Double The Ache

I never knew a time when my parents were together. Only a few pictures would have made me believe it to be true. My mother and dad met one night when my dad saw her in one of her shows. She was a Vegas showgirl, which is something she tries to hide from her socialite friends in New York. She doesn’t want anyone knowing where she came from.

I can see why my dad fell for her, though. She’s beautiful, even years later. She never settled down, but there have been men in and out of her life. She’s probably been proposed to a dozen times, and I always thought she was waiting for the right one. But I found out that if she remarried her alimony would stop. I knew she’d never give that up. Even more so now that she won’t be getting child support. She only got it if I was enrolled in school, and I graduated right before the summer.

It’s never been said, but I have a feeling my dad only married my mother because she got pregnant. My dad’s always trying to do the right thing when it comes to me, even smiling and being polite when he and my mother have to be in the same room. Like at graduation.

I try to put that day out of my mind. God love my mom, but everything with her has to be a big event. It might have been my graduation, but she was the center of attention. Not that I cared. I wasn’t the one who loved to be in the spotlight. I hadn’t gotten to see my dad in mouths and I wanted to spend the day with him, or at least hide out with him during the party. But my mother kept me at her side, showing me off like some sort of award that belonged to her.

One would have never known she was against me getting my doctorate degree in physical therapy. She complained about it daily. I had to listen to it because I lived at home while going to school. Between going to an all-girls school, staying at home when I went to college, and taking on as many classes as I could to graduate as fast as possible, my social life was null.

My main aim was to graduate because I knew what was waiting for me when I did. It’s probably why my mother hates my career choice. All I had to do was graduate and make straight A’s and my dad promised me a job on his team. The dream fueled me. I not only wanted the job, but I also wanted to be near my dad.

Our relationship is different than the one I have with my mom. My dad has always been more affectionate and loving. He always wanted to be involved in my life. A day doesn’t go by that I don’t hear his voice. When he didn’t have to work he’d always be in New York to see me or we’d take a trip together. He even has a second home in the same building as my mom.

Our time together always felt special and I’m more than excited to really be living in the same city as him. My mother isn’t happy about it, but I’m sure after a while she’ll get used to it. It’s not like we hang out that much unless she’s dressing me up and pulling me to an event. Other than that we’re like two polite strangers passing each other in the hallways of the house. I gave up a long time ago trying to have a deep relationship with her. I love her, but I don’t think that will ever be us.

I’m pulled from my thoughts when I feel the plane start to move.

“Seatbelt,” I hear Wes growl.

Maybe it’s not a growl and that’s just how he speaks. I try to remember interviews he’s done but can’t recall. Normally Dean does all the talking. I always cheered for my dad’s team but got even more into it when I got older and he would take me to games. I devoured everything I could about the players and teams since my dad made me the promise about coming to work for him.

I fumble for my seatbelt, totally nervous in the knowledge they’re both watching me. I really need to get it together. I’m going to be working with them and traveling with them to games. I can’t be the clumsy owner’s daughter in front of them.

Two warm, strong hands cover mine, making my breath hitch for a moment. “Let me, sugar.”

I glance up, meeting Dean’s crystal-blue eyes and I get lost for a moment. His thumbs rub my hands, then move to the seatbelt. He clicks it into place easily and I feel warm all over.