Reed's Reckoning

He relaxes and sits waiting for more.

“In case you’re wondering, he’s a Sugar Bowl baby.”

“What the hell does that mean?”

“He was conceived the night FSU won the Sugar Bowl.”

A smile lights up his face and his eyes twinkle. “Guess I was really on my game that night.”

“You’re an idiot.” I say playfully and settle back to answer his questions.

Chapter 5

Ari

“I can’t believe this shit! What sort of conniving bitch would do that?” Sophie spews. “Sorry Ms. Katy.”

“It’s alright dear; I was thinking the same thing.” Grandma pats her hand.

I’ve invited Luke, Sophie, and Grams over to tell them about Reed showing up last night. We made it through dinner with general chitchat because I wasn’t ready to talk to Davis yet. As soon as he was in bed, I opened the wine and told them everything.

No one spoke for a few minutes when I was done with the story until Sophie blew up.

“It’s surreal. You can’t imagine the things going through my mind. The most important though is I think he’s being honest about getting to know Davis.”

“Ari, of course he’s being honest. But you still need to be careful.” Luke grabs another beer and sits next to me. “Take things slow, see how it goes.”

“I will, I have a short term plan to see how they interact.”

“Sweetheart, I’m not talking about them, I’m talking about you.”

“Why would you be talking about me? This has nothing to do with me.”

Three sets of eyes stare at me in silence.

“You’ve got to be kidding! There is no Reed and Ari anymore. That boat has sailed. This is about the father of my child wanting to be a part of his life.”

“You sure about that?” Grandma asks me softly.

“Are y’all crazy? Of course I’m sure! I was destroyed by that man one time, not going back for seconds. Besides, we didn’t discuss us at all. The conversation was strictly about what tore us apart and Davis.”

“Girl, I don’t want to make you mad, but there’s a huge gaping hole in your heart that has his name all over it. You’ve never gotten over him. Don’t try to fool us, we know you best.” Sophie gives me a look of sympathy.

“Change of subject! Davis is the number one priority here.”

They nod their heads at me, but I know this is not the end of the subject.

Reed

What the hell am I doing? Why am I so nervous? It’s only a kid. Kids love me. I do charity and sports sponsored events all the time. Little kids flock to me for autographs and hugs.

But they aren’t my kid. Even after spending an hour Tuesday night with Ari learning about Davis, there are so many more questions. He doesn’t know who I am because Ari felt he was too young to explain. He’s also never seen a pro football game. That’s gonna change. At least Luke and Ari have the decency to still watch college football.

After our talk, we decided I would meet them at the park, and then we could get ice cream. It’s an easy few hours that won’t confuse him. I asked if I could bring him a toy but she said I should wait. Something about spoiling him too much. Well, I’ve got news for little Miss Ari, spoiling him is going to be my mission. He’s almost four years old and I’ve never bought him a thing.

I look at the address one more time to make sure I’m in the right place, and then get out of the car to wait for them. Ari parks a few places over and helps Davis out of some sort of contraption. There are so many straps and clicks; I wonder why she doesn’t have him in a helmet too.

When she looks at me, I see she’s as nervous as I am. Her face is strained like she could cry any second.

She walks over to me holding his little hand and smiles slightly. Looking at the two of them together makes my heart skip a beat. They are beautiful.

“Davis, I want you to meet someone. This is Reed and he’s our friend.”

The word friend cuts me to the bone and I try not to react. I kneel down to his eye level and smile. “Hey there, little man.”

He puts his small hand in mine and looks between his mother and me with confusion.

“Fis man!” he squeals.

Ari shakes her head and giggles and I laugh with them. “Yep, buddy, I’m the fish man.” Otherwise known as your dad, I want to add. But maybe his enthusiasm about me being the fish man is better.

“Will you push me on the swing?” he asks.

Whoa, talk about subject change! I look to Ari for approval and she nods slightly.

“Sure, lead the way.”

He lets go of our hands and takes off running towards the swing set. I start to run after him, but Ari puts her hand on my arm to stop me. “Let him run it out. He’s safe here. The more energy he exerts, the better his nap will be.” My arms burns where she’s touching but I can’t think about the sting right now.