Page 70 of Crossroads of Love

“She’s incredible,” I say.

“She really is,” Lena agrees. “Aaron wasn’t at many of her games, so…so even if she doesn’t say it, she’s going to appreciate that you’re here.”

“He wasn’t?” I ask in shock.

“No, duty calls, you know how it is. If he was here, he usually got called away for a phone call or had to put out fires somewhere.” She answers with a shrug, explaining it all away.

Is that how he got away with cheating on Lena without her knowing?

He always bragged about how great it was to be at all of Jayla’s games and to be so active in her life. Was that all a lie?

It’s irritating to think that I fell for all of it.

I watch as Jayla sprints toward Lena and me, her face beaming with pride. I don’t even realize I’m grinning like a fool until Lena’s hand brushes against mine.

Jayla reaches us, her chest heaving from exertion, but her energy is still high. Without hesitation, she throws her arms around Lena first, hugging her tightly. “We did it, Mom!”

Lena hugs her back, a wide smile on her face. “You were amazing out there, baby. I’m so proud of you.”

When Jayla finally pulls away from her mom, she turns to me, her eyes bright. For a second, I’m not sure what to expect. She steps forward and wraps her arms around me. It isn’t the same bear hug she gave her mom, but it is something.

“You killed it, Jay,” I say, hugging her back. “I’m proud of you too.”

She pulls back, grinning up at me. “Thanks, Uncle G.”

I glance over at Lena, who watches our interaction with a soft smile. She looks content, maybe even a little relieved.

“Well,” I say, clearing my throat as I rub the back of my neck, “how about we celebrate that win? We can go to Miss Betty’s diner. My treat.”

Jayla’s eyes light up. “Really?”

“Yeah. When I was your age, Mom and Dad used to take your dad and me to the diner after every big game. It was kind of a tradition. Some of my best memories are from those nights.”

She smiles wide, glancing up at her mom. “Grandpa used to do that with Mom and me after all my games, too.”

Lena’s smile falters for just a second, a flicker of sadness crossing her face before she recovers. I know that loss is still raw for both of them even though they rarely talk about it.

“He did?”

“Yeah,” Jayla answers with a smile. “He used to say that varsity was coming for me, and he couldn’t wait to see me play. But…” She bites her lip. “He never got to.”

There is a brief, heavy silence as Jayla’s words hang in the air. I look at Lena, her eyes a little glassy, and then back at Jayla, who is staring at the floor.

I rest a hand on Jayla’s shoulder, giving it a small squeeze. “Pops would be proud of you, Jay. I can promise you that.”

She looks up at me, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Thanks.”

I nod, trying not to get too emotional myself. “So what do you say? You up for some burgers?”

Jayla’s smile grows wider, and she nods enthusiastically. “Can we, Mom? I know that I’m grounded.”

“Yeah, let’s do it!” she replies.

I turn to Mike and Tatum. “You guys in? Dinner’s on me.”

Mike grins, clapping me on the back. “Hell yeah, I’m not passing up free food.”

Tatum chuckles, shaking her head. “You didn’t have to ask him twice. Plus, we have a sitter for the night. We’re making full use of that.”

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