Page 48 of Delicate Storm

Luke-fucking-Bennett.

He smirks and I want to punch him. “Is that actually funny, Bennett? You know, I thought you’d grow up after having a kid.”

His face drops and he steps closer. “Sorry, man. It’s been a day and humor is my go-to. But you know we’re here for you, right? In all seriousness, you were there for me when I needed it, and I’ll always be happy to return the favor.”

The sincerity in his eyes throws me a little because as he said, humor is his go-to, although Amelia must have seen something in him so maybe I can give him a shot. “Thanks, man. I’m fine. Just having a day myself.”

Luke and I walk back to the locker room together but keep the conversation on football. Despite his offer, I can’t see myself opening up to him, or anyone for that matter. It’s just not something I do.

Ever.

Though I can see the benefits. When Luke spoke to me about his situation with Amelia, he managed to come to some kind of epiphany after something I said. That could happen to me. Or…it could be no help at all and instead, I have a teammate feeling sorry for me. Actually,sorrierfor me, because they already think I’m broken after Macy’s cheating scandal with Zane. And that’s more annoying than the cheating was.

Sal walks past us when we reach the door of the locker room and my stomach knots, half expecting him to call me away sohe can personally tell me I need to end things with Paige. But of course, he doesn’t. Instead, he smiles and lets us know it was a good practice.

Again, he’s genuine. There’s just something about the way the management acts around him that has us all on guard. But maybe, like us, they're just getting used to the change.

The next day, I run into Paige threegoddamntimes, but never get the chance to talk to her. The first time, I was driving out of the parking garage as she was walking past. The second was in the crowded lobby in the middle of the day. And the third was at the swimming pool while I had Isaac with me. She was getting out of the water when we arrived, and it took everything in my power not to stare at her dripping body. Thankfully, I had a little reminder tugging on my shorts, keeping things innocent in my mind.

After Isaac falls asleep that night, I try to distract myself with TV and music, but it doesn’t work. My head is a chaotic web of issues that I can’t control, and it’s impossible to determine what’s worse—my imminent chat with Paige or Macy’s arrival tomorrow. Or more specifically, Macy canceling tomorrow and me having to pick up the pieces of my son’s fragile little heart.Again.

I’m calling this her last chance. If she fucks it up, I’m done. I’ll have no guilt finding the best, most expensive lawyer out there so I can ruin her.

I’m sure Luke knows a guy. I remember him mentioning he had to rush Amelia’s divorce so they could get married. I had to listen to that fun little story while seated next to him on the busto our last away game. At the time, I was hating life, but now, he might be useful.

And he said he wanted to help.

I try another tack, reading in bed, and I must fall asleep at some point because when I next check the time it’s four a.m and I feel groggy. Macy isn’t coming for hours and our practice isn’t until the afternoon, so I have no reason to be awake this early. But since it took me hours to fall asleep last night, I can’t imagine it’s going to be any easier now.

Accepting my fate, I get up and work out on my balcony so I don’t wake Isaac, but at around five thirty there’s a soft knock on the glass door, and his sleepy little smile greets me as he waves.

“Good morning.” I smile back after walking inside. “Are you hungry?”

“Yes.”

“What would you like? Pancakes, waffles, or eggs?”

“Pancakes.” He runs into the kitchen and crawls up onto his stool near the counter.

“Okay. Done.”

“Annnd waffles and eggs,” he adds with a pleading smile, making me laugh.

“Woah, Buddy. That might give you a stomachache before the zoo.”

His face drops at my response. “Is Mom really coming?”

Fuck. This kid is barely three and yet he’s acutely aware that he has a shitty, unreliable mother.

I swear to God if she cancels—

“Do you think I’ll see a snake eating today?” He changes the subject before I’m able to respond and it’s lucky he did, because it stopped me from having to lie to him. The truth is that I don’t know if she’s coming. But for her sake, I hope she does.

While I make pancakes, Isaac and I talk about all the animals at the San Francisco Zoo, with him telling me his favorites andthe ones he thinks Macy will like. My chest burns when he gets her favorites wrong because it’s just more proof that she doesn’t see him enough to bond with him.

“When we go, I’ll let you see the wolves. I know you like them.” He smiles and it warms my heart. Of course, he’s right. Because I’ve told him that. Because we spend time together. And bond.

God, she makes me crazy.

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