Page 113 of A Whole New Play

“Looks like it.”

“Fucking perfect,” I groan. I don’t know how hard they are to get, but I’m going to need to get a restraining order on her for me and my kids. Some of my teammates have dealt with this shit before. Surely, it can’t be that hard to do. Especially if Sara was aggressive at a crowded science fair. There should be plenty of witnesses for Davis to contact to get evidence of her inappropriate behavior.

“Carlee is keeping an eye on social media to see if Sara posts anything else,” Corey tells me, distracting me from my whirlwind plans on how to best handle this situation. “But she doesn’t think she will. Not today, anyway, when it’ll be pretty obvious it’s her.”

I don’t even know what Sara would share, other than private information about my kids and girlfriend. Both of which make me see red.

“I’ll have to call Davis after the science fair.” As urgent as this matter is, I don’t want to call now and risk catching the end of the science fair.

“That’s a good idea. How far away are you?”

“I’m pulling into the parking lot now.”

“Cool. See you in a few.” Corey ends the call.

I mumble another string of curses about this situation as I steer my SUV into the nearest parking spot. I tuck my phone and keys into my pockets after I lock the door, then jog toward the school cafeteria doors.

I walk in just as Principal Bradley is congratulating all of the student participants. I scan the sea of adults and children. Almost immediately, I see Corey standing half a head above the rest of the crowd. He lifts a hand in greeting. My eyes shift down and I spot the twins, then I see Valerie.

Seeing Corey’s wave, she turns in my direction. Relief floods her features before being brightened by her wide smile.

My heart squeezes in my chest.

I love it when she looks at me like that.

“She’s worked too hard to let herself give up dreams and stop chasing goals because she’s busy playing house with you.”

I stumble.

I mutter an apology to the man with the teacher’s lanyard around the neck for bumping into him before making my way across the space to join my family.

“If you care about Valerie, do you truly believe that you are what’s best for her?”

I growl under my breath, earning a double take from the mom and son I pass.

I don’t know why Coach Palmer’s words are choosing now to play in my head. Sure, they’ve been bothering me for days, but usually not until I’m winding down for the night.

In the dark, after I’ve said goodnight to Valerie, that’s when it’s hardest to rationalize my selfish desire for Valerie to stay in Dallas with the desire for her to do what’s best for her career.

I tell myself Coach is wrong to think I could influence Valerie’s decision. She’s driven and intelligent. She wouldn’t let being with me stop her from taking a job she really wants.

At least… I don’t think she would.

I try to hide my inner conflict from my expression when I reach the group. I nod a greeting to Corey and Carlee before reaching out and pulling each of the twins in for a quick hug.

“You made it!” Andy whisper shouts. His words are swiftly eclipsed by the sound of applause as Principal Bradley announces the third-grade winner. Out of the corner of my eye, I watch the boy bounce his way to the stage wearing the biggest smile. He shoots a thumbs up to his parents watching in the audience as he climbs the stage to receive his medal and certificate.

“I’m glad I did,” I say to him and Abby.

My daughter smiles shyly up at me. She’s trying to play it cool, but the tight grip on my hand tells me she’s really glad I made it, too.

“Hey, you.” Valerie greets me with a warm smile.

I’ll never get tired of that smile. “Hey.”

“Everything go okay with Davis?

“Better than okay.” From what my lawyer said, Laura seems to be backing off in regards to demanding full custody.

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