Page 101 of The Art Of Starting Over

He turned his back against the tree and pressed into it. “And then I still walked to my grandma’s, only I didn’t go in because she wasn’t there, and my grandpa was working. I think I stood there every day for two weeks, just waiting for her to come back, even though I knew she wouldn’t. Finally, I started going to my parents’ office, but it was neverthe same. It took me a long time to understand how much life changes from day to day.”

“My daddy left.”

“I know,” Hayden said. “I saw.”

“He’s not very nice.”

“Being an adult can be confusing, especially for kids. We make decisions, and not everyone will understand them. Heck, sometimes we don’t even understand them.”

“He has a new family.”

That hurt Hayden to hear. He took a deep breath.

“You’ve got your mom,” Hayden said. “She’d move heaven and earth to be with you. And you’ve got your uncle Colt.”

“Yeah.”

“Know who else you have?”

Maren finally looked at Hayden and shrugged.

“You have me and Conor. My parents. My dad told me he had so much fun with you when you were at the house. He can’t wait for you to come over again.”

“Really?”

Hayden nodded. “Yep. He really likes you, Maren.”

“He’s pretty funny.”

“You’ll have to tell him that when you see him at your next game.”

She shrugged.

Hayden pushed away from the tree. “If you’re hungry, there’s lasagna on the table. Your mom’s in the kitchen, and I think she misses you.”

“Daddy made her angry.”

“Well then, I bet a hug from you would make her happy.”

Hayden went into the house and sat down. Devorah had added a garden salad and garlic bread to the table.

“This looks like the best impromptu lunch I’ve had in a while.”

“For all their faults, the CC Club knows how to take care of their own.”

“That’s for sure,” Hayden said as he raised his fork, pausing when the back door opened. Cordelia came in first and went to her water dish. Maren followed, shutting the door behind her.

Devorah turned in her chair and welcomed her daughter into her fold. They hugged for a long time, both sniffling. When they parted, Hayden put some bread on Maren’s plate and got up to get her some juice.

“Thanks for lunch, Hayden,” Maren said as she sat down.

“Thanks for joining us,” he said as he retook his seat.

While the three of them ate, Hayden’s thoughts drifted. He was in love with Devorah and already looked at Maren as part of his family. Now, he just had to find the right time to tell Devy about his feelings. Unless he was too late.

Twenty-Seven

Devorah

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