Page 84 of Stick Play

27

Gina

As I roll over in bed and glance at the gorgeous man beside me, I can hardly believe we’re nearing the end of April. I can’t remember a time when I’ve been happier, despite the fact that there are numerous pictures of us on social media. I thought it had died down, but when we started going out more, showing Maria, Elena and the boys around town, the interest picked up again.

Not that I really care anymore. I’m living my best life here. Well, except for the fact that I still sneak from Ash’s room when we’re at his place, which is most nights, and he sneaks from mine when he stays over at my place. I have a little girl to consider, and while I’m in love with Ash, there is certainly no talk of marriage or anything like that. Zoe believes kissing and sleeping together means she’s going to get herself a father, and that’s just something I don’t want her thinking…even though I’ve been thinking about it myself. A lot.

Moving quietly, not wanting to wake Ash after his late game last night, I check the time. It’s early, and everyone is still asleep. Slowly, I push the covers down and pull on my yoga pants and T-shirt. I tiptoe to the bathroom, then head to the kitchen to get the coffee going.

Soon enough there will be three hungry kids looking for food, and I’m just grateful Zoe isn’t asking for lumpy pancakes anymore. We were all getting stomach aches.

I toss a pod into the machine and walk to the kitchen window to look out at the quiet neighborhood which I’ve grown to love. So many of my friends live here in Beacon Hill and while it’s a commute to go to work at the café—heck, all I had to do before was walk down the stairs—I don’t mind. I have to drive Zoe to school anyway.

Speaking of school, Maria enrolled the boys here. Even though she’s in limbo, and has been living in Ash’s house as she searches for the right accommodations, she didn’t want anything to interfere with their education.

I respect that, and Zoe and the boys have become close. I’m actually happy to have them in my life. I’m sad about the circumstances, of course, but I’m also happy that Maria fell in love with Boston, and has decided to make a life here. We’ve become good friends and after she drops her boys off at their school, she loves coming to the café to help out. It’s all so strange, I know. Somehow it all works, though.

“Morning,” Grant says, and I spin.

“You scared me. I’m going to have to put a bell on you.”

He chuckles and when the machine beeps, I hand him the cup. He’s been staying with us all in this big house too. I still don’t think all the bedrooms are full yet. This is what Ash has always wanted—his father living with him so he can take care of him. Although, he’d never tell Grant that.

I do love Ash’s protective nature, which he no doubt got from his father, judging by the way he’s taken Zoe, Lucas and Josh under his wing, teaching them things, and even bringing them to the garage with him. They all seem to love it, and Grant is getting the grandkids he’s always wanted, even though they’re not blood. Does that even really matter, though?

He graciously accepts the coffee, takes a big drink and stretches his arms. He seems awfully tired this Thursday morning, but so very happy.

I put another pod in the machine. “Late night?” I ask. He and Elena went to the hockey game, while I stayed home with Maria and the kids and watched from here. I go when I can, and enjoy it a lot, but I was home last night working on making cut out flowers with Zoe. They’re decorating the classroom for spring today.

He grins at me. “Elena and I stayed up to watch a movie after we got back. You know, to wind down.” He cocks his head a knowing look on his face. “We didn’t keep you up, did we?”

“No.” That’s not the reason I’m suddenly yawning. After Ash came home, and crawled into his bed, I snuck in and we spent the better part of the night making love. It’s become a tradition after his games and I love it.

Later tonight, he leaves for a three-day road trip and I’m totally going to miss him. He doesn’t always have a lot of time to call or text when away, but we try to sneak a minute in here and there. Although this weekend, that might be hard, because they’ll be going non-stop and I might not be in Boston, anyway.

God, I really can’t believe what I’m thinking about doing.

“You and Elena have been spending a lot of time together,” I point out. “Are Zoe’s wishes coming true? She’s getting a grandma?” I grin at him over my cup before I take a drink, and he just whistles innocently. I think it’s wonderful that they get along so well. If they end up together, married even, and Ash and I do too, what does that even make Elena to me? It’s all too complicated to think about and I really don’t like complications. That, and of course I’m getting way ahead of myself.

“You tell me,” he finally counters as he puts another pod in the machine and places a new cup under it.

“Nothing more to tell.” He knows all about Ash and me. The only one we’ve been keeping it a secret from is Zoe, and while I’d like to tell her, I don’t want her to get her hopes up. I haven’t really explained to her how Lucas and Josh are her brothers, and she hasn’t asked again. One day it will all come out, and it will be when she’s older and understands better. I just hope she’s not hurt by the truth.

Elena walks into the kitchen, and fixes her hair as she smiles at Grant and on that note, I grab some eggs from the fridge.

“Go on and get ready for work,” Grant says. “Elena and I can make breakfast for the kids.”

My hand stalls as I reach for a loaf of bread. Honestly, an extra-long shower sounds divine right now. “Are you sure?”

“Positive.” My gaze goes back and forth between the two of them and I can’t help but think they want me out of the kitchen for their own personal reasons. Alrighty then…

“Okay, thanks. I’ll shower and then get the kids up.” Leaving the two lovebirds alone, I hurry to the bathroom and take a very long, hot shower. Once done, I sneak back into the bedroom, and with Ash sleeping so soundly, I dress quietly and leave him there, even though I’d like to crawl in with him and wake him up in an intimate way.

Once I’m dressed, I wake Zoe and the boys up, and my good morning greetings are met with grumbles from Lucas. While he loves hanging at Ash’s place, he’s still out of sorts, and I can’t say as I blame him. Both boys are going through a lot, and while Maria wants them to have a relationship with their father, he refuses to talk to him.

I do worry about Lucas. At fourteen, he’s at a vulnerable age, and does need strong male influences, and a little bit of firm discipline wouldn’t hurt, either. He needs it, and Maria is in such a helpless state, she’s giving them everything they ask for to make up for all they’ve been through. It’s not my business, but I’m not sure it’s the right strategy. Then again, I’m not a parenting expert by any means, and have made my own mistakes.

We all eventually make our way to the kitchen and Grant has a cup of coffee waiting for me. He’s happy and cheery and everything about that seems to get on Lucas’ nerves.

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