Page 113 of The Forever Play

“I didn’t do it on purpose,” I mutter.

“I can’t believe she didn’t tell you,” Dad seethes. “Why would she keep something like that from you?”

“Was breaking your heart not enough?”

“Mom, I broke her heart, too, okay?”

She huffs like that shouldn’t matter.

“Listen, you guys, I know this is a lot to process, which is why I hadn’t told you yet. I’ve been trying to figure out the best time… and what to say. I know I did exactly what you didn’t want me to do, but it’s happened. And now I want to step up and do the right thing.”

“Don’t you dare give up football.” Dad points at me.

“I’m not planning on it,” I reply with forced calm. “Sienna and I are going to figure out a way to make this work.”

Mom’s lips part with horror. “You’re getting back together with her?”

“I love her.” I give the screen a pointed look. “I always have. And we’re in the process of mending everything. Just trust me, okay? No history is being repeated, I swear.”

“I can’t believe this.” Dad pinches his nose. “You have a kid now. Responsibilities. How are you going to make it all work?”

“I don’t know yet. I just know that I have to try. I can have both. Sienna and I are going to work it out so I can still be a pro football player and a father… and?—”

“Your game better not slip like it did in high school,” Dad interrupts me. “She totally distracted you, and you can’t afford to let that happen again.” His expression bunches into an even sharper frown. “Wait, is that why you played so badly in the first quarter last game? Was she there? Was she?—”

“Dad! Stop it!”

My parents both blink as I raise my voice at them. I haven’t done that in a long time, but enough of this bullshit!

“You have to trust me. I’m older now, and I can figure this out. I don’t need your judgment and constant ‘words of advice.’”

They both frown at me like I’ve just offended them,and I sigh, my shoulders sinking as I let my parents process this shitty conversation.

“Foobawl.” Zoey comes running back. “Lellow!” She’s waving the leaf in the air like she’s just found gold.

I crouch down with a grin. “That one is really yellow. Good job.” I hold my hand up for a high five, and she slaps me some skin before leaning against my leg.

“Can we see her?” Mom’s voice is suddenly soft, almost vulnerable.

I hesitate, wondering how Sienna will feel about that.

But it’s not like we can hide Zoey forever, right?

I give my parents a stern look and murmur, “Be nice,” before turning the camera to face my little girl.

Dad’s grumblings of “I’ll course I’ll be nice” fade to dust as the camera lands on Zoey’s cute face.

She stares back at my parents, then waves. “Hi. Me Zoey.”

“Oh my gosh, she looks exactly like Monica did.” Mom’s voice is all breathy before she lets out a watery laugh and waves back. “Hi, Zoey. I’m Zander’s mommy.”

Zoey stares back at the screen while my dad starts blubbering. “She’s beautiful.”

“I know, right?” I kiss Zoey’s curls and smile down at her.

“Just like Monica.” Dad’s voice catches, and he starts blinking.

What the hell?

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