Page 28 of Stick Play

Gawd, why does that sound so nice, so deliciously intimate…like we’re partners in this thing called life. I’m not going to lie. I’ve always wanted that. A man to share the good times with, the bad times with, to be together at night to wind down with after a long day, to…

Get it together, Gina.

I close the fridge and walk into the living room. My heart warms as I take in the sight of the three kids playing. Am I wrong to take them to Ash’s place? I’m sure Camryn and Tate must have been there before, as their father and Ash are best friends and play on the same team. Will Zoe start getting attached if she sees Ash as more than a temporary babysitter? Do I really have a choice, though? Ash needs me, and he’s always been there for me whenever I needed him, and even when I didn’t.

“Who wants to go to Ash’s place tonight?” I ask.

“Me, me, me,” Tate bursts out. “He has a pool table.”

“Oh, you play pool, do you, Tate?” I ask and he starts jumping up and down.

He throws his arms out. “I am the bestest pool player ever.”

“Do you know how to play pool?” Camryn asks Zoe, who shakes her head no. “I can teach you.”

My heart squeezes tight. They really are great kids. Brighton and Noah are doing a fantastic job raising them and that thought tightens my stomach. I hate that Zoe is missing a father, but hers wanted nothing to do with her and that can only damage her more in the end.

“Okay, go get your coats and boots on. It’s cold out there.”

As they get ready, I pull the lasagna from the fridge and pack up enough for Ash and Grant, although with a bad stomach, I doubt his father will be eating. It’s flu season, and it’s probably nothing more than that. I’ll just be sure to keep the kids in another room. Although they did sit with him this afternoon while having hot chocolate. Damn, I hope none of them get sick. Once the food is packed, I go find my mom bag, which contains medication, a thermometer, and everything else a nurse could need.

I find the kids at the closet, and I pull out my coat and slip into my boots. We used the upstairs door, and make our way down the long set of steps to the ground.

The night air is cool and there’s a few flakes of snow falling as I usher them to the car. I know better than to try to buckle any of them in. They’re all too independent for such foolishness. I pop the trunk, carefully place the food and mom bag in it, and hurry to my door. In the driver’s seat I adjust the mirror, and pull out onto the street, which is rather quiet this Saturday night.

I drive carefully through the light layer of snow on the ground, and I’m grateful I don’t have that far to go. I finally reach the elite Beacon Hill area, and slow as I drive by Melanie’s place. I’m going to have to plan a girls’ night soon, when everyone is back from the Caribbean and the guys are all back to playing. I’ve only gone to one game this year, to be honest. I’m usually too tired at the end of the night. Fortunately, I don’t usually work weekends anymore, and only fill in when I’m short-staffed.

Camryn points out the window as I turn the heat down. “That’s where Melanie and Brady live.” She hugs herself. “She has a new baby and he’s so cute.”

“Mom, can we get a baby?”

Oh, dear God.

“That comes after you get a daddy,” Camryn so helpfully supplies. “Let’s ask Uncle Ash to make more pancakes tomorrow, and I’ll give you one of my wishes.”

In the rearview mirror, I catch my daughter’s smile and my heart jumps into my throat. Now she wants a daddy and a baby. I’m afraid neither of those things are going to happen, and I just don’t have the heart to sit her down and tell her. Perhaps after the weekend is over and Camryn goes back home she’ll forget all about daddies, and babies and wish lumps.

I ease my car in behind Ash’s and take in his big mansion. Oddly enough, my thoughts go back to Lucian, and his monstrous home. I used to think it was crazy for him to have such a big place for one person. I snort out a laugh. Little did I know how wrong I was.

“Mommy, what’s funny?”

“Oh, I was just remembering a joke.”

Or rather, that I was the joke. Yeah, that’s me, a big stupid joke. But in the end I got Zoe and she’s the best thing that ever happened to me.

While Ash’s house is big too, I realize it’s an investment and a lot of the guys live nearby. He does not have a secret family hidden in another state, of that I’m sure.

“Okay, everyone unbuckle.”

There’s rusting in the back, and Camryn is out first. My heart warms as she helps her brother, who wants no help at all. I usher them up the long walkway as wind whips around us, and I glance back, looking at the way the streetlamps light up the falling snow, which is getting heavier. Damn, was it a mistake to bring the kids out in this? I’d better make this a fast trip before the roads get bad.

I stop for a quick moment, just to enjoy the view, and the strange peacefulness of it all. Unlike the center of the city where I live, it’s quiet here, and it gives me a very weird, almost nostalgic feeling. Not that I ever grew up in such a luxurious neighborhood. I think it has more to do with the families that live in the homes. I’m picturing warmth, Sunday dinners, laughter, movie nights…

All the things you secretly want, huh, Gina?

The door swings open and the second I set eyes on Ash, standing tall, as a warm smile curves his lips at the sight of us, my heart misses a beat.

“Uncle Ash, can we play pool?” Camryn asks.

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