Page 114 of Revival

“You were going to marry that guy. I just… Are you sure you should be doing this?”

I could laugh at the role reversal. His honesty and concern warms my heart. Over the course of his childhood, I didn’t date. From the time I broke up with his father until he entered high school, I kept myself off the market. My sole focus was my son. After a few failed attempts at dating apps, I met Sebastian. This is as new to Ollie as it is to me.

“Let me ask you this. Can you remember a time when Sebastian took care of me? When I was sick, or my head hurt, or I had a long day at work?”

“No.” Ollie’s answer follows my question so quickly it’s clear he didn’t need to even think about it. “You always take care of yourself.”

“Sometimes it’s nice to be looked after.” I nod mechanically. “More than once in the few weeks we’ve been together, Spencer has. I didn’t even have to ask. He was just there for me when I needed someone.”

“Okay.” The word is exaggerated. Ollie gazes out his window. “But it’s not like you’re without people who care about you. I care about you. And all my uncles and aunts. Grandma.”

“You’re right.” My throat feels tight at his growing list. “We have a whole group of people who care about us. More than most. But romantic love is different from the familial kind.”

Ollie makes a gagging sound. “Don’t say anything about sex.”

My laugh bursts forth in the car. “No, honey. You’re old enough and smart enough to put that together without me talking about it.”

He retches again.

“Stop.” I slap the back of my hand across his chest with a laugh. “I’m trying to be serious.”

“Too serious.”

At the approaching stop sign, I slow the car. “As I was saying. There’s something special that comes from being cared for by someone who chooses you. I really like Spencer. It’s nice to be cared for like that.”

Oliver’s silent as I pull through the intersection. He curls the bill of his hat in his hands. “I get it.”

I pat his knee. “You don’t have to worry about your old mom, but it’s sweet that you do.”

“Enough,” he groans, sinking down in his seat.

“Okay, enough relationship talk. You going to hit a home run tonight?”

“Bro, I can’t just plan to hit a home run.”

“I’m just saying it’d be really nice. Everyone will be there.”

“Mom,” he groans.

“What? Think of it as some encouragement.”

I pull into the parking lot and shut off the car. Ollie runs off after a couple of teammates, leaving me to walk alone to the field.

Our bleachers are empty. The Powell clan alone usually takes up an entire section. Only Juniper sits by herself near the middle, wearing a pink tank and jean shorts, a paper coffee cup in her hand and a blanket draped over her lap.

I scan my surroundings on the way up, spotting Lee by the fence talking to Ollie’s high school coaches. The sight should bring a smile to my face, but then I remember I’m still mad at him.

“Hey!” Juniper waves.

“I was hoping it’d be less wet before game time.” I wipe the droplets off my seat.

“I know. I should have brought an extra blanket.”

“The older Oliver gets, the more I’ve lost my touch. From diaper bags to baseball bags.” My sigh is wistful. “I’m so used to making sure he packed his things that I forget to pack my own.”

“There’s enough people with their babies coming that should have you covered. I’m sure our siblings will bring enough blankets to turn this thing into a fort.”

“Wouldn’t that be something?” I laugh.

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