Page 127 of A Whole New Play

Oddly enough, I believe her.

“You’ve changed,” I observe.

“I’m trying to.”

I respect that.

A lot.

It wasn’t easy to forgive her after she leaked our personal business to the press, but once the judge ruled in my favor and granted me full custody of Abby and Andy, I didn’t see a point in holding a grudge.

When she said she was sorry for her behavior a month ago, I accepted her apology. We might never be friends per se, but I have hope that our co-parenting relationship can be respectful and kind. For the kids’ sake.

“Well, thank you for your concern, but I’m okay. Really.”

She doesn’t bother to hide her skepticism. “Really?”

“Really.”

“Fine.” She sighs. “It’s your life, Carter. The last thing I’ll say is that you can’t pour from an empty cup. For the sake of our kids, please take care of yourself and your happiness so you will be able to care for theirs.”

My instinct is to argue against the implication that I’d ever let our kids suffer for my unhappiness. But I hold it in and take Laura’s words for what they are—the concern of someone who cares about me.

“You know, I never thought you’d be encouraging me to chase after another woman,” I say lightheartedly.

Laura chuckles. “Yeah… me either.”

“I guess we’ve grown up a little, huh?”

Abby and Andy let out a cheer, drawing our gazes across the arcade.

Laura and I watch our kids high-five and celebrate the fact one of them managed to win a stuffed animal from the claw machine.

“Yeah,” Laura murmurs with a soft smile. “I guess we have.”

40

VALERIE

“I can’t believe we’re on the sidelines at the Super Bowl,” Megan squeals in my ear, hopping up and down. “This is insane.” Her wide eyes follow the group of football players running across the field for their pre-game warmup. “I’m so freaking excited!”

I should be just as excited.

Standing on the sideline of the most important football game of the season is a privilege not many experience. We’ll have to take our seats before the game starts, but for now, we are enjoying the sights along with the rest of the coaching staff’s families until the officials tell us it’s time to leave.

But instead of soaking in this experience, my skin feels too tight and my nerves are frayed.

I try not to, but I can’t help but search the field for Carter. I’m wound tight at the thought of seeing him this close. Will he notice me? If he does, will he come over to talk to me? Do I even want him to?

“We don’t have to stay down here.” Megan’s words pull me away from the questions disturbing my peace of mind. She looks at me with knowing. “If you want, we can just go up to the suite. We don’t have to stay down here.”

She means it.

It doesn’t matter how much fun she’s having. If I asked, Megan would go up to the suite with me so I don’t have to face what will happen if Carter and I see each other. She’s an amazing friend.

“No, it’s okay.” I can’t rob her of this experience. “Let’s stay.”

“You sure?”

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