I close the door behind me quietly, not knowing if Nat and Addison are still asleep or not. I went to Keyra’s after they went to sleep, and went for a run this morning.

“Hey, you just getting in?” Natalie’s sitting at the desk at the edge of the room on her computer, sipping from a coffee cup. Her long hair is in one of those fish-tail braid things and I’m struck by how much younger she looks this way. When we were together, she was much more into not being seen without makeup and regularly dyed her dark hair blonde.

“Went for a run, but kind of, yeah.” I feel a little guilty. Awkward.

“Get that look off your face.” She demands, putting her cup down and pointing to the couch. “And tell me more about her.”

“Is this the type of relationship we have?” I don’t know how comfortable I am.

“Well if you can’t quite tell me as a friend, then tell me as Addison’s mother, since any woman in your life is in my daughter’s life. Is that better?”

“Strangely, yes.” I drop onto the couch, blowing out a breath. “She still sleep?”

“Yep. Some mornings, she doesn’t get up before the sun thankfully.”

“So…I don’t really know where to start.”

“Well, I know her name and what she looks like. Addison likes her. What does she do? How’d you meet? How long have you been together?”

“She’s her father’s campaign manager, or was, she’s on a little break now. But she’s also an amazing baker and the most protective person of her loved ones that I’ve ever met. Harlan is dating her sister and has been since last year, and that’s how we met. We’ve officially been together for,” I look at my watch. “About a week and a few hours.”

She doesn’t say anything for a bit, and I wonder if I said something bad.

“What?”

She lowers her head, turning the cup in her hands. “I guess I just…you really like her. Even the look on your face is like you’re happy even just talking about her.”

I nod, not really understanding what she’s getting at. “Yeah. I guess I am. She’s pretty special. Is that bad? You don’t sound too happy about it.”

“I am! It’s just…it’s different seeing it.”

“What you said the other night is what made me realize I should go for it. You didn’t mean what you said?”

“I thought I did.” She gives a half shrug and a small smile. “And that’s nothing to do with you and everything to do with me. I guess a little part of me thought that…we’d do the family thing. I’m different now…you’re even better.” She laughs a little. “And I kind of wanted to see where things could go this time.”

“Shit Nat…I…I had no idea.” I look away and scratch my face, completely at a loss. Damn.

“I know.” She bobs her head, “I know you didn’t, and it’s fine. It was really only in my head. Really. Watching you just now, I know that ship has sailed.” She brings the mug to her lips again. “So when do I get to meet her as your girlfriend and not just accidentally?”

“Ahhh.” I hedge, rolling my shoulders. I mean, she just said she thought we’d get back together.

Part of me trusts this new Natalie and another part just needs a little more time. But I don’t want to tell her that because I suspect it’ll hurt her feelings.

“Let’s just…give it a little more time.”

“Okay. Well, just let me know and we can have dinner or something.” My facial expression must change because she hurries to add. “With your friends too. We’ll make it a thing. I still haven’t met the guys here. Feels like they’re avoiding me.”

It’s because they definitely have been. They don’t trust that she’s changed.

“Yeah. Sure. We’ll figure it out.” I stand. “Gotta make sure I’ve got all my shit to leave for the road game.”

“Of course. Good talk.” She nods, turning back to her computer and I head to my room, shaking my head.

What an interesting morning.

* * *

I lean my head against the seat-rest, closing my eyes. I’m about to get a nice little nap when I feel someone plop down next to me.

Or rather, a few someones.

“Who needs teenage girls when you guys are around?” I grumble. I peek open an eye, and sure enough, Harlan is next to me and Leo and Hanson are across from me.

They all have this cat ate the canary look on their faces, and I roll my eyes.

I snatch my headphones off and cover my eyes with a hand before looking up again.

“What do you want?”

“Don’t be stingy with the details man. You haven’t said a thing in days and I saw you two at Hanson’s party the other week. What’s up with you and Keyra?” Leo leans forward, large arms bulging and body barely fitting into the seat. His physique is in stark contrast to the eager expression on his face.

“We’re together.” I shrug.

They all whoop and high five, and I can’t help but grin. Damn fools.

“Did anyone ever think we’d see the day?” Hanson puts a hand over his heart, looking up at the ceiling.

“It feels like just yesterday that he was going on a drunken tangent about how women can’t ever be trusted.” Harlan sniffs, wiping away an imaginary tear.

“I’d like to say, on behalf of men everywhere, that we are so happy to see you grow and prosper.” Leo motions to the flight attendant, and she comes over with a hopeful grin.

“Something I can help you with?”

“Can we have 4 white cherry Powerades, please. We’d like to make a toast.”

I laugh, and the flight attendant nods her head, leaving to get the drinks. We try not to drink much alcohol during the season.

She comes back and she’s even poured them into champagne flutes and I’m struck by how absolutely ridiculous my friends are.

“Here you are, gentlemen. What’s the occasion?”

“Our boy is finally a man,” Harlan says seriously, and she raises an amused brow but doesn’t ask any more questions. We thank her and Hanson raises his glass, blue eyes lit with laughter and dare I say it…a little love.

“To Dane, finally done with his cynical bullshit and accepting a good woman into his life.” He says.

“And to meeting his daughter, who luckily didn’t get his ugly mug and is the most charming little girl I’ve ever met,” Leo adds.

“To this team, and making it to the playoffs because we’ve got some pretty damn good men on our side.” Harlan winks.

I look down, a little overwhelmed. In such a short amount of time, it seems like my life is overflowing with more than I could’ve dreamed up and I’m so appreciative.

“And to having the best and most supportive friends a man could ask for,” I say thickly, clearing my throat.

“Cheers!” Harlan says and we clink our glasses, drinking the Powerade. White cherry is really the best flavor.

“So…can I take that nap now?” I smirk, and they huff, rising and clapping me on the shoulder or ruffling my hair as they leave for their seats.

“Get your beauty rest, queen.” Harlan teases, and I slide my headphones back on, reclining my seat.

I can’t keep the grin off my face.