Alden
I KEEP POKING Nathan with my hockey stick to piss him off even more. He’s trying to focus on practice, but the play calls for me to hug the net.
“Alden, you prick!” Nathan shoves me after I score on him.
“Aren’t you glad I’m on your team?” I joke.
He rolls his eyes. “Not right now.”
“Again!” Coach yells and we all line up again.
For the next couple hours, we learn more new plays Coach and the staff came up with for our next few games. It’s March, which means the season is coming closer to an end. The playoffs are what we’re focused on. The Bears are sitting pretty at number one in the league. No one would have thought a couple of seasons ago we would be here because we were dead last. Nonetheless, everyone kept believing in us and here we are. We’ve all worked extremely hard for this.
Heading back to the locker room I ask Hamilton where Dag is. “I saw him leave practice earlier.”
Hamilton doesn’t say anything as Cabel tells me, “He had a custody hearing today.”
“Oh, is this the one where the judge gives him full custody?”
Cabel nods. “I don’t understand why it took this long.”
“What do you mean?” Nathan asks.
“Dag’s girlfriend left him and the boys years ago. Not a single person has really heard from her.” Cabel explains.
“Wow.” Nathan shakes his head. “I’m glad he got the boys legally now.”
We all agree. Dag’s boys need stability and he’ll give them the best home life. He loves his boys.
“Who wants lunch?” I announce.
A loud knock echoes through the room. “It’s me,” Nova says from the other side of the door.
“Come in,” Hamilton shouts.
Nova pushes open the door and smiles. “Alden.” She strolls up to me. “You owe me five hundred dollars.” She hands me the receipt from purchasing Kace’s equipment.
“Great.” I pull out my wallet and give her the money. “Thanks, Nova.”
“You’re welcome and I dropped everything off at Baylors.”
“Perfect.”
“What’s going on?” Nathan inquires.
“Alden is sponsoring a boy on the Cubs.” Nova quickly explains.
“Really?” He seems shocked.
“He’s doing it to get in good with a female.” Teo jumps in.
“Now, it makes sense.” Nathan nods and goes back to his stall.
“Bye, Alden.” Nova waves and heads out.
I begin to change and my mind goes to Baylor. I don’t have a clue why I suggested the date. Wait...I do. I want Baylor. I’m not the type to go back for seconds, but there’s something about her. Plus, Mom and Amara love her. When Kace rode with me to the restaurant, he couldn’t stop talking about hockey. He let it slip on how his dad forgot him. He even told me how he doesn’t come around. I understood his feelings, although I didn’t tell him about Jack. At the end of the ride, I absolutely fell in love with the boy. He reminds me of me at his age. He puts Baylor first in his life as I do Mom and Amara. I check my watch. I told Kace I would come by his practice.
The guys and I head to lunch and they talk about their relationships. A part of me is a tiny—very tiny—bit jealous of them all. They’re all in perfect lives.
“What’s with you and the chick whose ass you’re kissing?” Bas asks.
I take a deep breath and tell them all about Baylor and Kace. I start from the beginning and all the way to last night’s proposition of the date.
“You?” Nathan’s mouth hangs. “You told a female you would not have sex and you would take her on a date?”
I nod.
“Have you recently been hit on the head or abducted by aliens?” Hamilton has the same look as everyone else around the table.
“Won’t you die from lack of sex?” Bas isn’t joking by his tone.
“I’ve not had sex for two weeks,” I tell them and they all gasp or stare in stunned silence.
“I’ve known you for years and never have you gone that long without sex? Even when you had the flu.” Teo points out.
I chuckle. “Good times.”
“Alden, are you just doing this to sleep with her again? If you are it’s shady as fuck.” Cabel inputs his opinion.
“No, I’m not.” I state. “I like Baylor and Kace. I want to date her.” I confess to them.
“Wait.” Nathan holds up his hands. “Define dates.”
“You know...dinner, movies, painting pottery, strolls through the park, all the crap you see in movies and TV.” I’ve seen my fair share of romance movies because of Amara. She makes me watch them.
“Spoken like a true poet,” Cabel says and the guys chuckle.
“I never thought I would see the day where Alden Brockman dated.” Teo turns up his nose. “It’s like a sign of an impending apocalypse or something.”
All the guys laugh. I knew this would be coming. As much as I taunt these guys, I knew they would torture me.
