Page 39 of Personal Foul

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I slowly approach Reagan.

God, she’s beautiful.

“Reagan.” She turns around so fast she almost slips off the bench.

“Garrett…”

“Nick wanted me here.” I walk slowly towards her.

“Thank you. It will mean the world to him.”

“I love him, you know. Almost as much as I love you.”

“I’m so sorry, Garrett.” I watch a tear trail down her cheek. I lean forward and wipe it with my thumb.

“We will figure it out, Reagan. But this isn’t the time, today’s about Nick,” I gently remind the both of us.

“Garrett!” We both turn towards the field and see Nick waving his hand, a smile on his face.

“You better get down there.”

I lean forward and kiss her forehead, lingering. “Later?”

“Later.” She nods. I stand and make my way to the field. Nick’s hopping from leg to leg, making me laugh.

“I didn’t think you would come,” he blurts out.

“I made you a promise, kid, and I will try my hardest to never break a promise to you.”

Nick’s called onto the field and starts doing what he can. I talk to the coach and give him pointers here and there. A feeling of rightness settles over me, watching these kids play. Helping push them in the right direction and play the game well. Once practice is over, Nick and I walk side by side up to Reagan.

“How would you two feel about some pizza?”

“You’ll come over?” Nick asks me.

“I’ll follow you two.”

“I’ll let you order the pizza in the car and have it delivered,” Reagan tells him.

We separate to our two cars and I follow them home. As soon as we get to the house, Nick runs up the stairs.

“I’m showering, you two work your shit out!” he yells over his shoulder.

“Nick!” Reagan scolds, making me laugh. She glares over her shoulder at me.

“I’m sorry, but you have to admit it was funny.”

I walk over to the couch and sit down. Reagan comes over and sits next to me, tucking her legs under her. She grabs my hand and holds it tight.

“Will you let me get this out before you say anything?”

“Go ahead.” I squeeze her hand, reassuring her we’re okay.

Or will be.

“I have this love-hate relationship with traveling. I love it, I love my job. But I have this fear of something happening to Nick, Dad, or Pops while I’m gone and that I won’t be there when they need me because I’m on the sidelines somewhere watching football.” She takes a shaky breath, tears streaming down her face.

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