Page 48 of Sometimes You Fall

Yeah, you do, Scottie. You have the choice to let me in, I say to myself.

And as I drive back to the garage, I think about how I need to make her see that. But I know that I can’t figure this out on my own.

Operation Get My Baby’s Momma to Give Me a Chance is underway, and it’s time to call in reinforcements.

***

“We can talk more about it on Friday,” my sister says through the phone as I sit in the office of the garage, waiting for Scottie and Chase to show up. Astrid insisted that I call her today after the doctor’s appointment and let her know how it went, but I barely got two free seconds after returning to the garage before I had to help a few of the technicians with their jobs.

“Okay. I’m gonna hold you to that, though.”

She chuckles. “I promise. I just have to get this order done before I leave here, and the phone is still ringing with last minute orders.”

Easter is this week, so the bakery is swamped. “Okay, see you at Lilly’s dance class.”

“Thanks again for taking her.”

“Not a problem.”

We end the call and I toss my phone on the counter in front of me, letting out a long sigh. My niece takes dance classes two nights a week, and occasionally, my sister asks me to take her until she can get there to pick her up. I don’t mind. Hell, I actually love watching my favorite little girl in the world twirl around in a tutu. But now I realize that being a dancedadmight just be in my future.

If we have a little girl, will she be interested in dance? Or will she be a tomboy I can teach how to throw and hit a baseball better than any boy her age? If we have a son, will he love the game like I did, or will he prefer football or video games?

Will my child be shy or outgoing? Quiet or loud?

Visions swirl through my mind at an alarming rate, accompanied by the memory of what my baby looked like on the screen just hours ago.

The sound of a car door slamming shut outside interrupts my thoughts, and I stand from the chair to peek through the blinds.

Scottie is saying something to Chase as they walk up to the garage, and Chase looks less than pleased to be here. By the time I’m done with him, he won’t be any happier.

The chime above the door rings out. “Grady?”

“Right here,” I reply instantly, startling her as Chase remains close to the door.

Her hand flies to cover her chest. “Jesus.”

“Sorry.” I move to the other side of the counter. “Chase.” I tip my chin at him, but he doesn’t acknowledge me. Funny how now that we’re not at a baseball field or his house, his demeanor has changed.

I hate that my first encounter with this kid went down the way it did, especially given circumstances between Scottie and me now. I know things would be easier if he liked me, if we could see eye to eye. But I think about how I’d feel if he were my kid and did what he did. I think about how I’m now this kid’s coach. I think about the kind of role I play in his life beyond the next few weeks or months.

We have to find a middle ground, and I hope we find it soon.

“Chase, don’t be rude.”

“Coach,” he says with no emotion.

“I’m Grady here, Chase. I’m your mom’s friend and the man who you owe work to, all right? At practice, I’m your coach, but not here.”

His shoulders relax a bit, which makes me wonder if he thinks his debt will translate to the baseball field as well. I know Ryan worked these boys hard the other night, but I told him afterward that Chase will get the bulk of his punishment working with me.

Chase simply nods before I turn my eyes back to Scottie.

And fuck, does she look beautiful. Each time I see her, the desire to make her mine intensifies. “When should I pick him up?”

I glance at the clock on the wall. “Two hours should be good. I’m gonna have him work outside until it gets dark, then move into the garage to scrub some parts.”

She nods. “Sounds good.” Turning back to her son, she says sternly, “Listen to Grady and do whatever he tells you to do, got it?”

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