Page 40 of Catch
“Same,” Hayley said.
“I can’t believe you have three boys. I think it’s amazing. What’s it like raising them?” Parker asked.
Hayley laughed. “It’s exactly as horrible and wonderful as you think. Sometimes they want to cuddle and other times they run away when I get too needy. They’re smart, funny, and very caring.”
I took the martini from Grayson and tried to get into the conversation. I was nervous around them only because of our history. It was ridiculous, but I couldn’t help the way I felt. “They are wonderful kids. My goal is to get them interested in all sports.”
With Hayley’s slight frame and Mike’s small stature, they would never be big enough to play football, but there were other sports they could excel at if they wanted to get involved. I smiled thinking of the camaraderie I had with other team members when I was growing up. It made middle and high school tolerable.
“With Mike’s brain, Sutton’s athletics, and my confidence, my boys are going to be quite the force in whatever they decide to do,”Hayley said. Her eyes were shining bright with pride and love for her family. The same light was in Parker’s gaze.
“I know exactly what you mean. The girls love football and soccer, but they also love homework and school in general. They’ll probably be more social than I was,” Parker said.
“You were a cheerleader. I’m pretty sure it doesn’t get more popular than that,” I said.
“Unless you’re the quarterback who takes the team to state,” she countered smugly.
“Touché.” I toasted her martini glass against mine and quickly toasted Grayson, too, since she probably meant him. I ignored the embarrassment that crept up my throat and warmed my cheeks. “I’m sure that with the parental support in this room, all the kids will turn out great.” Parker gave me a heated look over the large rim of her glass. It was obvious to me and when I felt Hayley’s knee press slightly into mine, she saw it, too.
When the timer chimed, Grayson pointed to the dining room. “Let’s get caught up over dinner.” I watched as he pulled the chair out for Parker. I expected a jab to the heart, but it didn’t bother me as much as I thought it would. They were married and obviously cared for one another.
Hayley sat across from Parker and I sat across from Grayson. It worked for me. Seeing Grayson didn’t sting like it used to. We were friendly and since we worked together, he was starting to become just another player on the team. I hoped to get that comfortable with Parker.
“So, thank you again, Sutton, for saving my ass,” Grayson said.
“We all do them. Make bad decisions,” I said. I shrugged. “We’re not perfect.”
“Leaving my husband alone with my boys is a bad decision, but I need alone time. It’s nice to get away, but I dread going home. The house will be in complete disarray and the kids one step away fromLord of the Fliescharacters,” Hayley said.
“Can I see photos of your kids?” Parker asked. Hayley quickly pulled out her phone and showed them her family. “Oh, my gosh. They are so adorable. And they look just like your husband.” Parker handed the phone back to Hayley. “What does he do?”
“He’s an engineer. He does well enough so that I can stay home with the boys.”
“That’s great. You seem happy. You always had a motherly instinct about you. Even when we were kids,” Parker said.
“She was always protecting me, that’s for sure,” I said.
“Even when you didn’t need it,” Hayley said. A tender moment passed between us and I squeezed her hand.
“I’m so happy you two are still so close. Hayley always had your back,” Parker said.
“So, you know about my life, tell us about yours. I’m assuming you dated in college and got married shortly after,” Hayley said. I knew that I could get through this with her beside me.
Parker seemed so relaxed. “Grayson was drafted right out of college. We got married after his first year in the NFL and had Vee and Rose. We’ve moved quite a bit but I’m hoping we make Bridgemont our forever home so the kids can have stability.”
“You started in Miami, right?” I asked.
“Yes. I was there for five years, then got traded to Pittsburgh. Took Miami to the playoffs three out of five years, and Pittsburgh twice. I was second string in Baltimore so I didn’t see a lot of playing time.”
“You’ve had a solid career and should be proud of it.” Was I really pumping up Grayson Moats?
“Blah blah blah. Football, football, throw the ball, catch the ball,” Hayley said. We laughed at her theatrics. She knew football almost as well as I did, but nobody knew that except me, my dad, and her husband.
I tuned out the conversation for a moment. Parker’s vegetarian lasagna was amazing. I couldn’t remember the last time I had a home-cooked meal. I was a DoorDash VIP and that wasn’t something I was proud of.
“Sutton?” Parker asked.
I jerked my head up and looked directly at Parker. “What? Yes? What’d I miss?”
