I’ve had a hard time focusing all day. Both lawyers I work for are out of the office, and I’ve already finished everything they left for me to do. I’ve spent my day bouncing between beta reading a book and rereading my text messages from Jesse. Our texts started on Saturday night and have kept going from there.
Jesse: Hey, beautiful, what are you up to?
Karen: Five-feet-four...you?
Jesse: LOL, I’ve always loved your sense of humor.
Karen: That’s good because it hasn’t changed much. I’m lying in bed beta reading a book. How about you?
Jesse: What in the world is beta reading?
Karen: I read books for authors to help them catch mistakes.
Jesse: Sounds interesting.
Karen: It can be, but you didn’t answer my question. What are you doing?
Jesse: LOL, I’m lying in bed as well, but I’m not doing any interesting reading. I have the news on.
Karen: That sounds boring. What do you do for fun these days?
Jesse: Who has time for fun? Actually, I consider spending time with my kids fun. I guess you can say that’s what I do.
That is so sweet. I love that he’s such a family man. I wish I could say the same about Brian. He’s such an ass. He hasn’t been involved in Jason’s activities for a few years now. He’s been playing baseball for two years and his dad’s never gone to a single game. It’s always been me alone at the field cheering him on.
Karen: I wish Brian was half the family man you are.
Jesse: It blows me away that he’s behaving the way he is. He had the most amazing woman, and he completely blew it.
Karen: Blushing...I’m going to turn in. I’ll talk to you soon.
Jesse: Good night.
Karen: Good night.
I sigh when I finish reading through the conversation. He’s still just as sweet as he had been when we were in high school, and it makes me sad I didn’t give him a chance. I take that back because if I had then I wouldn’t have Jason, and I wouldn’t trade him for the world. He’s the one good thing that came from my marriage. He’s sweet and understanding, unlike his piece of shit father. My phone pings. I know it’s Jason because he has to text me when he gets home from school every day.
Jason: I’m home.
Mom: Thank you. I’m leaving here soon. Get your homework done because we’re going to Jesse’s for dinner tonight.
Jason: On it.
I turn my attention back to my computer to continue working on the book I’m beta reading. I’ve only got a little bit of time left before I can close the office, and it’s been a long, slow day. When I finish the chapter I’m editing, I send a quick message out to the lawyers letting them know I’m closing up, and then shut down my computer. I don’t bother waiting for a response because if she needs me, I’ll see it on my phone. I grab my purse and run out of the office, locking the door behind me. As soon as I’m in the car I dial Brian’s number, but, as usual, it goes to voicemail. “Hi Brian, it’s me, your ex, calling again. You see, the night you left you told me to tell your son he could call you on your cell and he has, but yet you never call him back. Why is that? All the kid wants is for you to be part of his life, is that too much to ask?” I cut the call and continue my drive home.
I haven’t been this excited about getting home in a long time. I’m lucky the office is only thirty minutes from home. When I pull into the driveway, I cut the engine and hurry inside so I can change out of my work clothes. “Jason, I’m home.”
“In the kitchen, Mom,” he calls out.
I kiss my son on the head. “How was your day?”
He shrugs. “It was good, same as always.”
“Do you have a lot of homework?” If I know my son, he probably doesn’t have a ton because he uses every free minute he has at school to get it done. He’s been a straight A student for the past few years, and I’m proud because it hasn’t always come easy for him.
He continues to write for a moment. “I did, but I’m done.”
“Good boy. Go change into gym shorts and a t-shirt so you boys can play. I’m going to change as well, and we’ll be leaving in a few.” He is such a good kid. He grabs his bag and his binder and brings them to his room.
When we get into the car he says, “Mom, can I play my playlist?”
“Sure.” I hit the media button and connect his phone to the car. He presses play, and we both start singing to the music.
“Can I ask you a question, Mom?”
“Sure, what’s up, bud?” I turn the music down slightly.
“How do you know my coach?”
“Jesse? I know him from high school. He played football with your dad. They were really good friends.”
“Were? They aren’t friends anymore?”