“Hang on.” Hamilton gets everyone to be quiet. “I have a big question for you.” He looks right at me. “What happens after the date? Better yet, what if she sleeps with you? Are you just going to up and leave? What about the kid? He already seems attached to you.”
I process my captain’s words, but I have no answer for him because I’ve never been in this situation. I don’t know what to do, except I want her. Kace is an added bonus.
“I’m going to head over to the Cubs practice.” I drop some money for my lunch and head out.
“Alden, I’ll come with you.” Nathan jogs up next to me.
“What?”
He shrugs. “I have nothing else to do.”
I remember Amara’s words about Nathan. He doesn’t have anyone. “You know what, you should come with me. The kids will love to see the PHLs number one goalie.”
“Okay.”
“Ride with me.” I wave him over.
Nathan doesn’t say much as I drive us over to where the Cubs practice. It’s a community rink. Oliver paid to have it redone and upgraded. I see Baylor’s car and my heart skips a beat. I never wanted a female like I want her.
I hope she says yes.
Nathan and I walk in and the kids are already on the ice. I see parents in the stands. Baylor is sitting by herself, looking nervous.
“Hank.” I call out to the coach of the Cubs. Nathan and I walk up next to him on the bench.
“Alden. Nathan.” He gives us a small smile and shakes our hands. “What are you two doing here?”
“Though we’d pop in and help out,” I say.
“Grab your skates, boys.” Hank nods.
Nathan and I lace up our skates, grab our sticks, and hit the ice.
“Alden.” I hear Kace call my name, and he bolts toward me.
Damn, he’s fast.
“Look at my number.” He spins to show me the bright white fifty-six on his back. “Just like you.”
“Buddy, that’s the best number.” We fist bump and the other kids begin to come out.
Hank orders the kids to run drills. We stand off to the side. Kace is in the lead and he’s much faster than any of the others. I’m beyond impressed by his skills. Hank then sets up cones to have them do some stickhandling and such. Again, he cleaned all the kid’s clocks with his skills.
“That kid will be drafted at eighteen.” Nathan observes.
“I agree.” I glance up at Baylor, who is smiling watching her son.
I think about Hamilton’s questions again. What will I do? Love isn’t an option. I only love Mom and Amara. They are first in my life, besides hockey. What about Kace? The kid is spectacular.
What am I going to do?
We help Hank run drills with the kids. Kace is right by my side the entire time. He listens to every piece of advice I give and follows through with it. This kid is really going to go places.
As their practice ends, Kace hugs me before heading off to their locker room. I change out of my skates with Nathan and go out to my car.
“I’m going to wait on Baylor and Kace,” I tell him.
“I’ll wait in the car.”
I toss him the keys and lean against Baylor’s car. I push all thoughts out of my mind and focus on one thing – getting Baylor back in bed. I want her legs wrapped around me. I want to suck on her clit piercing again. I want it all.
“Penny for your thoughts.”
I almost jump from Baylor’s voice. “I was thinking of you.”
She rolls her eyes.
“I’m waiting for your answer still.” I cross my arms and lean closer to her. “What say you?”
“Have you been watching PBS or something?”
I chuckle. “Come on, Baylor.”
“I do have an answer but there’s a condition.” She stands taller with her head held high.
“I’m listening.” This should be good.
“Our date must be family oriented.”
I know I heard her but I still question it. “What?”
“The date will include Kace, which means it must be kid friendly.” Her soft smile grows.
She can’t be serious. How am I going to get her into bed with kiddie dates? I like Kace. He’s a great kid but…
...it hits me…
If I create a fantastic date then she’ll sleep with me. She’ll have to. She already knows how magnificent my cock is. It’s a point in my favor.
“Alden.”
Kace’s voice is full of excitement as he comes running toward me. Actually, he’s awkwardly running because his bag is as large as him.
“Were you waiting for me?” There’s hope written all over his face. I can’t ruin that for him.
“Sure was, Buddy.” I fist bump him. “Did you make any new friends today?”
“Two.” He begins to go into the details of his new buddies.
“I’m proud of you,” I tell him. “You did great out there.”
“Really?” He sounds shocked.
“Yes. You’re going to be a Bear before you know it.” I ruffle his hair.
“Thank you.” He beams.
“Kace, go get in the car. We need to get going.” Baylor takes his duffle bag. Once he’s in the car, she turns her attention back to me. “What say you?” She uses my words against me.
