Reed's Reckoning
“You’re supposed to think this is a second chance for y’all.”
“For what? A few weeks? His job and home are not here and mine are. How could we possibly have a relationship?”
“Are you shitting me? A commute is hardly a reason to put the brakes on a chance at reconnecting with your first and only true love. I saw the way he looked at you on the beach that day. He still cares for you deeply. I’ve tried to stay away and give him time with Davis, but I knew in my heart you needed that time too.”
“What if it goes bad again and he decides to leave me on his own terms this time?”
“You’re an idiot. I don’t think that’s going to happen, but if it does, you’re a grown woman now. You are more mature, you have a support system, and you have a JOB! Don’t be such a pansy ass bitch and give him a chance.”
“Wow, really nice words from my supposed best friend.”
“You know I’m right.”
“Okay, so if you’re so on-board, will you babysit tonight? He wants to take me to dinner.”
“Only if you let me dress you.”
“I can dress myself!”
“Sure you can if you’re going to a bankers luncheon or an insurance conference. This is Reed fucking Matthews. Your first love, the father of your child, and the man women dream about. You need to look like the twenty-five year old vixen you are; not the mom you think you look like. I’m all in favor of this, and you should play the game a little. Make him desperate to have the woman you’ve become.”
I hate to agree but she makes sense. “Okay, fine, but remember I can’t walk in anything over three inch heels.”
“Perfect! I’ll see you at the fields. Muah!”
She hangs up before I can say goodbye and I hear Davis squealing. If Reed brought him another present, I’m going to kill him.
I’ve already piled the chairs and our bag by the front door but I pull the heavy cooler behind me. When Reed sees me, he puts Davis down and stalks over. Taking the handle out of my hand, he wraps one arm around my waist and kisses me briefly.
“What are you doing?” I hiss and see Davis watched the whole thing.
“Kissing you good morning, taking the cooler to the car, loading up—what do you think?”
“I told you I don’t want Davis to be confused.”
“And I told you I wouldn’t give him reason to be. Now I hate to admit it, but I need your help.” He walks away and drags the cooler with him outside.
I make Davis go to the bathroom one more time and we meet at Reed’s truck where he has a new top of the line car seat sitting in the driveway. His face is twisted as he reads the instructions. I laugh at his confusion.
“You bought a car seat?”
“Yep, but didn’t know the motherfu—I mean beast was going to be such a pain to put in. Do you know what to do?”
I look at him and back to his huge double cab truck and burst out laughing. Davis joins me jumping around and swinging his arms. He even says “Daddy is silly” over and over until Reed’s face turns red. I control my laughing to a giggle and nod my head.
“You know we could have taken my car and you wouldn’t have to buy this thing.” I say lifting it into the backseat. He comes up behind me and grabs my ass with both hands.
“How long does Davis need to be in one of these things?” he asks shielding us from view.
“Depends on weight and age, but probably another year.” I try to act unaffected.
“Don’t you think I needed one then?”
It hits me hard. The ignorance I’ve been living in the last few weeks crumbles. Davis and his dad are going to do things together and I’m not the only parent anymore. The thought rocks me to my core and I freeze. He realizes it and pulls my back to his front.
“I see you finally understand, Angel. Get used to it.” He kisses my neck and goes to the other side of the car to learn how to install a car seat.
Once I teach him how it goes and we get the back latch tightened, I explain how to buckle Davis in. His face contorts and it takes three tries, but he finally gets it right.
We ride to the fields listening to Davis tell us all about how he plans to play and help everyone score. Reed sighs several times before giving up and just agreeing with him. Sophie and Luke are waiting by the gates and when I get Davis out, he makes a beeline for Luke. Jumping in his arms, he raves on about his game and his new daddy.