I sigh. “No, they aren’t.” I stop to think about how much I should tell him, but then I realize this is a good chance to teach him how to treat a woman. “You know, Jason, I started dating your dad in high school and he didn’t always treat me very well, but I was just too young and in love to see it. Jesse tried to warn me. He told me your dad was dating another girl at the same time as me, but I didn’t believe him. I thought he was just saying that because he liked me too. Now I know it was probably true—your dad probably was cheating on me.” I sigh. “I always say I will never talk bad about your dad, but I want you to know it’s not appropriate to do that to a girl.”
“Why did he cheat?”
I glance in the rearview mirror, confusion is written all over his face. “I can’t answer that, bud. That’s a question for your dad. He says he wasn’t happy with me, but there were better ways to handle it than how he did. If you are with someone and you decide you’re not happy, you tell them and break up with them properly. Don’t ever lead a girl to believe you like her and then cheat on her.”
“I won’t, Mom.”
We go back to singing for the remainder of our ride to Jesse’s house. When we finally get there, I pull into his driveway and park next to his truck. His son, Gabe, is playing in the yard with who I assume is his sister, Grace. They stop playing and come over to greet us.
Jason jumps from the car and Gabe fist bumps him. “Sup. This is my little sister, Grace.”
Jason nods at her. “Hey,” he says to her and they run off to throw a ball around.
I’m climbing the steps of Jesse’s beautiful farmer’s porch when he greets me from the front door. “Hey, beautiful.” I look down to hide the blush that’s creeping up my cheeks. “Don’t hide, it’s not like this is news to you. I’ve always thought you were beautiful.” I giggle and bite my lip. “Come on in. Mom’s excited to see you.”
He opens the door and escorts me inside. The house has a gorgeous modern country feel. We enter an open living room that has stairs in the middle that leads to the second floor. The living room continues on the left, and there’s a small playroom on the right. When you walk past the stairs there’s a huge kitchen with an attached dining area. They have a beautiful large country-style table set up.
“Mom, look who’s here.”
A woman I recognize from football all those years ago turns and smiles at me. “Karen, how are you, dear?”
“I’m well. How are you?”
She pulls me in for a hug. “I’m good, and I’m even better now.” I look at her, confused. She points to Jesse. “He’s not so grouchy these days.” She winks, and I burst into laughter.
“Thanks, Mom.” He’s pretending to be mad, but you can call it an epic fail. I can see from the way he looks at his mom that he adores her. It’s really sweet.
“Grammy, we’re hungry. Is dinner almost ready?” Grace comes into the kitchen whining.
“Grace, have you met Daddy’s friend?”
She shakes her head. “I saw her outside, but Gabe only introduced me to his friend.”
He rolls his eyes and picks her up. “What am I going to do with that boy?”
Grace’s eyes light up. “Ground him?” she suggests.
“How about we start with discussing it with him first?”
She pouts. “Fine.”
“Grace, this is my friend, Karen. We were friends all the way back when we were in high school.”
“Hey, easy there. You’re making us sound old.” He laughs and I hold out my hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, cutie.” She gently shakes but plays shy.
“Grace, go tell the boys that dinner is ready and the three of you go wash your hands,” Josephine says.
“Yes, Grammy.” Jesse puts her down, and she runs off to do as she’s told.
“She is adorable.”
He looks over his shoulder at her as she runs to the door. “She’s her mother.”
“She may look like her, but that doesn’t mean she is her. They’re two different people, and you can steer her from that path,” his mom warns, pointing a spoon at him.
“Damn straight. There’s not a chance in hell I’m letting either of my kids go down that path. I’ll do whatever I have to, to ensure that never happens.”
“You know I just had a conversation with Jason on the way here about what his father did and why it was wrong. I don’t want him to put any woman through that.”
He nods. “Good for you.” He takes a stack of plates and brings them to the table.
The kids all come running into the kitchen. Gabe takes a seat and tells Jason he can sit next to him. Jesse pulls out the seat next to Jason for me to sit. “Can I help with something?”
“No, tonight you’re our guest.”
I smile. “Thank you, but I don’t mind helping.”
His mom laughs. “I’m not sure if you remember this or not, but my Jesse”—she looks at him—“is a stubborn man, and when he has his mind made up there’s no changing it. That said, I’d relax if I were you.” She winks at me and puts a platter of chicken on the table.
I laugh. “Fair enough. I’ll take a seat.” He starts to walk away when I add, “This time.” He laughs and shakes his head as he works with his mom in the kitchen.
