Page 39 of The Riley Effect

I try to keep myself from crying but can’t help the few tears that sneak through. Caleb had even less time with his dad than I did with my parents, and he comes from a small town where there aren’t many people who look like him and his sister. So the fact that he can see himself in someone like Jalen, who is not only a great athlete but–more importantly–an incredible man means everything to me. I hope it shows Caleb that he can accomplish anything he sets his mind to.

I squeeze Caleb, and before letting him go, I tell him, “I love you so much, little man.” Then I turn to make sure Jalen can hear, “ And your hair looks so much better than Jalen’s. Maybe we should let him come next time we have a hair day.”

“You tell me when, and I’ll be there,” Jalen tells us. I was expecting a sarcastic response because that man takes a lot of pride in his appearance. I’d bet anything that he has gotten his hair done by the same person his entire life.

“Okay!” Caleb yells, not being able to control his voice.

He kisses me, and then his mom grabs his hand dragging him toward the door so they can head home.

Jalen and Marcus come with Indy and me to grab some food before we take our seats for the game. I laugh when Jalen edges Indy out so he can take the seat next to me in the stands.

“Real smooth,” Indy jokes with Jalen before she pats him on the leg.

“Thanks for being so great with my nephew,” I hesitate before continuing, “His dad passed away a few years ago, and I think he thought it was really cool to meet someone who looks like him and plays a sport at his favorite college.”

“He seems like a cool kid, and just so you know, next time I need my hair done, I am calling you.”

A smile masks my nerves. All this talk about the future makes me anxious. Even with these raw emotions, I know that there isn’t a universe where watching the way Jalen interacted with my nephew doesn’t make the thought of the future a little less frightening.

21

Jalen

I haven’t been to the shelter since the hockey season started and Uncle Matt has reminded me that I still need to put in my time there to stay eligible for my upcoming games. He not so subtly hinted that I was expected to be there today.

I texted Ivy when I woke up this morning to see if she was coming in, but she hasn’t responded. Marcus said she has a big biology exam next week, and it’s normal for her to go MIA when she has to study.

Jill is at the front desk when I get to the shelter with an abnormally large grin covering her face.

“Hey Jill, sorry I haven’t been here in a while. Since the season started, I haven’t had any free time.”

I take in the warm smile she flashes, “I knew you would be busy with hockey. We go through the same thing every year when Ivy starts her basketball season. Don’t worry about it.”

I can’t help but notice that her smile has turned from friendly to knowing. She must see the confusion in my eyes because she continues, “Last time Ivy was here, she mentioned that you two have been hanging out outside of your time at the shelter.”

I lean against the front desk, wanting to know what Ivy has told her. If I have learned anything about Ivy in the last few weeks, it’s that she’s a private person and I don’t want to divulge more than she is comfortable with. Especially now that she has finally begun to open up.

“Her roommate and mine are dating, so she sometimes comes and hangs out when Indy is at our place.” It’s not even believable to my ears.

So it’s no surprise when Jill doesn’t buy my bullshit, but she looks oddly pleased with my answer.

“Ivy is guarded for a reason. She’s been through a lot, so if you ever stop feeling the way you clearly do about her, let her know before you break her heart.” Her eyes are soft like she is hopeful that Ivy and I have something real going on, but she stands in front of me with arms crossed and her stance rigid. So it also kind of feels a little like a threat.

I’m unsure where Jill gets her information from, but Ivy clearly doesn’t feel as strongly about me as she is hinting at. She left my house Sunday morning after having breakfast with me…and the rest of my house. There was no kiss. If I’m being honest, I feel lucky to have gotten a hug out of her after her game on Tuesday.

“I will.” I keep the response simple. “I’m going to head back and see what dogs need water before I get them ready for a walk.”

“Sounds good, Jalen. Thanks for coming in today.”

I’m getting the last dog’s harness on when the bell on top of the front door rings.

“Ivy, I didn’t think you were coming in today.” Jill pretty much yells from the front desk.

“Why are you being so weird?”

I don’t hear the rest of their conversation, but Ivy’s boot-clad footsteps get louder with each step she takes.

When Ivy makes her way to the back of the shelter, she drops the water bottle she was holding and her mouth hangs open, but nothing comes out.

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