Page 94 of Here and Now
“These are stunning.”
He smiles. “Better than the shovel?”
I laugh softly. “Well, prettier at least.”
Kai runs over, giving him a big hug, and Miles ruffles his hair. “Hey, little man.”
“Can I come out too, Coach?”
I sigh heavily. “Kai, I already said no. Maybe another time, though.”
Hazel comes over. “You guys go. I’ve got Kai, and we’re going to have our own fun tonight.”
My heart is racing at the idea of tonight. Not just because it’s been, like, a million years since I’ve gone on a date, but also because I’m leaving Kai. I keep hearing Quinn in my head, telling me we’re safe and that I should live my life, but my life never feels safe.
It’s hard to explain to anyone not living it, but my life feels as though I’m walking on a balance beam, and at any point my footing will falter and I’ll fall.
I squat down so I’m eye to eye with Kai. “Be good for Hazel and remember the rules, okay?”
He nods. “I won’t break them, Mom.”
I kiss his nose. “Have fun and I’ll see you soon.”
“Now go, you two crazy kids. Have a good time and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” Hazel says, shooing us both out.
I grab my purse and Miles places his hand on the small of my back, leading me to the car. He opens the door, and I smile at the gesture. “Thank you.”
He winks and then shuts the door.
My nerves continue to grow, but I promised myself I’d get through tonight and do my best not to be a basket case.
I’ve left Kai a few times since living here, and everything has been okay. It will be fine this time too.
“Ready for our date?” Miles asks.
I nod once. “I am.”
“Good.”
“Where are we going?” I ask.
Miles backs the truck out of the drive and grins. “Dinner, and then after we will be doing something fun. I promise.”
“Oh boy. The fact that you had to promise tells me that it might not be fun.”
“Or it’s telling you that it’s going to be the most fun you’ve ever had because I’m a pretty fun guy.”
I smile. “You are, huh?”
“I am. There’s a poll that went around town, and I was definitely the winner.”
“Well, if there’s an official poll, how can that be disputed?” I tease.
“Exactly.”
As we drive, my nerves settle a little. The more I’m around Miles, the safer I feel. However, even as we’re driving, he’s hyperaware, almost as though he’s assessing the risks and possible danger at every corner.
We chat about our days and how he’s a little sad that tomorrow is the last hockey practice.