When they come back to the table with the remainder of dinner, Jesse takes the seat next to me and his mom sits next to Grace. She tells everyone to dig in, and we do. “Jason, are you excited for the football season to start?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He takes a bite of chicken.
“It’s going to be a very busy few weeks. I’m a tad nervous, I’m not gonna lie.”
Jesse gives my knee a gentle squeeze, and the feeling goes straight to my core. “You got this. I’ll back you.”
“Well I’m sure you saw I got the Facebook page squared away, and I sent out an email to all the parents with our info. I guess that’s all I need to do until our first practice tomorrow.” I have a post scheduled for tomorrow to remind our team parents that we need to be at the field by six.
“I think I’m more nervous about getting stuck at work.”
Jesse shrugs. “If you do, call me. I’ll pick Jason up.”
“Thank you.”
We suddenly go into a comfortable silence eating our dinner. The kids are done before us and ask to go play in the yard. Jesse excuses them, and they hurry off.
“So what are you up to these days?” Jesse asks, leaning back in his chair and crossing his leg at his ankle. His mom leaves the table without saying a word.
“I pretty much just work and care for Jason.”
“How did Jason handle him leaving?”
I shrug. “At first he was upset and then he became angry. He couldn’t believe he up and left like he did.” Jesse looks so angry. “I don’t think he would’ve taken it as bad if he had stuck around like he said he was going to, but he moved right away. Now he hardly ever sees him because it’s over an hour drive, and he’s constantly complaining about how busy he is with work and her kids. She has two from her first marriage. I feel bad for Jason. He calls him but he hardly ever answers, and when he does he promises to make plans with him soon. Once in a while he actually shows up.” He leans forward staring down at the table. “What, Jesse? Why are you so angry?”
“First and foremost, I’m angry because no woman or child deserves to be treated the way he treated you both. But what makes it worse”—he exhales a deep breath—“I spoke to Brian our senior year. Told him that I liked you. He laughed.” Jesse makes a fist. “I told him I knew he was cheating on you and that he should leave you before he hurt you. I knew you would’ve been upset, but I would’ve been there for you. When you didn’t believe me, I didn’t know what else to do. I decided you had to see it for yourself because I didn’t want you to think I caused your break up.” He stands from the table and walks over to a sliding glass door that leads to the backyard. “Now I wish I had pushed harder.”
I step up behind him and gently place my hand on his back, grabbing his attention. When he looks down into my eyes I see the hurt. “I’m sorry I didn’t believe you.”
“You were young and in love. You have nothing to apologize for. I want you to know that I seriously want a chance to see where this can go. When I saw you the other night my heart stopped, and I was instantly taken back in time.” I look down for a second trying to gain my composure because I’m not even sure what to say right now. “I know you feel it too. Please don’t lie to yourself. There’s something between us.”
“I know and trust me, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about it over the last few days.”
“About what?”
“What ifs. What if I had listened to you? I’m not saying I want to change my past because I love my son but…” My words trail.
“But what?”
“I ignored the connection we had. I didn’t realize how strong it was until the other night when you looked into my eyes and really saw me. Brian never looked at me the way you do. I almost think he was only with me because I was too stupid to see what he was doing to me.”
“Babe, you weren’t stupid. You were in love. I know because I was blind too. There were so many signs, but I wanted to believe I was wrong even though I wasn’t.” He shrugs. “There’s nothing we can do about it, so let’s just move on from it.” I nod. “I’ll never treat you the way Brian did. Please give me the chance to earn your trust.”
I bite my lip as I throw caution to the wind and take a leap of faith. “Okay, but be gentle.”
He chuckles. “I got you.”
He stares into my eyes and then diverts them to my lips. I know what’s coming and it has my heart beating a million miles an hour. With a small smile playing at his lips, he slowly lowers his head until his lips press to mine. I think my heart stops beating for a fraction of a second. When he presses them to mine again our tongues connect, and it’s the jolt I need to get my heart going again. That is until our moment is interrupted.
“Ewwwww, Daddy, why are you kissing Karen?”
He presses his forehead to mine and laughs. “Busted.”
“It was bound to happen.” He presses his lips to mine one more time. “Come on, I’ll help you clean up.”
Grace runs from the room. “Gabe, Jason…” She rushes through the door to tell the boys her news. I’m going to have to have a conversation with Jason on the way home.