Page 91 of Enough
“Why do you think I like coming?” he questions honestly.
I sigh, and as I reach into my purse, I notice Nick’s eyes focused on me.
“Kale, do you know Coach Dawson’s friend, Nick?” I gesture toward him.
“Yeah, I helped at practice before,” he answers.
“Good to see you, Kale. I’m surprised you’re not on a team. You’re a pretty good player.”
“You think?” Kale asks with raised eyebrows.
“I do.”
I see a chance and I take it. “Kale, I don’t know if you know this or not, but Nick and I are old friends. I was thinking of having him over for dinner next week so he can show Marlow some of his tricks. Would you be interested in seeing them too?”
Kale glances between us and smiles. “Yeah, that’d be cool.”
I smile and hand hima dollar.
“Aww, last week I got a five,” he responds.
“Well, last week I was distracted, but this week I’m on the ball.”
Nick’s intense gaze as he stands with crossed arms causing his muscles to bulge, makes me feel weak and needy.
“Bye, Nick. See you next week!” Kale runs off toward the concession and Nick continues to examine me.
“So, about that…”
“Um hmm…” he hums skeptically.
“So, would you… I mean… could you?”
“I would love nothing more.” He smiles, and I suddenly want to lick his lips.
The coach blows his whistle and he takes notice. “Gotta go. So, dinner tonight, then?” he asks as he backs away.
I mouth, “I can’t,” with a frown, and his hand goes to his heart as his head falls. My mood drops, but he’s so handsome that I can’t help but grin.
Marlow plays another excellent game, and her team wins five to three. Throughout the game, I notice Kale paying closer attention and cheering her on more than usual. I wonder if Nick sparked an interest in him, and I feel hopeful at the idea of him playing a team sport.
Mike keeps his distance during the game and appears to be very focused on his phone for most of it. I wonder if he noticed his daughter’s assist and two goals.
After the game, I head toward the benches as usual, and although Nick is deep in conversation with a parent, I think he seems to straighten as I approach. It gives me a small thrill to know he notices me, and I findhisattention doesn’t make me the least bit uncomfortable. It’s strange andfulfilling.
I listen to the coach discuss the practice schedule for the following week before Marlow runs over to me with her goodie bag. “You have snacks next week, Mom. Can we go to the store tonight and pick stuff out?”
I lift her hat from her eyes and pull a tissue from my purse for her runny nose. The cold always makes her drain. “Can’t tonight, hun. Remember Grandma Kay is building Lego town while I go out with Aunt Gwen.”
“Oh yeah.” She smiles, and I’m thankful she loves spending time with Kay as much as she does. She runs off toward them as Nick wanders toward me. I hope and pray he heard what I told her so I don’t have to say it again.
“So, you and Gwen tonight?”
I purse my lips. “Yeah… I’m sorry. Something came up and it’s straight out of a dream book. I can’t say no, even for you.”
He shifts his cleats off the ground and glances up to me with uncertainty. “What do you mean?”
I explain the tickets and the contest and all the perks, and his eyes tell me he understands what an amazing opportunity it is. “That sounds awesome.”
