Page 20 of Anti Player

“Tonight was really great.” She smiles.

“Thanks.” I nod.

“Would you maybe want to go grab a coffee?” she asks. Her right eye creases like she knows she’s overstepping, but she’s going to do it anyway. I wouldn’t be robbing the cradle, but I also don’t make a point of dating my staff.

“Sorry, I like to keep my work and private life separate,” I reply.

She nods. “It was worth a try. It’s nice what you’re doing with these kids.”

“Thanks,” I say because this is awkward, and I need the moment to end.

“See you tomorrow.” She waves.

“Thanks, see you.” I do appreciate her volunteering her time. It isn’t the first time I’ve been asked out by a volunteer. I know some of the guys have been asked out too, and I’ve asked them to abstain from dating my staff to avoid any problems. Thankfully, they’ve listened this far.

With the place cleared out, we head home. Asher crashes in his booster seat on the way and Brett carries him inside. His mood seemed to have perked up a bit tonight. It makes me happy.

I get a text from Taylor. She wants to meet for coffee again. I tell her we can meet at the same place. It was pretty chill there last time and I don’t need to be swarmed on my date.

Just as Brett opens the door to his apartment, Asher picks up his head. He looks sleepy and adorable. His medium-length brown hair is askew.

“Can Kaleb come over to play?” he asks Brett.

“I think Kaleb is tired,” Brett answers.

“I can come in for a bit,” I correct Brett. For some reason this kid pulls on my heartstrings.

Asher smiles.

I follow them inside and Brett places him on his feet.

“Did you have fun?” I ask.

He bobs his head. “I met a friend named S-smith.”

It takes me a minute to process what is happening.

“Smith is a nice boy,” I correct.

“He said his name was S-smith,” Asher corrects me in turn.

I smile. “Come, let’s head over to the couch.”

Asher follows. When we get to the couch, I take a seat and pat the spot beside me for him to sit. “The kids at the complex tonight all had one thing in common. They have something called a stutter. It means they can’t always get their words out smoothly.”

“I don’t have one,” Asher says.

“I know,” I reply.

“So how come I was allowed to go?” he asks.

“Because we’re friends,” I say, and his cute little lips tip up. He likes that answer.

“Cool,” he replies. “Smith is my friend now too.”

“I’m happy you made a friend.”

“I don’t have any friends at camp,” he suddenly says, surprising me.

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