Teo took one look at the coffee shop’s menu and knew he’d have to go in search of something more substantial. He hadn’t eaten since the subs Elijah ordered in at one. His trainer would have a fit if he knew how far off his eating plan Teo had gone, but he needed some substance. Preferably in the form of meat, and lots of it.

“Come on, Akoni. We’ve got to go too.” Teo did his best to leave the table semi-clean, tucked Akoni into his elbow, and headed to his car parked just down the block. Akoni didn’t argue about getting into his seat—a testament to how much fun he’d had that day. The more tired he was, the less fight he had.

They were on their way to a health food store not far away when Teo’s phone rang. “Elijah, it’s been an hour, man. Go home.”

Elijah laughed. “You sound like my wife.”

“She’s a smart woman.” And a saint. One of the few people who didn’t treat Teo like he was broken after Amy died. Deja was sympathetic and kind, but without the pity. Of course, she probably had an idea that their marriage wasn’t good, so maybe she sensed Teo wasn’t lost without Amy because he’d been alone long before she died.

“The requests for interviews are rolling in, and I haven’t been able to set the phone down. People want to see the single-dad football star.”

A sick feeling settled in Teo’s gut. “No, E. My kid is not a publicity stunt.”

“It’s not like that, T. There are other people out there going through what you’re going through. You can be a symbol of hope for them. You are for me. If Deja died, I’d be in a ball for years.”

Even though Elijah was trying to help, his admiration only made Teo feel worse. He didn’t say that, though.

Elijah continued. “Just think about it. We could do a private photo shoot at your house and release a story from our office.”

“I don’t know.”

“T, I know you’re confident in your two-year contract, but you need to lay the foundation for a favorable trade or negotiation now.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“Thanks.”

Hearing Elijah’s voice reminded him of another item they needed to settle. “Hey, while I have you, I should be able to film the deodorant commercial on Thursday and Friday. I hired a nanny.”

“Fantastic.”

Teo’s thoughts jumped back to when Cedar kissed Akoni’s head. “Yes, she is.” He drove in silence for a bit, content with his thoughts on Cedar, before he realized Elijah hadn’t said anything. “E?”

“I’m—ummmm.”

“What?”

“It’s nothing. I just thought I heard something in there.”

“What?” Teo demanded.

“Forget it. I’m glad you hired someone. We need to meet about those investment opportunities we talked about before.”

“Sounds good.” They said goodbye and disconnected the call just as Teo pulled into the parking lot of the store. The lot was small and there were only a couple cars.

Teo hadn’t been joking when he told Cedar that miracles happened. Meeting Elijah was one of those miracles in his life. His agent was more than an agent; he was also a financial coach. Teo kept tabs on his money, but he appreciated and trusted Elijah’s guidance. The man’s business practices were as transparent as a windshield.

He considered the strange feelings Cedar stirred inside him. Talking with her was easy, like conversations had been before marrying Amy. He used to see himself as a social guy, but Amy sucked more and more of his time and attention until she was his whole world—and then she’d turned on him.

Akoni screamed to be let out of his seat. Having napped for the short ride, he was full of vim and vigor. “Okay. Okay.” Teo hopped out to rescue his son from the car seat monster. He was grateful for the distraction from his spiraling thoughts.

While he shopped, he wondered if he should get some foods Cedar would like. He bounced his hands on the shopping-cart handle as he walked down the aisles. When he’d walked them all, he huffed in frustration. He had no idea what she liked, but he wanted to. He wanted to make her happy, and the thought scared him. In the end, he decided she could bring her lunch or order in. She was the nanny, an employee, and not his responsibility, no matter how much he liked the way her hair brushed her forehead or that she’d played along with his interview. She may be fun and beautiful and all sorts of wonderful things, but he couldn’t let all those things into his heart.

He couldn’t take a beating—not again.