Hazel yawns, and that parental guilt I’m so familiar with spreads through my veins.
“Sorry you have to come to work out with me this morning,” I tell her as I unclip her car seat. I hate that I have to drag Hazel around campus, starting with my early morning weightlifting session. The doctor said he doesn’t want her running around at school for a few days. I wish I could keep her home today, but I can’t slack before the playoffs. I’ll carry her so she doesn’t overexert herself.
I already gave Coach a heads-up I was bringing Hazel with me, and he said it wasn’t a problem.
“It’s okay, Daddy. I’ll col-a.”
I love this kid. She’s so understanding. “Which coloring books are you going to work on today?”
Her little lips purse. She takes coloring very seriously. “Cindawella or Snow White.”
“Will you do one for me? So I can put it in my locker?”
She gives me a brilliant smile. “Yes! Can I make one for Abby?”
My heart sinks when I think of her empty bedroom. “Of course.” Now I just need to find her.
“When’s she coming home?”
“Hopefully soon, honey.”
I’m grateful Hazel doesn’t really understand what’s going on. I told her Abby was going to visit her parents for a few days.
I head for the trainers’ offices, which surround the weight room. I’ll be able to keep an eye on Hazel while I work out because it has giant glass windows. There’s an extra desk she can use.
“Honey, I’ll be right out here weightlifting. If you need anything, just open this door and call out to me, but don’t go anywhere. The field house is too big for you to go wandering around. Promise me you’ll stay put.”
“I pwomise.”
I pick her up and point out the machines I’m using this morning so she knows where to look. “I won’t be far. Work on that picture for me, and let me know if your neck hurts.” I brought ibuprofen if she needs it, and we’ll use a heat pack when we get home later.
“Okay! I’ll col-a a good picture for you, Daddy.”
I pause. She’s starting to say her Rs correctly. “That’s my girl.” I get her seated and kiss the top of her head.
Dax is on a treadmill a few steps away, so I ask him to keep an eye out for Hazel while I change in the locker room, and I’m back in less than two minutes.
When I return, I hop on the machine next to him. “Thanks for watching her, man.” I turn up the treadmill and warm up with a jog.
“Don’t take this the wrong way, but you look like shit.”
I let out a weak laugh. “I feel like shit, so you’re not off base.” I hate talking about my personal life, but I could use some advice. There are only a few other guys here, and they’re on the other side of the room. “Abby moved out yesterday. I said some stupid shit to her after the accident, and when I got Hazel home from the hospital, she was gone. But she left the jersey I gave her and rent money.”
He hisses. “Damn. Sorry to hear that.”
“I know I upset her, but moving out? That seems extreme. Especially after she went through the trouble of buying me another letterman.”
“Those are expensive as hell. That girl must really love you.”
The thought that Abby might reciprocate my feelings shoots a streak of hope through me. If she loves me, maybe we can work this out. Maybe she’ll hear me out. Maybe she’ll forgive me.
“I feel like a giant asshole for yelling at her. I know she loves Hazel and would do anything for her. I don’t know why I lost my cool.”
We run in silence for a few minutes before he glances at me. “Cut yourself some slack. You and Hazel have been through a lot. I get why you blew up at Abby. You can make it up to her. Just be sure to grovel.”
I turn up the treadmill. “I’d be happy to if I could track her down.” After a minute, he gives me a look. “What?”
“Did, uh… Did she mention what happened at Moe’s on Sunday?”
