Page 21 of Living for Truth (Broken Shelves #2)
Morgan
I don’t think anyone has ever asked me that question in such a direct way before, and it makes me want to laugh.
I glance over at Hannah, who is hiding her face behind her hands, and it makes me want to laugh even more because she’s probably embarrassed by her mom.
I came prepared for outlandish questions, though that’s not one I was expecting.
“Well,” I start, “I met Alyssa’s mom when I was still in the NFL.
We were only casually seeing each other when she got pregnant, and she decided to keep the baby.
I didn’t want my child growing up without a father, so I was as involved as I could be, and we even tried to make a romantic relationship work for a while.
I tore my meniscus and had to retire early when Alyssa was three.
By then, her mom decided she didn’t want to have full custody so we agreed to joint custody, but I’m the primary parent. ”
Shelly looks skeptical, but I have no reason to lie to her.
“Shame about your injury and early retirement. I think you could’ve won the Mustangs a Super Bowl title,” Mitch says, shaking his head like it’s some horrible tragedy instead of an unfortunate accident that ended up being the best thing for me and my daughter.
Don’t get me wrong, I loved football. I still love it, but having it be my life while raising a toddler was hard. Aly took the top spot on my priority list the minute I heard her heartbeat at the first OB appointment. While I loved my time in the NFL, I’m glad to be done so I can focus on my girl.
“I think they’ll get there eventually.” I want to get the focus off of me and onto Hannah since it’s her big day, so I turn to her. “How are the preparations for the summer program?”
“They’re good. We were able to finalize our guest slots yesterday, and sign-ups have been overwhelming in the best way. We’re excited to—”
“What summer program?” Shelly cuts in.
“The library’s summer program.” Hannah lights up as she explains, “It’s really cool, actually. We have different people coming in each day to talk about their jobs and businesses, as well as doing activities with people. We have National Park rangers coming, a marine biologist, entomologist, and—”
“That just sounds like career day at an elementary school.” Shelly frowns.
Before Hannah can speak up and explain that it’s not at all like career day, our waitress comes to take our orders.
Once those are placed, there's silence at the table. Hannah’s mom gave her a scathing look when Hannah ordered pasta, even though Shelly “helpfully” suggested one of the salads instead.
I wonder if this is how it always is for Hannah, and if it is, my heart aches for my sweet Butterfly. I can’t imagine Shelly was the most comforting maternal figure in the midst of the divorce.
“How does a former NFL wide receiver become a florist?” Jake asks from across the table. It sounds genuine, which I’m grateful for.
“I used to work at a flower shop during the football off-season in high school so I could earn extra cash in case I didn’t get a football scholarship.
The owner of the shop, Miss Agatha, was a quiet woman who barely spoke, but when she did, she was full of wise words.
She told me she didn’t need to speak as much in the flower shop because flowers had their own language.
I thought she was a little crazy at first, but she gave me a book published in 1960 that explained how every flower had a different meaning.
“For some reason, it fascinated me, and I decided if I didn’t get to play professional football, I’d want to open up my own flower shop so I could teach other people about the language of flowers.
When I retired, I knew it was what I wanted to do.
Luckily for me, the previous owner of the shop I now own was looking to sell, so I jumped on the opportunity.
” That was a long answer to such a small question.
“Wow, that’s pretty cool. So if I wanted to tell a girl I liked her, what kind of flowers would I give her?” Jake asks, and Shelly shoots an exasperated look his way.
“Well, it depends. If you want to just tell her you think she’s pretty, you could go with gardenias or yellow tulips.
If you’re in love with her and want her to know, go with yellow daffodils, red chrysanthemums, or asters.
Wisteria means ‘will you dance with me?’ so that would be a good one, too.
” I watch as Hannah’s eyes dart to the bouquet I gifted her.
Did I purposefully leave out red carnations, sunflowers, and purple limonium? Absolutely. I can’t give away all my secrets.
Jake takes out his phone and jots down the ones I suggested, and Shelly gives me a look so scorching I’m surprised I don’t burst into flames.
“Who on earth would you be buying flowers for? Your focus should be on your mission. Not a girl,” Shelly scolds Jake, and the tips of his ears turn pink.
