Page 54 of Sometimes You Fall

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“Sorry I’m late.” My sister comes up next to me as I watch my niece dance through the small glass window in the waiting room for parents. It’s Friday night which means I’m on dance duty like Astrid asked me to be, and the truth is, watching Lilly smile and twirl around is exactly the distraction I need right now.

“You’re not late. There’s still fifteen minutes of class left,” I say, pulling my sister into my side and kissing the top of her head.

“For a moment there, I thought I might be. We have so many orders for tomorrow that I felt guilty leaving early, but Tanya assured me she had it under control.”

“I could have taken her home if you needed me to.”

“I know, but you and I needed to talk anyway, right?” Our eyes meet and she winks up at me.

“Yeah.” I blow out a breath. “Outside?”

Astrid’s eyes move around the small room filled with people. Other parents are corralling their kids as they play with some toys on the rug in the center of the room, and several other parents are engaged in their own conversations. I don’t usually converse with people while I’m here because I’m much more interested in watching Lilly dance. “Probably best.”

We exit the room and round the corner of the building, out of sight and earshot. “So, how are things going with Scottie?”

“Well, not much has developed since our appointment on Wednesday, but some things are happening with Chase.”

Astrid crosses her arms and draws her brows together. “Like what?” I spend the next few minutes recounting my interactions with him at practice and when he was working at the shop, as well as his performance during the game yesterday. By the time I’m done, emotion is written all over Astrid’s face. “God, Grady. My heart hurts for the kid.”

“I know.”

“I mean, we know what it was like to not have a father around, but we never really remembered what it was like when he was there. His absence was normal. There was no whiplash of wondering if he’d actually show up when he said he would because he was never there to begin with, you know?”

“Yeah.”

“And as far as baseball, I think you’re right listening to your gut. Hell, you know the game inside and out. If Chase is as good as you say he is, foster that. He will come around, eventually.”

“How do you know that?”

She smiles up at me. “Because everyone needs someone to look up to.”

“I don’t know if I’m the person he should be looking up to…”

She cuts me off. “That’s funny. Because Iknowthat you are. You’re strong, loyal, confident, determined, and hardworking.” She pauses, emotion clogging her voice. “That’s whyIlook up to you, Grady. And Chase can learn those things from you too.”

“Fuck, Astrid.” I pull her into my chest, squeezing the shit out of her because I needed to hear that. “Why do you gotta say shit that makes me want to cry?”

She laughs. “I love you. You’re the best freaking brother and you’re going to be an amazing dad. But I’m pretty sure you’re not just worried about this stuff with Chase,” she says as we part.

I run my hand through my hair. “I need to wear down Scottie, Astrid,” I admit, shaking my head. “She’s so fucking stubborn. I can tell she wants me, and the more time we spend together, I know she is what I want, but…”

Astrid puts her hand up to cut me off. “Think about her history, Grady. I mean, look at how Brandon scarred me, how hard it was for me to let Penn in—this man I knew practically my entire life butstilldidn’t want to hand over my heart to.” Astrid sighs. “It’s going to take time. You can’t expect for her to change her mind overnight, but if you think she feels the same way, at least you know the battle is worth fighting.”

“I’m not a patient man, Astrid.”

“You’re patient when it matters,” she counters with an arched brow. “Is Scottie worth taking things slow?”

“Yes,” I reply without hesitation.

“Then show her you’re serious. Give her time and let her see that you’re not going anywhere.”

I nod, taking in her advice. “I can do that.”

“Good. Because you’re building something real here, Grady. That’s worth the wait.”

Chapter eleven

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