I think about it for a second. I like Kace and I want Baylor. It’s a simple answer. “Yes.”
“Yes?” Her mouth drops.
“Yes. You, Kace, and I are going to go on a family friendly date.”
Baylor closes her mouth. “With no sex.”
I nod. “A sexless date.” I agree.
She takes a deep breath. “Okay, I think.”
“Okay. I’ll text you when I have an evening free.” I give her a quick kiss on the cheek and stroll off to my car.
What did I just get myself into?
I SPENT THE evening at Moms. Amara and I helped her unpack. She didn’t bring much and explained some things remained in storage back home. Mom kept a lot of our childhood items, especially trophies and awards. I ordered takeout for us, and we had an outstanding family night together. I love having them both here.
However, Baylor is heavily on my mind. I sit on the plane next to Nathan thinking of what I can do for a family date. I figure Baylor would quickly grow tired of hockey games and practice. Brunch doesn’t seem like something Kace would enjoy or even a fancy dinner.
“You look stressed.” Nathan bumps my arm. “What gives?”
“A lot on my mind.” I half mumble.
“Such as?” He pushes a bit.
“Baylor.” I confess.
“Did she say yes to the date?”
I nod. “Then she amended it.”
“To what?” Teo leans over the seat to join the conversation.
I groan.
“This has to be good.” Cabel joins in, making more guys stop and pay attention.
“Tell us,” Dag shouts from the back.
“Fine,” I yell. “She’ll go on the date if it’s family friendly – and with her son.”
The entire plane erupts in laughter. I knew it would happen. The jokes and sarcastic comments began one right after the other. I sit there and listen to them all.
“All right! All right!” I shout over them. “Enough, I get it.”
“I’m mostly surprised you said yes.” Hamilton speaks up.
“It’s because she said no to his dick.” Vance calls from the back.
“It’s because he can’t handle a real woman and needs practice.” Keaton speaks up.
“I can so.” I defend myself. “I can handle your woman.”
“Doubt it.” He quips, causing another round of laughter to start up.
“Drop it,” I manage to say loud enough for all to hear.
“Why?” Nathan asks. “You are constantly ragging on us.”
I roll my eyes. “Shut up.” I never realized all my words, over the years, would come back to haunt my ass.
“Serious question.” Shade waves his hand from the front of the plane. “What kind of date are you planning? Pretty sure the kid is too young for a strip club.”
“Have you taken dates to a strip club?” Kyson asks in confusion.
“No, I’ve picked up the stripper. I’ve never dated.”
The plane goes quiet.
“You’re kidding.” Nathan’s perplexed expression matches everyone else’s.
“No. I’ve never taken a woman on a date.” I reiterated.
“How is that possible?” Teo questions. “You’ve slept with over a hundred women and you took none on a date.”
“Correct.”
“Wow, you are a manwhore.” Teo mutters.
I can’t argue with him. I’m well aware of what labels have been used to describe me. I’ve heard them all more than once in my life. I’m not ashamed of what choices I made in my life. Now, I need to figure out how I can fix it to get Baylor back in my bed.
I’M SCREAMING AT Vance to pass the puck to me. There’s a perfect opportunity for me to score. Finally, he does and I’m able to make a five-hole shot. The crowd isn’t loud since we’re not home but there are some cheers. The guys come over to celebrate with their congratulations. I skate back to the bench slapping fists along the way.
There were only a few seconds left as I take my seat next to Bas and Vance. When the final buzzer hits, we whoop and holler again before making our way to the locker room.
I’ve been gone for almost four days, but it feels as if I’m still in Manchester trying to figure out a Baylor and Kace family date. I even talked to Amara. She told me to grow a pair and figure it out. She’s right, but I’m not telling her.
The plane ride home should have been a perfect time to get this date planned out, instead I fell asleep. When we land my head is spinning worse than before. What the fuck is wrong with me? I’m about to pull my hair out over this and I love my hair. A lot. Fuck it, I’m talking to Baylor.
Me: Where are you?
Baylor: @ the shop.
Me: I’m on my way.
I don’t even say bye to the guys. I hop into my car and drive over to her shop. When I walk in all the girls stop what they’re doing and stare at me. Even though they all are beautiful my eyes are only on Baylor. She’s in a pair of black cargo pants, but they’re tighter and show off her delicious ass. She has on a tight lime green t-shirt showing a touch of cleavage and highlighting her tattoos.