“No one,” Jake mumbles, slumping in his chair. I feel bad for the kid. If he does really like this girl, leaving for two years with little contact would be heartbreaking.
Our food arrives, and we eat in relative silence, which is new for me. Meals with my family, even at a restaurant, are loud and filled with laughter and chatting. I don’t understand why they all came out to eat if they’re not going to talk to each other.
Watching Shelly and Mitch’s interactions—or lack thereof—makes me think they don’t actually like each other, let alone love each other.
Is this the kind of relationship Hannah and Jake have to model their own romantic relationships off of?
If so, it’s no wonder Hannah is so hesitant to be in a relationship.
Especially after the way her marriage ended.
“When do you leave for your mission, Jake?” I can’t take the silence anymore.
“Middle of August is when I report to the Missionary Training Center in Provo.”
“And where are you headed, again? I think Hannah told me, but I can’t remember.” Hannah never told me, but I’ll do anything to keep the conversation flowing.
Before Jake can answer, Shelly does it for him, “Cape Verde. Portuguese speaking. He’s so excited. Aren’t you Jacob?”
Jake cringes at the use of his full name and puts on a smile that’s so fake it should be painted on. “Thrilled.”
“We don’t know what we’ll do with all the free time we’ll have now that Jake will be gone, and Hannah’s working so much. It’s not like we have any grandchildren to keep us busy.” Shelly looks pointedly at Hannah.
Hannah, though her body stiffens, calmly replies, “You can get a dog.”
Shelly rears back as if she’s been slapped, and I almost burst out laughing. I take a sip of my lemonade to stop the sound from breaking free.
“Well since you and Morgan are so serious now, I’m sure Allison would be happy to hang out at her future grandma’s house,” Shelly snaps.
“Her name is Alyssa. And I haven’t met her yet, so she won’t be hanging out with you anytime soon. Sorry, Mom,” Hannah replies.
“What do you mean you haven’t met her yet? Are you not serious about my daughter?” Shelly turns her sharp, blue-eyed gaze on me.
“I’m quite serious about your daughter, Mrs. Layton.
Alyssa is at a vulnerable age, and change is hard for her.
I planned on asking Hannah to come over and meet her in the next few weeks, actually.
I just haven’t gotten around to it.” I don’t mention Aly will be introduced to Hannah as my friend.
Until Hannah is ready to be more, that’s fine, but I want her and Aly to spend time together and get to know one another without the pressure of a romantic relationship between us.
Shelly makes a sound of acknowledgement but doesn’t press the issue any further.
By the time we’re done with our main courses, everyone is too uncomfortable to stick around for dessert, so Mitch pays the bill, and we all awkwardly make our way to our cars.
“Thanks for coming, sorry it sucked,” Hannah whispers. We’re walking a few steps behind the rest of her family, and I’m grateful for the moment alone.
“Let me take you out for a proper celebration. Are you working Saturday?” We stop behind my car, and she shakes her head. “Perfect. I’ll pick you up at eleven.”
“Do I get to know what you have planned?”
I grin. “Nope. I’ll text you what to wear the night before.”
“Okay…” She glances over at her parents watching us intently in the car. “I think they’re waiting for us to kiss or something.”
“Do you want me to kiss you?” I would kiss her senseless in a heartbeat, people watching be damned, but I want her to want me to.
“I—I don’t—” she stammers, and I tuck a lock of hair behind her ear and shush her.
“The first time we kiss isn’t going to be in a busy parking lot with your parents watching.” I tilt my head and place a kiss on her forehead instead. I may have imagined it, but I swear she leaned into it.
“They know I’m uncomfortable showing affection around them, so it won’t seem strange… Thank you again, Morgan. You made tonight much more bearable.” She sighs.
“Anytime, Butterfly. I’ll text you tomorrow.”
“Okay. See you Saturday.”
“See you Saturday.” She turns and walks away, her pretty dress swishing against her thick thighs.
Even though tonight wasn’t the greatest, seeing Hannah always brightens my day. I can’t wait until I can see her more regularly. Tonight felt like a test, and I think I passed with flying colors.
I just hope my prize in the end is her.