I nod and stand. He follows suit, and we head into the house. Mom’s sitting at the kitchen table drinking a glass of wine and stroking Pixy’s back. “Where’s Laken?”
“She went to look in on Ava.” She looks at her phone. “She’s been in there for a while.”
I come around the table and kiss her cheek. “I’m going to go check on them.”
I open the door slowly, peeking inside. I find Laken lying in bed with Ava tucked tightly to her front. I step further into the room and toe my shoes off then climb into bed.
I fit myself to her back, wrapping my arm around both of my girls.
Laken stiffens. “Chance?” Her voice is barely a whisper.
“I am so freaking sorry, baby. I acted like a real asshole tonight, and I’m sorry.” I kiss her right behind her ear.
“T-that really hurt me. I felt so stupid standing there, and every time I tried to talk to you someone would get in our way. Your mom texted me they were on their way home, so I said screw it and walked.”
Shame fills me, and heaviness hits my gut. I squeeze her tight, kissing the back of her head. “I promise that will never happen again. I’m new at this relationship stuff, and I’m gonna make mistakes; please be patient with me.”
“Okay.” That is all she says before lacing her fingers through mine, and together we hold Ava tightly to her momma.
***
The rest of the week goes by in a blur. After we leave my parents, I take Laken and Ava home. I want to hang out with them, but I have an impromptu meeting with my fraternity brothers.
I find my brothers all sitting in the common area of the frat house. I sit next to Trey. “What’s up, brother? How was your visit to your parents?”
“It was good. They absolutely loved Laken, and Ava already has them wrapped around her little finger.” The moment the words leave my mouth I realize I’ve screwed up. I haven’t told him about Laken being a mom. I wasn’t sure if that was something to share or to let her tell him.
“Laken has a kid?” I nod. “Wow, well that’s unexpected. What’s she like?”
I smile because that little girl is so freaking cute. Grabbing my phone, I pull up a picture I took of the three of us and Pixy. “Look at her.”
“She’s really cute. She looks a lot like her mom.”
I nod. “I know, right. Ava can’t say Chance so she calls me Chas. Mom and Dad took her to Disneyland, and I swear they were more excited than she was.” I show him the one of both of my parents wearing Mickey Mouse ears.
Trey knows my parents are cuckoo bananas, and his parents are just as bad. All he does is laugh and shake his head.
When Hunter comes in followed by the vice president, he holds up his hand to silence everyone. “Hey, guys, can we all quiet down. We’ve got a lot to cover.” He sits in the “throne.” That’s what we call it because it’s where the president always sits during meetings.
He scoots to the edge of his seat. “This year marks the two hundredth anniversary of our fraternity. Several alumni have reached out wanting to throw a party. There will be silent auctions, dinner, dancing, and all the money we make will go toward a charity of their choosing.”
Hunter goes on to tell us they’re inviting other Greek houses. Our ticket will include a plus one. This is a mandatory event where they want all in attendance. That means I am going to have to don a tux, but the best part will be getting to see Laken all dressed up in a gorgeous dress.
“Parents will be able to purchase tickets as well. The best part is alumni are putting the whole thing together. All we have to do is show up looking good and have a memorable time.” Hunter goes over some other house news and then dismisses us.
I have practice shortly after and by the time I’m done I am exhausted. After a quick shower I throw on some basketball shorts and grab my phone. As soon as Laken’s face appears I smile.
“Hey, you. How was practice?”
“It was good. Before I went I had a meeting with my brothers. We’re having an anniversary party for the fraternity in December. It’s a formal deal, and I want you to be my date.”
Laken is quiet at first, and then her face splits into a huge grin. “I’d love to.” I love that it came out all breathy. “I never got to go to prom.” She shakes her head. “I know it isn’t prom, but I’m looking forward to it.”
“Mommy, who you talking to?” Ava’s sweet little face appears on the screen. “Chas! Are you coming ober? I miss you bery, bery much.” That girl makes me smile.
“I can’t come over tonight.” I look at the time. “It’s almost your bedtime. Are you still going to come see me play tomorrow?”
“Yes! Mommy say you good and we have to cheer weally, weally loud,” Ava declares.
“Well, I can’t wait to see you.” Her smile, which is so like her mom’s, is beaming.
We don’t talk much longer because Ava falls asleep on Laken’s lap. After I disconnect, I make chicken and vegetables, wolfing it down while I watch SportsCenter.
***
Our home game was our best of the season. Between Jayson and I, we scored seven goals. Every so often I would glance over to the stands to find Ava on my dad’s lap, clapping and cheering.
Laken wore a sweet smile that made warmth spread through my body. Maybe that’s why I played better than I ever had before. After
