done the groundwork. They don’t need me on the day.”

“Call them back and tell them you’ll be there.”

“No.”

“I’m not making you look after Isaac all weekend, and even if I did, we’re playing Monday night. So you can still go to your event on Saturday.”

“Monday night? I thought football was on Sunday.”

I bite back a smile, my gaze drawn to the adorable crease in her nose. “You really don’t follow the game, do you?”

“Not previously, no. But it’s growing on me. And since you’re playing Monday night, you can’t use my event to say no. I’ll go to the gala and be ready to help on Sunday.”

“Paige—”

“I’m helping. Don’t make me ask my dad for the details.”

My heart swells as I nod. It’s going to take time to get used to having a team player with me again. Macy stayed with Isaac when I needed her to, but she never offered and she was never this eager.

“Okay. Thank you. If you don’t mind looking after him here, I think he’ll be more comfortable. If that’s okay.”

“It’s perfect. Now enough of the ‘thank yous.’ I better go. Let you two have some time to yourself.”

“You don’t have to rush off.”

“Yes, I do. You need family time.”

The words you are family pop into my head but I don’t voice them, mainly because the idea of that shocks me.

Unaware of my crazy thoughts, Paige calls out to Isaac, and he runs back into the room holding something black in his hands. “Here’s your top, Paige.”

“Oh, yes.” Paige glances down at my hoodie and laughs. “Hope you don’t mind that I borrowed this. My top got a little wet when we were playing in the sink.”

“Of course not. Anytime.” I hold back what I really want to say and nod. But after Paige says goodbye to Isaac, I walk her to the door, waiting until I’m certain Isaac’s out of earshot before I lean in. “I think you should live in my clothes.” I slip my hand under the hoodie and give her waist a squeeze. “That’s one way to get everyone to back off. To show them you’re mine.”

Her breath hitches, but she doesn’t respond, making me smile. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”