Page 60 of Second Down Darling

I frown. “Okay, bro, don’t be rude. Y’all knowCharlotte.”

She moves closer to me, and I smile because she looks so fucking adorable in that Bronco t-shirt with my number on her back, grease strips on her face, and knee-high socks. Her hair is up in a high ponytail. I’ve been trying to play it cool all week, but I’m pretty stoked she’s going to the bonfire with metonight.

My mom shoots David a look that warns him he’d better behave and gives Charlie a hug. “So good to see you,mija. How have youbeen?”

They chat for a minute while I gather Asher’s stuff and then we all walk to my mom’s car so I can load up her old Honda. It pains me to see her drive this piece of crap. The floorboards are rusted and have small holes, and if you lean forward in the passenger seat, you can see straight through to theroad.

I hope someday I can get her her dream car, a refurbished 1976 Gran Torino, painted red with a vector white stripe like that show our grandfather used to watch,Starsky andHutch.

It’s always bittersweet to part from my son. I clear my throat. “Asher ate a late lunch, but he might need a snack before you gethome.”

My mom waves off my concern and peppers Ash in kisses. “I’d never let my boy gohungry.”

“Come here, kid.” I hold my arms open, and Asher leans into me as my mom holds him. “You promise you’ll be a good boy and listen to yourabuela?”

“Okay, Daddy. Ipwomise.”

“Love you, buddy.” I kiss his forehead and load him into the carseat.

I know it’s important for him to have some time to bond with my family, but I’m bummed I can’t join them. My brothers are supposed to take him fishing thisweekend.

“Please make him wear a life vest. I know y’all will be on a pier and not a boat, but he doesn’t know how to swim.” Just one of the many things I haven’t had time to do with him yet. I have an endless mental list of plans that will have to wait. It’sfrustrating.

Eli slaps my back. “We’re assholes, not idiots. We’ll take good care ofhim.”

They’re taking him to a small lake by our house where we grew upgoing.

Like she can tell I’m depressed I can’t go fishing with my brothers and son, Charlotte hooks her pinky in mine and turns to my family. “Be sure to take lots of photos forJake.”

My mom nods. “What a good idea. We’ll be sure to do that. You two have fun at the bonfire tonight.” She kisses my cheek and hugs Charlieagain.

I watch them driveaway.

“You okay?” Charlotte askssoftly.

“Just drowning in parental guilt. Wishing I could do more withAsher.”

Her eyes go soft. “He’s in good hands. No one loves him like your mom and brothers. And things will get a little easier after theseason.”

“You’re right.” I smile at her until I remember how David behaved. “Were my brothers dicks toyou?”

“Not dicks, no. A little standoffish, but I understand. They have good reasons to hate myfamily.”

“It’s not you. You know that, right?” I lower my head until she looks atme.

“Don’t worry about it. I’m a biggirl.”

“I’m serious, Charlotte. They’re not mad at you. They’re frustrated with the situation.” My brothers freaked when Dakota ditched me with Asher after she gushed about wanting to have him in the firstplace.

As irritated at her as I am, I’d endure her bullshit all over again to have myson.

“Come on. Let’s get to the bonfire.” Charlie drags me to mycar.

We roll down the windows as we head out to the field behind the stadium. The sun is barely starting to set and there’s already a crowd. It’s a cool evening and everyone is in goodspirits.

“Don’t want to lose you, cupcake. If we get separated and you can’t reach me for some reason, I’ll wait for you at that taco stand.” I point to where the food trucks are setup.

We meet up with the rest of the football team. Coach and the AD are chatting off to theside.

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