She takes my hand, and we head toward the food court. We’re almost to McDonald’s when I freeze, and my body starts to shake. Up ahead with his wife and kids is Brandon.
He turns and sees me, and his eyes widen. Then his eyes go to Ava; his wife stops and turns. Her eyes going to my daughter, and I immediately scoop my daughter up in my arms.
“Mommy, I’m hungry.” Ava whines as I start hustling through the crowd.
“We’ll stop at In and Out burger, okay?”
“Yay! Das my favewite.” I’m glad my girl is oblivious to the wreck that I am right now. Once we reach my car, I get Ava buckled in and climb into the driver’s seat and take a moment.
I haven’t seen Brandon or his wife since I had to testify against him. Honestly, I’m surprised she stayed with him, but as long as he stays away from me and my daughter, I don’t care what they do.
After lunch, we head home. While Ava takes her nap, I quickly wrap Chance’s gifts and stick them under the tree. I grab the picture of Ava with Santa and take a picture of it.
I send it to Chance.
Laken: We went to see Santa today. I hope you’re kicking ass.
I wish I could’ve gone to his games, but it wasn’t going to work out. I get on Facebook and pull up our school sports page. A picture of Chance all sweaty pops up, and I feel a fluttery feeling in my stomach.
The post says: Chance Bateman scored a record breaking five goals. What a way to end his SDU soccer playing career.
I smile because I’m so freaking proud of him.
***
I grab a cup of coffee and sit at the breakfast bar. Christmas is officially over, and I’m kind of glad. Of course, I enjoyed watching my girl open her presents and spending time with my parents, but I missed Chance.
We’ve barely talked because we’ve both been busy. He loved the picture of Ava with Santa, and when we FaceTimed, his mom popped on to tell me how cute Ava was and that they had a gift for her. Chance’s parents are literally the best.
I haven’t told my parents about running into Brandon and his family because it would only upset them. They still feel like it was their fault that they didn’t know what was going on. It wasn’t their fault; he taught me how to be a really good liar and sneaky.
Mom comes out and grabs a cup of coffee and then sits next to me. “We only have a few minutes before your dad gets back. How are things with Chance?”
I’m pretty honest with my mom, or at least I am now. “Good, really good. I think I’m falling in love with him, but I can’t tell him. I don’t want to scare him.”
She smiles widely. “Oh, honey, that’s wonderful. I love him for you.” Mom takes a sip, and I do the same. “I can’t wait to go dress shopping. This party he’s taking you to sounds really swanky.”
“I know, but he’s assured me it’ll be a good time. Since I didn’t get to go to prom, I’m looking forward to getting all dolled up.”
“You’re being careful when you’re intimate, aren’t you?”
My face feels like it’s now on fire. “Of course, w-we are.” God, this is embarrassing. “He takes care of me. I promise.”
“Why do you seem so blue, baby?”
“I’m not; I promise. I just … well, we haven’t really talked much, and I know it’s because he and I both have been busy, but I guess I just miss him.”
She smiles. “I’m so happy for you, honey. I don’t know what will happen with the two of you, but you deserve someone amazing who is going to cherish not only you, but Ava too.”
I wrap my arms around Mom and hug her tight. “Thank you … for everything.”
“Who wants donuts?” My dad and daughter come through the front door.
Ava comes running to me, and I grab her, lifting her onto my lap for kisses and snuggles. “Did you and Papa go get donuts?”
“Yes, we gots wots and wots.”
We sit around the table, and I grab myself a glazed raised donut, picking the hardened glaze drips from the bottom of the delicious pastry and popping them in my mouth. Ava eats a cake donut with chocolate icing and sprinkles—wait, let me rephrase that; she’s eating the sprinkles and icing off and then will eat the donut.
Jay joins us, sitting next to his niece and snagging a chocolate long john. By the time we’re done, Ava’s got a chocolate ring around her mouth. Per usual, she fights me as I wipe her mouth off.
“Stop, Mommy, I’m aww cwean.”
I help her down, and she runs into the living room. The sound of The Little Mermaid playing causes me to roll my eyes at my mom and Jay to laugh. My brother bought her several of the old Disney movies.
She’s already watched it three times. Don’t get me wrong, it was one of my favorites when I was younger, but if I hear “Under the Sea” one more time I’m going to scream.
“Honey, you were the same way. You and Jay both had movies you’d watch on repeat.”
The doorbell rings, and my mom hustles out of the kitchen. I look at Dad, and he just shrugs.
“Chas, yow’we hewe.” My girl’s excited squeals cause me to jump up and run out into the living room.
There he is in all his sexy glory. Ava’s in Chance’s arms, hugging him around his neck. I run to him, throwing my arms around him and my daughter. “What are you doing here?” I smile up at him.
“I was missing my girls, so I thought I’d bring your presents.”
That perks Ava right up. “Pwesents? For me?” She pulls back and smiles at him.
“Yep, for you and your mommy. Let me put you down so I can go out and grab them.”
