Page 55 of The Single Dad's Guide to Recreation

I can’t suppress my responding wince, and Regina obviously notes it. “Mm-hmm. Is this coming from the corporate side or the community side?”

“Both, I suppose,” Avery says with a quick glance at me. “The numbers don’t support keeping the program. It takes up a large chunk of my time, and enrollment has dropped steadily over the past five years.”

After nodding slowly for a moment, Regina turns to me. “Can I assume that you’ve been part of the discussion?”

“Yes,” I say, wishing I’d made time to tell Avery my plan for Playgroup. “The budget is tight as it is, and there are some disagreements among stakeholders regarding prioritization.”

“Always a challenge,” Regina allows.

“But there are positives to Playgroup that you can’t see in the numbers,” Avery argues. “That you’ve experienced personally.”

After teasing out the details of my experience and getting more input from Avery, Regina turns to the large pad of paper resting on an easel next to her and uncaps a magic marker.

“Let’s make a list.” She circles a finger around the room. “Working together, we might be able to find other ways to foster these elements.”

Other members of the group begin throwing out ideas and Regina writes them down as she encourages us. “There are no dumb or wrong answers in this room.”

“I also want to say that I’ve resisted cutting it because my mother started the program,” Avery says at some point. “She’s no longer able to lead it due to health issues.”

“Personal attachment can make discussing change difficult.” Regina gives Avery an empathetic smile, before turning back to the group. “Perhaps we can find a way to hang on to the spirit of the program without bringing down the whole ship. To mix metaphors horribly.”

“We should also consider…” The woman looks back and forth between me and Avery. “That as you’re a couple on either side of this fence, as it were, that can bring additional challenges.”

“Oh, we’re—” Avery begins.

“Well aware of the challenges,” I cut in, taking her hand. Avery’s eyes narrow slightly, maybe trying to figure out what I’m up to. I’m not sure why I just outed us in front of these strangers, but I bring her hand to my lips for a quick kiss, hoping she’s okay with it. “But we both want what’s best for the community.”

“And that’s why we’re here.” Regina taps the easel. “Our goal is to create a sustainable architecture, so Climax Parks and Rec is not dependent on Trede in the long term. On the other hand, we want Trede and its stakeholders to feel their investment is being put to use wisely. And inclusively.”

I’m pretty sure Trede’s primary stakeholder wouldn’t put it that way, but I would, so I nod. “I’m open to all suggestions. I want to make this work.”

ChapterNineteen

AVERY

I love living in a small town, but there is something so invigorating about meeting new people. I’m not sure Josh feels the same, because at the end of the evening session, I’m definitely the only one following my new pals on social media and exchanging numbers. He seems impatient to get back to the room, and I am too, but before we get naked, we need to discuss a few things. So as soon as our golf cart is out of hearing range of the others, I let him know how I feel.

“I thought you said I could decide whether or not we’re public about us.”

He glances over at me briefly, and I catch the wince on his face as we pass under a lamppost. “I didn’t really plan on it, but at that moment, it felt like I should put all the cards on the table so we get the best advice.”

He has a point, but I’m still a little grumpy about it. “Or maybe you’re just trying this on for size in a place where we don’t know anybody.”

“Maybe I was. Maybe that’s why we need a weekend away. Or two or three. So we can explore what’s here without having to worry about our families.”

“But those stressors are people. And they’re not going anywhere.”

“Believe me, I am aware of that. I have been since the moment my kids were born.”

Pain thrums behind my sternum, making me even grumpier. Because I’ll never have the feeling he’s trying to get away from.

“Don’t we deserve a little happiness, just for ourselves?” he continues. “Don’t we need that, so we can fulfill our other responsibilities?”

He’s right. It’s what all the parenting books say. You can’t be a caretaker without taking care of yourself. But I’m not ready to cede the point, so I remain stubbornly silent until he pulls up in front of the cabin.

After he turns off the cart, he shifts in his seat to face me. When I don’t turn to face him, he takes my hand. “You make my life better, Avery. When I’m around you, I feel hopeful. I believe things will be okay. And I haven’t felt like that in a long time.”

Eyes on our joined hands, I ask, “Since Lisa passed?”

---