Page 24 of Fumble Into the End Zone

“I heard you, Mia,” Kindness said from behind, and Harley’s eyes widened.

Kids’ expressions amused me. They’re always extreme. We finished washing the vegetables, and I lowered her to the floor. I turned to find Marcus’s attention on me. I smiled to calm myself more than to be polite.

“Thank you, Harley, for helping us girls in the kitchen. I love your name, by the way.” I said.

“My daddy likes you,” Harley said with an assured smile, leaving me stuck.

Bryce bellowed another hard laugh as the room turned in his direction. This time, I found Kindness joining in on the fun, but she hid her laughter behind her hand.

“Them Allens say whatever is on their minds,” Bryce said.

My phone vibrated, giving me the reprieve I needed. I migrated to the island and flipped it over to find a text message from Addison.

Addison

Pizza and go karts?

“Break up with him,” Marcus said, and I paused my finger over the text thread.

I flipped over my phone without answering the text, giving Marcus my attention. Leaning against the counter, I said. “What makes you think it was a guy?”

“Someone with your beauty attracts men without any effort. After today, go ahead and put them on notice,” he said.

I chuckled at his sentence, and I found myself smiling. Something a man hadn’t done for me in a long while.

“I take it you need the media tips?” I said to shift the conversation to something more professional.

“According to my unofficial agent, Bryce. He said I’m a little rough around the edges,” Marcus said.

“The key to mastering the media is being yourself, but a more polished version. People can sense when you’re being dishonest or disingenuous,” I offered as I rounded the island.

Harley stood next to her father, quiet and patient. Something most children her age were unable to do.

“Allow Harley and I to demonstrate,” I said as I extended my hand in her direction.

I pulled back a chair for her to sit and she followed my lead. Children were the most honest people on this earth.

“Harley, let’s school your dad on how to interview. I’m going to make a fist and pretend it’s a mic.” she shook her head with excitement. “Marcus, I want you to pay attention to her body language,” I said, peering up into his eyes.

I took the seat across from her and cleared my throat. “It’s Mia Robinson and I’m here, invading your podcast airwaves. Tonight, I have Harley Allen in the building. She is the daughter of the Armadillos’ new wide receiver, Marcus Allen. Miss Allen, tell us what’s the secret to your father being a great football player,” I asked, and then extended my balled fist.

“He was born with it,” she said, satisfied with her answer.

I fought the urge to snicker at her comment.

“I see. What makes him a great dad?” I asked next.

Harley danced her head from side to side before she answered. “Because he reads me bedtime stories, he buys me baby dolls, and he makes the best peanut butter sandwich on the planet. And he cuts off the edges of the bread.”

I chuckled at her comment. Her relaxed shoulders and eye contact were proof of her honesty.

“Can we say peanut butter sandwiches are your favorite meal?” I questioned, speaking into the fake mic.

“No. Cabbage and cornbread is my favorite,” Bryce and I both burst into laughter as she shrugged.

“How old is this little girl, man,” Bryce asked Marcus, but he smiled back.

I caught a glimpse of Kindness resting her back against the wall, smirking in our direction.

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