Page 89 of A Game Plan for Love

“Why don’t we eat some soup?” Addie suggests.

I nod and pull out bowls and spoons for us to eat. She divvies out between us and sits in the small breakfast nook. She watches like a hawk as I slowly eat, making sure my stomach doesn’t riot at the introduction. Once I’m sure I’m not going to be sick, I finish the rest of the chicken noodle and lean back in my seat.

She plays with the noodles in the broth. “I wasn’t saying I don’t want you to make that choice,” she says, the words barely audible, “because, selfishly, I do. But I don’t want you to resent the choice later.”

I trail a hand along her cheek. “I know.”

She glances down at her watch and sighs. “I have to get Nora from school.”

“Alright.” I walk her to the door, and she collapses in my arms. “Thank you for the soup.”

She nibbles on her lip, then pulls away, walking down the front steps. Halfway to her car, she turns around.

“I think it’s a beautiful dream,” she admits, then slides into her car and drives away.

CHAPTER 26

Tell Me What You Dream About – Hazlett

Addie

Me: I told my parents I was willing to talk to them.

They want to come to Seattle and have dinner.

Declan: Do they not know how to FaceTime?

Also, thank you for the second round of soup. It was delicious.

Me: I ate half of the chicken noodle. It was only fair.

I don’t know how to answer. I don’t want to be cornered about my choices, and I’m not comfortable with them being around Nora. Not until I know what they want.

Declan: I’ll support whatever choice you make.

Ihesitate,thenaskthequestion. His response will tell me if he meant what he said earlier. I have an idea of what he will say, and I hope I’m right, because I saw a life together flash before my eyes in the room he decorated for Nora. Christmas mornings, and summers in the backyard growing vegetables. New rooms for new additions to a family, and artwork scattered along the walls. Quiet fall nights snuggled in the sunroom, gazing at the stars, and cold winter nights on the couch with hot cocoa.

Me: Would you come with me to dinner if I agreed?

Declan: Yes.

We can have someone take Nora so we know she’s somewhere safe.

But there’s nothing wrong with saying no, too.

Me: I think I need to know.

And maybe a tiny part of me hopes they’ve changed. Is that silly?

Declan: I don’t think so.

Did they have a date?

Me: Second week of October.

Declan: We have a home game that week, so I’m available.

Speaking of October…I’d like to go somewhere for the bye-week.

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