Page 49 of Punked By the Playmaker
The tension lining my shoulders didn’t ease once I left the building. Because now I didn’t have eyes on her, and all I could do was picture all the ways she might be struggling.
I knew this was for her own good, a crucial part of her recovery, but still, every cell in my body demanded that I do everything in my power to make this easier for her.
After the longest sixty minutes known to man, my daughter emerged from the building, and I ran to open the passenger door for her.
She sank onto the seat with a sigh, and I ensured she was properly buckled before sealing her inside and rounding the hood to hop behind the wheel.
At a quick glance, my girl’s cheeks were flushed, and the dark hair near her temples was dampened with sweat.
“How was it?” I asked.
Maisie flashed me a brilliant smile. “Hard, but good. They gave me some exercises to work on at home before my next session.”
“That’s great. Do you want to stop off for ice cream, or are you too tired?”
She pursed her lips. “If we get ice cream, can we bring some home for Austin? He’s nervous about the first day at our new school tomorrow. The kids at his last one weren’t very nice.”
Protective mode kicked in. “He was getting bullied?”
Genuine concern flickered in her brown eyes. “Are you going to tell him I told you?”
“Of course not. Unless—” A fist tightened around my windpipe. “Unless he’s thinking about hurting himself, then I’d be forced to step in.”
“No.” Maisie shook her head. “It’s nothing like that. They made fun of his clothes having holes, and sometimes he can’t see so well because he needs new glasses, and I guess they decided only losers sit at the front of the class. The school here is a lot nicer than his old one, and he’s worried he’ll stand out because he doesn’t have a laptop.”
“You guys need laptops?” That was news to me. Arizona had handled their registration since she was their guardian.
My daughter nodded. “There was a whole supply list they gave us during orientation. I was going to show you, but Austin told me not to. He said if you realize how much having kids costs, you might not—” She swallowed thickly, her lower lip wobbling. “You might not want to keep us.” Sniffles sounded in the tight confines of the car as the first tear slipped down her cheek.“And you’re already paying so much for my new leg and physical therapy and—and—” She broke down before she could finish that sentence.
“Hey, come here.” I reached over the center console to give her a hug the best I could. “Austin is right. Taking care of kids comes with expenses, but I’d spend every dime I have to make sure you have the best life possible.”
She blinked up at me with those puppy dog eyes. “You would?”
Damn, this girl might be pint-sized, but she had the power to bring me to my knees. And I couldn’t find it within myself to be mad about it.
“Yeah.” I smoothed a hand over her dark hair with a smile. “There is nothing, absolutelynothing, that would make me not want to keep you. It’s you and me against the whole world forever, okay?”
Maisie burrowed into my chest. “I was so scared to come find you, but I’m so glad I did.”
“Me too, sweetheart. Me too.”
And I meant it with my whole heart.
Chapter 15
Arizona
SinceIhadalate showing, by the time I got home from work, the kids had already done their homework and eaten dinner. Now, they were relaxing, watching a movie.
“Hey, guys.” I ruffled Austin’s hair in greeting.
He was quick to shrug my touch away. “Shh, we’re just getting to the good part.”
“If it’s so good, then why are you on your phone instead of paying attention?” My eyes flicked to the mobile device in his hand, and I frowned. Gone was the cracked screen, and if I wasn’t mistaken, it was a newer model than the refurbished one I’d gotten him a couple of years ago.
When I reached over the back of the couch and grabbed it, he turned around, shouting, “Hey! Give it back!”
I shook the cell. “What’s with the new phone?”
