Page 47 of Catch
“Do you mind if I get a few photos with the four of you?” Parker asked. She pointed to her kids, me, and Crowbar. Nobody would recognize me anyway. “That’s fine. Send me a photo. I need to show Hayley that I went through with the costume.”
“I’ll get a picture of just the two of you. Then she can post it.”
I posed with Crowbar. “I’m sure she’ll love that.”
Parker nodded. “You both look incredible.”
“So do you.” I don’t know why I blurted that out. I was trying to keep my cool about the kiss, but I felt even more guilty about it in front of her family. I cleared my throat and looked away. Grayson was deep in conversation with Uncle Matt so he missed our exchange. “Will you take them trick-or-treating in the neighborhood or is this it?” I asked Parker.
“It’s already seven. It’s probably time to get home, take baths, and hide the candy. I want them to get some sleep tonight,” Parker said. She was holding Rose’s hand who sleepily leaned against her. She loved motherhood. I could see it in her eyes and how her children clung to her for strength.
“You’d better go before that one falls asleep.” I didn’t know how to be relaxed around Parker with Grayson at her hip.
She pointed behind them. “Plus, you have quite the line behind us. Hopefully, you have enough candy.”
I waved her off. “I’m sure there’s tons here. What doesn’t get passed out will be sitting in a glass jar in all the coaches’ offices.”
In a surprising move, she squeezed my hand. “Congratulations on your win, Coach.”
“Thanks for your help today.” I didn’t watch them move to the next table. I didn’t even remind her to send me the photo. I knew she wouldn’t forget. I’d hear from her later tonight and the thought gave me a jolt that I couldn’t ignore.
* * *
I was on the phone with Hayley when Parker sent me the photos.
“Send them to me. I can’t believe you didn’t FaceTime me or at least send me a selfie,” she said.
I told her how Parker helped me and it took a solid ten minutes to calm Hayley down and reiterate that we were only friends. I didn’t mention the kiss we shared. I felt too conflicted about it. I knew Hayley would help me sort through my feelings, but I was too guilty to admit what happened.
“Any weirdness from Grayson?”
“Nothing. He barely looked at Parker.”
“That’s odd. He was so attentive the other night.” She paused as she pulled up the photos. “Oh, my God. These pictures are incredible! I’m going to post the one of you and Crowbar, if that’s okay.”
“Parker said you would want to. Do you think people will call me a bitch or a dog or anything?”
“Why don’t I just turn off comments?”
“Yeah, that’s smart.” I couldn’t prevent people from copying and posting it, but they wouldn’t be able to do it on my page.
“Listen, I’m glad you and Parker can share space again. I know it’s hard for you, but I think seeing her again is making it easier to be around her. Plus, your date with the kindergarten teacher will help keep your past in the past.”
I didn’t know how I felt about my upcoming date. I was excited to see Ruby, but Parker kept popping up in my mind, a hundred times stronger after today. “It sucks that Ruby and Parker know each other. Hopefully, that doesn’t complicate things.”
“I stalked Ruby on social media and she is exactly the person you need in your life. She’s cute, loves fun activities like skiing and snowboarding, and she likes beer. I mean, I couldn’t have created a better person for you,” Hayley said.
She stifled a yawn, so I kicked her off the phone. “Go to sleep. You had a long day. I’ll call you after my date.”
“I love you. Good job today.”
We didn’t even talk about my win, and honestly, I didn’t even realize it until just then. “Thanks. I love you, too.”
Chapter Nineteen—The Gay Quarterback
Past
“We’re doing this because the cheerleaders always cheer us on.” I was annoyed because the entire football team was at the American Cheer Power to support our cheerleaders and I felt like I was the only one paying attention. Most of the guys were pumped not because of our squad, but because they thought they would get to talk to other schools’ cheerleaders. Just like last year, they weren’t allowed on the floor so their plan was shot and they were bored.
