Page 89 of Perfect Playbook

Nino sees me and runs over. “Logan! Did you know guinea pigs can’t really jump and climb? Eve told me. She’s like a guinea pig expert. Their legs are so short, and they look like they’re crawling all the time. Can we have one?”

“Little man, I’d love some pigs but I’m not so sure about Cayenne and guinea pigs together.”

“Hm. You’re probably right.”

Eve calls over, “Come on, Antonio. We’re going to start the next race!”

“See you!” Nino runs back to join the pair.

I’ve always loved my family. It’s why I wanted to be on the Scorpions even though until now they haven’t been a top seed. It’s why I kept a house in Starlight Canyon even though I’m not in it much. I can’t let go of this place. But I was a family man without a family of my own.

Now, I have it all.

The only thing missing here is Shay.

I pull out my cell and, knowing she’s likely still on the road, I snap a photo of me with everyone milling about in the background. She can look at it when she has a chance.

Your boys are doing just fine. Papá Luis is here, too. Hope you’re having a smooth ride, pastelito.

I send it off and realize how much I do miss her. So fucking much. Now that we’ve crossed the line, I haven’t stopped thinking of her, and the thirst has reached new heights.

Thank God she texts back.

Pastelito

Will you be home tonight at 8:30? I’ll be at my hotel room around then and want to video call Nino.

I’ll make sure we’re back. Don’t know about your dad though. He seems down for a bender.

Pastelito

LOL Love that for him. Thank you so much for getting him out of the house. I’ll thank you properly for all your kindness when I’m back.

Not until I thank you first.

Pastelito

Oh yeah? For what?

For giving me a reason to breathe.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

“Mom!”Nino exclaims, and his lips come toward the camera on Logan’s end until they turn into a blurry blob on my screen.

A kissing sound squeaks out of the speaker.

He pulls back, and my sweet angel’s face is there again. “Today was so much fun!”

“Tell me about it.” I’m so relieved his day was wonderful, and at the same time, I ache to hug him and feel it vibrate through his little body for myself. I wish I could reach inside the phone and gather him up in my arms.

“I had English and math… it’s so funny. Mymath teacher is from England, and he calls mathmaths. With an s.”

“Really?” I sound amazed because I truly am. I gobble up every morsel of these ten minutes we’ll have together. I know Nino won’t have more in him than that.

“Yeah. His accent is hard to understand. And Mrs. Hansen took me to a tree.”

“A tree?”

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