Page 67 of Strong Side
“Okay, let me ask you a question. Since you brought up babies, how many do you want?” I smile at the thought of a little Casey running around.
“However many you want to give me, pretty girl. I do hope we don’t have twins, although I don’t think it works like that anyway. But I can’t imagine how crazy it must have been for my parents with me and Charlie. With me going pro, I wouldn’t want you to have to manage that on your own with my schedule.” He turns and winks at me.
“That’s very thoughtful of you.” I giggle. “I think twins would be fun in a way, but, yeah, a whole lot of work. Bless your mom.”
“Seriously. She’s a saint.” He huffs.
“It would be nice to have one of each, but I’m not really picky. Whatever life gives us, I’ll just be happy because it’s with you.” I lean over and rest my head on his shoulder.
“I love you, Noelle James.” He kisses the top of my head.
“And I love you, Casey King.”
I meant what I said too. As long as I’m with him, I’ll take whatever comes.
CHAPTER
TWENTY-FIVE
NOELLE
The elementary schoolI work at is taking a field trip today to a Walker University baseball game. Am I looking forward to it? Absolutely not. What’s worse is, we’re scheduled to go onto the field after the game for the kids to meet the players.
Our seats are directly behind the dugout, about six rows back. The kids are so excited, and I’m trying to focus on getting them settled rather than pay attention to who is on the field. The game is supposed to start soon, and both teams are warming up right now.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Trey warming up on the mound, but I don’t think he’s seen me. I really hope he hasn’t. The last thing I want is for him to think I’m here for him. Because he would.
The teams are called back to their dugouts, and the announcer asks everyone to stand for the national anthem. So, I stand and instruct the kids to stand as well. When the music starts, I take a minute to look at Trey, whose back is to me. I haven’t seen or heard from him since the day Casey punchedhim. And I don’t feel any pain, seeing him, but I do feel sad that I wasted so much time with him.
Just as the song ends, I see a couple coming down the stairs to my left. I recognize them quickly as Trey’s mom and dad. I met them a few times when they came to town for games, but didn’t really spend much time with them. I’m not even sure they’d recognize me, honestly.
Behind them is a blonde holding a toddler. I don’t recognize her, but she seems to be with his parents. They take their seats two rows back from the dugout. I look back to the field to see Trey waving to them.
The toddler is bouncing in the woman’s arms, and clear as day, I hear him shout, “Dada!”
I look back at Trey, who has a genuine smile on his face when he walks to the railing. The girl leans down, and Trey reaches up to kiss the little boy, then kisses the girl.
What the actual fuck?
He says something to his parents, then looks away and makes direct eye contact. With me. The look on his face is how he should have looked when I caught him with Zoey. His eyes grow wide, and he turns around quickly.
I think I’m gonna be sick.
The girl sits next to his parents, and the toddler stands on her legs, clapping and bouncing to the music playing. He’s wearing a little jersey with Trey’s number on it. Then Trey’s mom reaches for the boy, and when she turns him to face her, I see his face. He’s an exact replica of Trey.
This cannot be happening right now. How is this even possible? That baby has to be at least a year and a half old. I’m frozen in my seat as the game starts. Thoughts run through my head, trying to piece together what I’m seeing.
We were together for nearly two years. We broke up a few times here and there, but never for any long period of time.
I can’t take my eyes off the baby as I think. I want to know everything, but I also don’t. Because I’m afraid of the answers if I find out.
I need to get out of here for a minute. I can feel my panic rising with every breath I take.
Leaning forward, I get the attention of my mentor. “I need to run to the restroom.”
She nods.
“Oh! I have to go potty too, Miss Noelle.” One of the girls in the class grabs my hand.
