Fourth Down (Portland Pioneers 1)

Julius holds his hand up high, and I slap it. “Thank you for inviting me,” I say to him because I’m happy to be here with him and excited to experience this side of his life.

“It was all Reggie.”

“Well, I’ll be sure to thank him after the game.”

Julius unexpectedly kisses me right in front of Roxy and everyone around us. I don’t know what to think, but Roxy does.

“Ew, Daddy.” She pushes him away, and he laughs. So much for keeping the PDA to a minimum.

Roxy glares at her dad and wraps her arms around my neck. “She mine.”

“You can share,” he tells her.

“No, you hab Mommy.”

Ouch, that stings, but I get it. Roxy is too little to understand that her mother has moved on.

Julius says nothing, which I do appreciate. What’s he going to do, air his dirty laundry in front of all these parents? I’m sure they already have some idea of what’s going on. One search on the web shows Julius’s ex with another man, and there isn’t anything in the pictures to suggest they are just friends. I’m sure seeing those pictures hurts Julius, and he deserves some happiness. If I’m it, why shouldn’t he show it? I am, however, concerned with how Roxy and Reggie will respond if Julius and I become serious.

When the game is over, I help Julius pack up and wait with Roxy while Julius goes out onto the field. During the game, I asked if he would ever coach, and he said maybe in retirement, but by then Reggie will be in high school.

Julius and Reggie walk toward us. Julius has his hand on his son’s shoulder and is carrying his pads for him. They stop in front of me, and I wait with bated breath for someone to say something. Finally, Julius clears his throat, and I feel like I’m meeting his parents or something. Honestly, this is probably worse.

“Autumn, I’d like to introduce you to my best friend and son, Reggie.”

He sticks his hand out to shake mine. I’m not surprised he has impeccable manners because Julius does, too, once he’s over his hatred for you.

“It’s nice to meet you, Miss Autumn.”

I crouch down so I can look this boy in his eyes. “It’s lovely to meet you, Reggie. Thank you for inviting me to your game.”

“Did you have fun?”

“I sure did! Here, I have something for you.” I hand him the muffin and bottle of chocolate milk and realize this probably isn’t the best gift. His eyes go wide, and he looks at his dad.

“Did you tell her chocolate milk was my favorite?”

Julius shakes his head. “Nope.”

Reggie looks back at me. “Wow, thank you so much, Miss Autumn.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Are you coming to lunch with us?”

I glance at Julius, and he shrugs. “Same place we had dinner the other night. I wasn’t sure how you felt about eating there twice in one week.”

I pretend to think for a minute. This is a no-brainer because I want to spend time with Julius, but I also want to see him in his natural state—with his children. They’re part of who he is and will be part of our time together if we continue.

“I’d love to go,” I say, much to Roxy’s delight.

Twenty

Julius

“Is she still there?” Roxy asks. I glance in the rearview mirror to make sure Autumn is still behind me.

“Yes, she is.” Roxy wanted to ride with Autumn, but it would’ve been more of a hassle than necessary with her car seat. Honestly, I’m glad I had the whole seat thing as an excuse because I didn’t want to put Autumn in an awkward situation. Not many people want a chatty toddler in the back of their car. Plus, my daughter can ask some really inappropriate things, and I didn’t want Autumn to feel uncomfortable. Although, I’m relatively confident Autumn can handle herself when it comes to Roxy.

My phone rings, and Elena’s name shows on the console. Internally, I groan and say “It’s your mom,” before I press the green button to answer.

“Hi, Mommy!” Reggie screams excitedly. Roxy follows him but is much louder because she squeals.

“Hi, my loves,” Elena says. “How was your game, Reggie?”

“It was awesome. I scored a touchdown.”

“That’s fabulous. Did your team win?”

“Yes, by a ton.”

“Two touchdowns,” I mutter and give him a sideways glance. I’m trying to teach my son to be humble, that playing isn’t always about winning. Is it nice? Of course, it is, just as losing is the worst feeling ever. But in the end, someone has lost, and they're sad. We have to respect that, especially when they’re youngsters.

“I’m so sorry I missed it,” Elena says. My eyes roll hard. I’m of the notion she doesn’t care because if she did, she’d be here.

“When are you coming home?” Reggie asks. I can hear the longing in his voice, and it breaks my heart. My son wants his mother around, and as much as I can’t stand to look at her right now, I want her to be around for him and Roxy. Kids need both parents.