Page 90 of Enough
“That was different,” Mike adds. “Krista’s a good person. This guy’s just trying to get in your pants.”
Anger boils within me, and I notice Nick clench his hand into a fist. I reach my arm out and step between them before we cause a scene. “Maybe I want him in my pants. That’s really none of your business, now is it?”
“I’m just looking out for you, Everly,” Mike adds with his best attempt at sincerity.
“I’m fully capable of taking care of myself. Now both of you stop acting like teenage boys with something to prove and shake hands. The kids are watching you, and they don’t need to see two grown men acting more immature than they do!”
Nick gazes at me with squinted eyes. He takes a hesitant step forward and is the first to offer his hand to Mike. Mike huffs and shakes his hand without looking him in the eye. I can tell there’s a power struggle when they shake. Mike turns away and heads off toward my gawking children on the sidelines, and Nick crosses his arms and refocuses his eyes on the field. As I glance back to watch Mike approach the kids, I see him shake out his hand and flex it. It makes me want to burst into a cackle, but I hold back.
“Hi,” I say to Nick.
“Hi,” he whispers, not turning toward me.
“So I’m babe now?” I laugh.
“I was just staking my claim.”
I glance down at his yellow and black striped shorts. “Can I call you bumble bee?”
He huffs as he turns back to the field. “Not if you want me to answer.”
He seems preoccupied and quiet. After a moment of silence, I start to feel ignored. “Well, I’ll let you get back to the kids. It was nice to see you.”
I circle, ready to stomp away from him, when I hear him say, “So, you might want me in your pants? Was that for Mike’s benefit or for mine?”
“I don’t say anything for Mike’s benefit anymore, and I don’t say anything for show. I say what I mean and mean what I say.”
He smirks. He’s still staring forward when he asks, “Do you know how badly I want to grab you and kiss your fiery mouth right now?”
I can’t help but bite my lip.
He turns to face me and seems less uptight. “So, tonight? How about dinner? I’ll do better this time, I promise.”
I flinch and try to summon the right words as Marlow runs up to Nick and grabs him from behind. He immediately twists at the waist with his arms open to examine his hugger with genuine amusement.
“Hi, Coach Nick!”
“Hey there, Mar. How’s my favorite player?”
“I’m your favorite?” she asks with bulging eyes as he bends down to her level.
He presses his finger to his lips and says, “Shh… don’t tell the others, okay?”
She offers him her pinky for a swear, and Nick intertwines his with hers. Their interaction makes me want to pushhim to the ground and take him on the field. He’s amazing with her.
“Now get out there and warm up. I hear number six has a mean left foot. We need to show him who’s tougher.”
“I am!” she shouts enthusiastically.
“Yes you are. I want to see ten of your best kicks. Now go.” He nods in the direction of the goal, and she takes off running.
I yell, “Put on your hat!”
She rolls her eyes and frowns but then pulls it out of her shorts pocket and places it on her head.
“Mom… concession?” Kale asks as he runs over.
“The game hasn’t even started yet and you already want sugar?”
