Page 27 of The Ex Next Door
Amywouldkeep telling herself that. Declan was here for her son and while she was eternally grateful for the interest he’d taken in helping him, she wasn’t going to allow anything else to permeate her active imagination. Recently, she’d gone back to an old habit of watching old Hallmark movies late at night while the kids were asleep. Quite a few involved reunions and second chances with couples who didn’t work out the first time. The idea was certainly enticing because, sure, it would be nice to wind up right back where she started with the one man she thought she’d always love. The one man she never dreamed would let her go. But that was all a fantasy and good material for books and movies. She loved the romance and illusion of it all, but that wasn’t real life.
Real life was broken crayons, eternally lost socks and stepping on Legos while barefoot.
The boys were warming up, and Declan and Mr. Sheridan appeared deep in conversation.
“What’s Declan’s father doing here, anyway?” Amy said.
Though she occasionally saw him around Charming, they hadn’t talked in years. She assumed he’d met Declan here for some reason.
“He occasionally comes out to scout talent for Little League,” Bianca said.
Amy blinked. “Um, what?”
“You heard me. We have high hopes for Matthew.” Bianca sat up straighter. “Mark has been working with him since he was four.”
“Aren’t they a little young for scouting?”
“Oh, no. You can never get started too young in a sport.”
Amy worried now that she’d neglected her son’s physicalabilities and certainly Rob had, too immersed in his own career.
“I suppose it’s always good for those scholarships.”
She and Rob hadn’t really saved well for their kids’ college funds. When she’d mention it, Rob would say there was plenty of time for that.
“Exactly,” Bianca said. “That’s what we’d like, a full ride to university. The chances are like two percent so it’s extremely competitive.”
“I had no idea you and Mark were thinking this way.”
“Well, I’d have asked you about it if I’d known your ex wasDeclan Sheridan.”
“I wouldn’t have been able to help as I hadn’t talked to him in years.”
“But that’s changed.”
“Only because he lives next door, and he was nice enough to recommend me for the part-time cocktail waitress job.”
Bianca scrunched up her nose. “How’s that going?”
“It’s exhausting, sure, but the tips are great.”
It wasn’t exactly a thirty-something-year-old’s dream job, but she was proud of how hard they all worked. Valerie, her kid’s teacher in third grade, was a waitress too when she’d first returned to Charming. She occasionally still helped out even if she was married to one of the owners now.
“I’m glad you got something. Mark said Rob was complaining how you weren’t really trying to get a job because you wanted to stay home with the kids all summer.”
“Excuse me?”
“I shouldn’t have said anything. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. Rob should know better.” Her eyes followed Declan, who was now squatting in front of David.
“Hoo, boy, he’s a handsome one. I mean, hell, if I weresingle… You better believe I’d go after him, guns blazing.” Bianca chuckled maniacally. “Half the moms here would.”
“He’s got a girlfriend.”
“Hey, if there’s no ring on her finger, it’s fair game.”
Amy huffed. “Regardless, I’m not exactly in the position to date anyone.”
