“Evan? He’s a sweetheart. Since when does he hate you?”
“Since he figured out his father was interested in me as more than a friend.” I tell her what happened the first time they came to the house, and how he said he likes Tara more than me. “But he’s five and has lost his mother. His father is gone a lot for work. I don’t blame him for not wanting to share him. Remember how we were with Dad?”
“He’ll come around and see how amazing you are. Give him some time. So, the evil one called me and told me you and Colt are a couple.”
I shrug and say, “Can anyone keep their mouths shut in this family? I’m not putting a label on it.”
“You’re at a basketball game two days in a row and wearing his jersey. Don’t shrug at me.”
“I told him I’m giving him one chance.” I hold up my finger and say, “One. Singular. I refuse to label it.”
“Uh-huh. Got it. You’re not labeling it, but what about him?”
I inch closer to her and whisper, “He says he loves labels, and he’s labeled himself my man.” I put my man in air quotes. “And he calls me his Queen Vee.” Tara puts her hands to her chest and lets out an undignified squeal.
“Queen Vee. I love it, and I know you.” She points a finger at my face. “You’re into him, or you wouldn’t be here. I think Dad might be happier about it than you. He called me too and went on about you and Colt for a full fifteen minutes.” She crosses her arms and stares me down.
“Is there no privacy in this family?” I lean closer and tell her about the flowers, strawberries, and the sweet notes.
“He’s a nice guy. Great father. I think he was involved with someone after his wife died, and it didn’t go well. I don’t know the details, but I think she wanted him and not the kid, if you know what I mean.”
“Then don’t date a single father.” I raise my voice louder than I should. “Single parents are package deals. That ticks me off.” If I knew the bitch, I’d go find her and give her a piece of my mind. I tell myself it’s because she dismissed Evan, not because I hate the idea that Colt was with another woman not too long ago. And this likely explains why Evan is so resistant to me and his father.
“Yeah, but he got rid of her as soon as he figured that out. That kid doesn’t stand a chance against you.”
TWENTY-ONE
It iswith both relief and exhaustion that I board the private plane to fly to LA just after midnight, and after a quick bite, I sleep the entire six hours across the country. I wish we were playing against Boston or Philly instead of having to fly several hours every few days, but at least we won this game, giving us three wins to LA’s one. If we can win tonight, we’ll win this series and move on to the finals. I’m ready for another championship. It’s barely four in the morning when we land. Everyone is grumpy and quiet, and when I get into my room in the hotel, I drop onto the bed on my back. I have a few hours to sleep before breakfast and practice.
As much as I need the rest, I need to make two phone calls. The first one is fast and easy. Ethan picks up and says the boys are still sleeping. Tara will bring Evan to my place to be with the nanny when they get up, but she’s volunteered to keep him all day since she has the day off.
Once the call is over, Ethan texts me a picture of Evan sleeping soundly. I smile at his pink lips pressed against the pillow and the dark curls on his head that are identical to mine. Tara will have a hard time taming them when he wakes up. I miss my son. I hate being away from him so much, and I wish he still had his mother to make up for my absences. There’s the guilty part of me that believes Kelsey would have fought dirty for custody, claiming she needed to be the custodial parent because of my work schedule. I’d rather deal with that so my son could have a mom, something he desperately wants.
He talks about his friends’ moms constantly, and I think he’s a little jealous that Vincent has his biological mom and Tara to take care of him.
When I make my next call, it rings four times before she finally answers my FaceTime request. She’s wrapped in a green towel and has some gunk on her face.
“You have to give a girl some warning before you FaceTime her so early.” She grins, and despite the green stuff on her face, she’s still the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen.
“You’re supposed to eat guacamole, not wear it.”
“This is going to help me look presentable after two late nights in a row, thanks to you, champion.”
“I wish I could have spent the night with you again.” She pouts her lips and slowly peels that green monstrosity off her face. “Welcome back, my queen.”
“Hey.” She looks into the phone, and I find myself relaxing for the first time in hours. I’ve gotten used to flying because I do it so much for work, but I’m never fully comfortable while I’m on an airplane. “You look tired.”
“I’m exhausted.” I run my hand through my hair. “Just wanted to check in before I crash.”
“Check in?” What does that mean?”
“Yes, that’s what people in relationships do. It means I’m letting you know that I arrived safely, and I’m checkin’ to see how you’re doin’. Am I gonna have to teach you everything?”
“I don’t miss you,” she says.
“You better not because I don’t miss you either.”
“Good. And you better win tomorrow so I won’t have to go all the way to L.A. for your stupid game.”
