Page 75 of The Ex Next Door
“He’s good.” Declan caught the ball and threw it to Matthew.
Unfortunately, Matthew was looking at something else and the ball sailed right past him.
“Sorry!” he yelled and went running after it.
“See that? His only problem is he isn’t taking this seriously enough,” Mark said.
Declan was stopped from engaging in a mini lecture on fun versus competition in sports at an early age. There was plenty of time for that later. A lifetime.
The coach and the rest of the team had arrived, and it was time for the scrimmage to begin.
* * *
Amy tried to keep her eyes on the game, but it was tough with Bianca chirping in her ear nonstop, Mark yelling “encouragements” to their son and Declan looking so smoking hot wearing slacks and a button-down. He’d rolled up the sleeves, displaying those powerful forearms. Maybe she was a wanton woman for noticing this, but the man was yummy.
“Mark took off early from work so he could be here,” Bianca said. “He’s being so supportive.”
“That’s good. I’m sure his support means a lot.” She glanced at her phone again to note the time.
She’d told Rob about the practice, and he was supposed to be here. Not that David would be happy to see him but being a parent meant you couldn’t just give up trying because your kid was mad. After her talk with David, she’d texted Rob with an honest update. He’d been less than thrilled, accusing her of borderline alienation and reminding her they promised they’d never take sides against each other. Withholding the less-than-kind words she wanted to hurl at him, Amy composed a text advising him she was doing no such thing. She encouraged him to come to the game and show his support, omitting the fact Declan would be there in case that might discourage him.
She texted Rob a reminder of the time and location again. Within minutes he texted back:
Can’t make it. Huge problem at the office. Tell David I’ll catch him at the next one.
“Why is Declan dressed in slacks and a button-up?” Bianca said.
“I don’t know, maybe he had to go into work for a bit.”
“He looks good. Notice all the moms checking him out. What a great ass. Is he really just going tobartendfor the rest of his life?”
“I don’t know, Bianca. I haven’t asked.”
“Why isn’t Rob here? You did tell him, didn’t you?” The tone sounded borderline accusatory, and Amy flinched.
“Of course. Why would you ask that?”
“Well, no offense, Amy, but I see how you’d want to slide Declan in there to take Rob’s place. He is pretty hot, and amazing, but he’s not David’sfather.”
A slice of irritation hit Amy hard. “I know and I’mnottrying to replace him. In fact, funny thing, but David mistakenly believed that Rob was trying to get him a new mother when he met his new girlfriend this weekend. We both made sure he understood that wasn’t true.”
“Oh brother.” Bianca rolled her eyes. “Rob is blowing it right and left.”
Amy refrained from defending Rob but just barely. They were trying, damn it, and it wastough. No one liked a divorce, least of all the children. But Rob wanted to move on and so did Amy. There was nothing wrong with that and she deeply resented people judging them. She’d judged the situation enough herself. It was a mistake, but it happened, and they were both to blame.
Before she spoke, Amy checked and saw Naomi still sitting a few seats over with a friend who’d showed up to practice with her brother, who was on the other team.
Amy kept her eyes on the game, not wanting to miss when David went up to bat. Batting was his weakness and he tended to swing at anything that came over the plate. Declan told her it was a common enough mistake and told her not to worry. He didn’t really have to tell Amy twice as she worried about real-life stuff, not a game.
“I’m not making the same mistake. Which is why I’m not telling the kids about me and Declan,” Amy said quietly.
“Ooooh, and how’s that going?” Bianca said, turning her folding chair to face Amy and away from the game. “Did you two get jiggy with it?”
“Hey, ladies. Mind if I join you?” Declan’s deep voice interrupted from behind them, and they both turned.
He stood in the sunlight, practically bathed in the golden rays.The golden boy.At least, he’d been her golden boy, now a man.
“Hey, Declan!” Bianca practically giggled. “Sogoodto see you here!”