“Hello, Alden.” She greets me.
“We need to talk. Privately.”
She turns and we go to her office. This probably isn’t the best place to talk since I have many memories here, but it’ll have to do now.
“Are you okay?” She leans against the desk.
“Yes. No. Fuck.” I sigh looking up at the ceiling.
“What’s going on?”
I’m not going to lie. I’ve never lied. I tell it like it is. “I don’t know what I’m doing.”
“With what?” She crosses her arms lifting her gorgeous breasts up higher.
“I have been racking my brain to figure out our date and nothing is coming to mind. I’ve never dated. Never. I don’t have a clue where to begin.”
Baylor smiles and softly giggles. “Are you serious?”
“Yes.” I throw my hands up. “I’m at a loss. I want to date you and I like Kace, but I’m clueless here.”
Her cheeks turn a soft shade a pink. “I have a suggestion.”
“Please. Tell me.”
“Let Kace choose.”
“Huh?”
“Kace is constantly wanting to go places. He would be perfect to decide where to go for us.”
The bright light bulb went off in my head. “Brilliant! It’s beyond perfect. He’s a kid and he knows what a kid wants.”
Baylor covers her mouth, but it’s clear she’s giggling.
“What’s so funny?”
“Nothing.” She clears her throat and composes herself. “Kace is a child and has great ideas.”
“Then we’ll go out tonight.”
“Kace has practice. We’ll go after.” She counters.
“Great. Text me.” I kiss her cheek and leave to go back to my place.
“I CAN’T BELIEVE you sometimes.” Amara flops down on my bed. She is beginning her clinicals and is still in her navy blue scrubs.
“What do you mean?” I tie my black combat boots.
“You’re doing all this work to get Baylor in bed, but you obviously haven’t thought this through at all.”
“Amara—”
“Think of Kace’s feelings and not with your brain between your legs.” She grows louder. “He’s already attached to you. Add in this date and he’ll be over the moon.”
I sit up in my chair and look at her. “I know.” I do know she’s right. However, I will still be there for Kace, even after the deadline is over.
Amara’s phone keeps going off. Every time she looks at the screen she smiles.
“Who are you texting?”
“No one.” She quickly makes the screen go black as I reach for her phone.
“Amara, who is it? Is it a guy? Someone from the hospital?”
She gets off my bed and stares at me. “You need to worry about the boy’s feelings more than who I’m talking to.” She strolls out of my room and leaves me alone.
I check the time and pick up a bit since I have to get Baylor and Kace in thirty minutes. She’s not told me where we are going only Kace picked and is excited. This doesn’t narrow down any options for me.
Baylor: We’re ready for you to come get us.
I take a deep breath and ask for her address.
Here we go.
I PULL UP in front of a small one story home. This isn’t the greatest neighborhood but not the worst. I pull up behind her car and head up to her door.
“Alden!” Kace opens the door and comes running to me. “Are you really going to Chuck E. Cheese’s with us?”
Of course that’s where we are going. “I am, Buddy. Are you and your mom ready?”
“She’s still fixing her hair and makeup.” He rolls his eyes while shaking his head.
“Girls are always late because of hair and makeup.” I chuckle.
“Stop bashing females,” Baylor says coming to the porch and locking the door. “Are you ready for the fun of pizza, games, and screaming kids?”
“Let’s do this.” I open the car door for Baylor as Kace jumps in the back. “You look stunning.” She’s in black skinny jeans and a form fitting sweater and a leather jacket. Her black hair falls down her back in soft waves. Her makeup isn’t heavy, and I like her natural look.
Kace tells me all about his day at school and hockey practice. He sounds extremely smart. His first game is coming up soon and he asks if I’ll be there.
“Honestly, I’m not sure, but if I’m free I promise to be there.”
“See why can’t my dad say it that way?” Kace sighs.
“Kace. Son. He’ll text soon.” Baylor is defending the deadbeat ass.
“I doubt it.” He mumbles softly.
“What position is Coach Hank going to play you?” Changing the topic seems like a brilliant idea right now.
“Left wing. Just like you.” His enthusiastic voice is back.
“It’s the best position ever.”
“Yes. I’m happy with it.” He continues.
Kace talks about his new friends as well. This makes me happier with my decision of getting him on the Cubs team.
