Page 34 of Love on the Sidelines

Ihaven’t even shut the door to my room when Emily knocks on it.

"A close friend is out of town? Why didn't you just say this is your house, Uncle Charlie?"

I peek out of the door to make sure no one heard her and pull her into the room before shutting the door.

"Let's not say anything about that, okay?"

She frowns, and says, "Why not? Aren't you proud of it?"

I smile and take a breath before answering. "I am actually really proud of everything I've accomplished. There are just some people who get weird around me when I say I own extravagant things like this."

"I always wondered why you moved away from this house. I remember Mom loving it."

"She decorated most of this. I guess I needed a change after she was gone. So many significant memories of her helping me here and bringing you to visit."

Emily thinks about it for a moment and then nods. "I can understand that."

"So, we have a deal? No spilling the beans?"

"Why do old people always say that?"

Shaking my head, I say, "Will you keep my secret for a bit? To be honest, I crave this anonymity."

Once the words are out of my mouth, I realize how true they are. It's not always easy to be around people who aren't trying to get something from me. This group of girls and coaches/parents treat me like an equal, rather than I'm above them, which I appreciate. And with my growing interest in Ava, I'd rather not destroy the fantasy yet.

Every woman I've dated in the past five years has been trying to bump into me so we can start dating or has been recommended by a friend's cousin once-removed just so they can say they helped to get us together.

If marriage is in my future, I'd rather it be with someone I can connect with on all levels, someone who isn’t worried about how we look together, but who wants to build a life. Someone who loves me for me and sees us going the distance, rather than an alimony opportunity.

Ava might fit that bill, not that I think she would go for me at all. She tries to avoid anything having to do with money. And since I’ve worked my tail off to get to where I am so that I can support and take care of my family, I don’t want to be ashamed of it.

Which is kind of what I’m doing by telling Emily not to say anything, huh?

I almost married someone who only cared about my money until she opened my eyes to that world. And I've kind of been jaded ever since.

Until Ava. Of course, nothing has happened, but it's almost like using a dating app under a friend's name. I'm just borrowing a friend's identity to enjoy a little more time in the unknown category.

Emily rolls her eyes and leaves the room. "Good luck. I'm not sure you can keep this secret for that long."

I chuckle and unpack my stuff into the dresser. It's strange not using my usual room, but I figured Marsha and Ava would be more comfortable there. Luckily, I had an old assistant who had time to come and clear out the wardrobe in there and stock the kitchen with a few things. I'd planned to stay here regardless of the hotel situation, but with this many girls in the house, we're going to need more than protein shakes and salads.

I walk out of my room and bump into Ava.

"Sorry about that."

She's got a sheepish look on her face. "You're good. I'm coming to see if you need anything put on the shopping list. There were a few things here, but we need to make a big grocery run for the week. We've got a whole slew of things the girls have requested."

I reach out and take the paper, our fingers lightly brushing, which turns into a shock. “Sorry about that..”

"It's just static,” Ava says. She’s moving her legs back and forth like she’s jittery. “If you want to write what you like and then leave the list on the counter, I'll go with Marsha to pick it up."

Shaking my head, I say, "Don't worry about it. I'll go. You prepare with the girls for the weekend ahead."

I smile when I see most of the girls in their bathing suits outside jumping into the pool already. How do they still have that much energy?

"I can go. It's not that much work. And It will be helpful to have a few pairs of hands to go with."

"Sounds good." I'm so used to sending out for things and having people bring food and other goods to me. It's been a really long time since I've been grocery shopping. Maybe it won't be that bad.

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