Page 36 of Moonshot

Realizing she’s not going to drop this, I decide I might as well come clean. She knows me well enough to understand it had to be something big for me to not make my team’s game. She’s had to listen to me go on and on about how the parents and other coaches aren’t invested in the boys more than a time or two. Taking a deep breath, I go all in. “I took my girl to her first Nationals game where they won spectacularly. We had a great time, but a storm rolled in.” Reaching for a banana from the fruit basket sitting in the center of the table, I peel and try to look nonchalant as I continue. “I guess I should’ve paid more attention to the weather.”

“Your girl, huh? Michael York, I haven’t heard you refer to anyone as your girl in years. I thought you’d sworn off women after Paula,” she states, appearing shocked. Shocked but undeniably happy.

“I did. But Ava just caught me off guard.” Putting down the banana, I look up at her from my seat at the table. “Awe, Mom. She’s just beautiful, inside and out. You’ll love her. She’s so sweet. I honestly feel like she’s different. That I can trust her. I can’t imagine she has a cheating bone in her body. I know I’ve got a bad track record… and it’s only been a few dates, but… well, I think she’s the one.”

“Oh. My. God. Did you just say she’s the one?” Emmaleigh shouts as she comes flying into the room. “I can’t believe it! Mick’s finally foundthe one. Are you going to marry her?” She claps her hands in excitement as only a teenage girl can. She’s practically swooning. About that time, Bruno, their tiny dog, comes in and starts to skip and prance with Emmaleigh as if they’re part of a traveling circus.Good lord.

“Calm down. We’ve only had a few dates, but I’ve known her for almost a year. And I can’t explain it. I just have a really good feeling about us.”

“Us,” my mother and Emmaleigh squeal in unison.

“I can’t wait to meet her! What does she look like? How old is she? Is she girly? Do you think she’ll like me?”

“Oh, my god, Emmaleigh. Will you get ahold of yourself?” My mother encourages. “I’ll have to pull out the hose and spray you down. You’re a mess.”

“Mom, I’m sixteen. I’ve been waiting for Mick to bring a girl home since I knew what dating meant. You can’t blame me for being curious. Plus, I’m practically an only child with our age gap. I can’t wait to have a girl around here.”

“Hey, what does that mean, squirt? I’m around.”

“Oh, get over it. You know what I mean. Now spill. Please tell me a little more about her.”

“Okay, okay. So she’s my age. She’s an only child, like you, apparently.” I laugh. “She works as a physician assistant in an orthopedic practice I call on.”

“What’s she look like?” Emmaleigh pushes after dropping into the chair beside me, resting her chin in her hands. She’s giddy. God. If this doesn’t work out with Ava, this will crush her.Me and her both.

I start to chuckle. “Well, if you could imagine what Elsa would look like in real life, you’ve got a good picture of Ava.”

“Elsa fromFrozen. The movie?”

I nod, reaching back for my banana.

Emmaleigh squeals, springing from her seat, clapping and dancing as if I’ve just won the lottery.Hell, maybe I have.

“So, why did you have to miss your game yesterday?” Rob inquires, trying to get a word in edgewise. He knows I’d move heaven and earth to be at all of their games.

“The traffic was so bad coming out of that Nationals game, we ended up having to spend the night up there. The car barely inched forward a foot in an hour and a half. We got up in plenty of time the next morning but got delayed due to an accident.” I don’t need to tell him I accidentally shoved my dick back into my girl instead of getting on the road as I should have. Telling a little white lie seems like the better way to handle this story. “By the time I got home, changed, and made it to the field, they’d lost so bad they were basically glad to have the game over with. The other team was full of players that have played travel ball. They’ve got a lot of experience, and as much as he rubs me the wrong way, a really good coach.”

I take another bite of banana. The smell of the burgers wafting into the kitchen from the grill as Rob comes in and out is making my stomach roar. “My team is so young. They’re still learning. They’ll get there. They’re great kids and have a good attitude, but just need some direction. They’re kind of a hot mess right now, but we’ll work it out in practice.”

We spend the rest of the evening chatting over burgers and grilled veggies, watching baseball highlights on Sports Center, and catching up on Emmaleigh’s current boyfriend drama before I head home for the night. On the drive back to my place, I consider how it’d feel to have Ava there with me. I’ve never brought anyone home to spend time with my family but Paula. I have to admit, I’m excited about the chance to introduce her. I think they’ll love her. I mean, who wouldn’t?

As I park the car and walk inside my quiet apartment, I’m immediately aware the weekend has caught up with me. I’m grabbing a shower and heading for bed, happy to doze off to sleep with thoughts of my ice princess in my head.

* * *

It’s been a busy week, but it’s finally Thursday, and I’m excited to stop by Central Orthopedics to see Ava today. I spent Monday and Wednesday evenings out of town, and Tuesdays are always committed to my little league team. I’d tried calling and texting her but hadn’t heard back. I’m sure she’s as busy returning to the hectic work week as I am. Looking at my watch, it’s only noon. I know my appointment is at 12:30, but let’s just call it like it is. I miss her.

“Hi, Michael. She should be in her office. Her last appointment of the day was canceled. You can go on back,” Joanie advises.

“Thanks.” I offer a big smile until I notice the large bouquet behind her desk. They look eerily similar to the ones I ordered online for Ava. But why would they be out here instead of in her office? Well, at least I know they arrived. As sweet as Ava is, I’m surprised she didn’t call to thank me or at least send a quick text.

As I make my way down the hall, approaching her door, I notice it’s only cracked a fraction, and the light appears to be off.That’s odd.As I reach for the doorknob and start to lightly knock on the door, I see she’s sitting at her desk with her head resting atop her crossed arms. I feel a pull in my chest, concerned she’s not well. My first thought is to rush to her side to check on her, but the worry she may not feel well disappears quickly as I notice a smile cross her face and realize she’s not alone. Taking a step back, my eyes refocus, and I watch as Dr. Stark’s hands are massaging her shoulders briefly before he moves her hair from her ear and bends down near the crook of her neck.

“I’ve got to go, but I’ll see you at dinner, doll.”

What. The. Ever. Loving. Fuck?

CHAPTERSIXTEEN

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