The kids play place is packed to the brim. We actually have to wait for a table. Anywhere else I could have gotten us a table without question. Apparently, my reputation ends at Chuck E. Cheese’s. Who knew?
To pass the time I ask Baylor about work. Like Kace, she goes into details of the ins and outs of her shop and her new artists. You can tell from her tone how proud she is of her work and place.
We’re finally seated at a sticky table. I desperately want alcohol but I’m certain the hardest drink they have here is Coke with a lime. We go through what we do and don’t like on our pizza. Surprisingly, it’s easy to order.
“Alden, you want to play games?” He has the hopeful look again.
“Sure.” We stand, but Baylor remains seated.
“You two go ahead.” She waves us on.
“Come on, Alden. We can play air hockey.” He tugs on my hand.
I can’t say no to him and his excitement. We hit the air hockey table first, and I let Kace win. Then we play a couple racing games. I won one and Kace the other. Next is pinball, which I suck at. Probably, why I’m not a goalie. Kace is as bad as me.
We go back to the table just in time for the pizza to arrive. We comment on the pizza and drinks before Kace asks me about my road games.
“We only lost one out of three.”
“You scored in every one. You’re only three games away.” He reminds me.
“Three games for what?” Baylor looks between us.
“Until he beats the record,” Kace proudly says.
“Sorry, I don’t understand.” Baylor stares at me in confusion.
“There’s records for everything in the PHL. The one Kace is mentioning is where a player scores in a number of straight games. Right now I’m at twenty-five straight games. The record is twenty-seven.” I explain.
“Oh so you’re three games from the record of twenty-eight.” Baylor nods in understanding.
“It’s a huge deal, Mom.” Kace defends.
“I’m not saying it isn’t, son.” She pats his back. “I hope he breaks the record as well.”
He gasps and turns to me. “If you do, we should celebrate.”
“We can.” I promise.
“And are you still going skating with me?”
This kid remembers everything. “Yes. Thursday would be great for me.”
“He can do Thursday.” Baylor confirms.
We go back to eating. Baylor and Kace play a couple of games. I watch them closely. Kace loves his mom. You can see it in his actions. It reminds me of Mom. I have the deepest love and respect.
“Alden, it’s time to go. I have school in the morning,” Kace says when he comes back to the table.
“I’m ready.” I left the tip on the table and hold Kace’s hand as we walk out to the car.
The drive home is quiet. As I glance back Kace is slumped over. “He’s asleep.”
“I figured.” She keeps her voice low. “He’s been talking about this all day.”
“Did you have fun?” I’m fighting the urge of putting my hand high on her thigh, so I squeeze the steering wheel tighter.
“I did. Kace and I usually don’t go out to eat. I like to cook or we go to my aunt’s house.”
“You have family here?”
“Just my aunt.”
“Are your parents passed on?” She’s never mentioned them or any family.
“As far as I know they’re still alive.” Her monotone voice makes me feel there’s no love loss there.
“Not close, eh?”
“My parents are professors at Ohio State University. They’re highly respected. So when their fifteen year old daughter started hanging out at a tattoo parlor and then got pregnant, they shipped her here to live with her aunt.”
I pull into her driveway. “Are you kidding me? That’s horrible.”
She shrugs. “I survived. Kace is my priority.”
“You’re a good mother.” I praise her.
“Thank you.” She shyly smiles.
“Let’s get him to bed.” I get out and carry him into the house.
Baylor’s place is a home of a minimalist person. In the living room, there’s a couch, an overstuffed chair, a tiny entertainment stand, and an even smaller TV mounted on the wall. That’s it. Nothing more. I follow Baylor down a small hallway to Kace’s room.
His room is a shrine to sports, especially the Bears. There’s posters of me and my teammates on the wall. He has our bed sheets as well. I gently lay him in down as Baylor takes off his shoes and together we cover him up.
“Never ended a date like this.” I comment as we walk back to the front door.
“Really? I figured this is how you ended all of them.” She jokes.
“Ha. Ha.” I smirk.
“Did you have a good time?”
“I’ve never been to a Chuck E. Cheese’s, but it was a good time.” It hasn’t been the worst time I ever had.
“I’m glad. Have a good night, Alden.”
“You too, Baylor.” I kiss her cheek and head to my car.
I’m going to have to jack off double tonight.