Page 113 of Second Chance with the Single Dad Goalie
Blake steps inside, duffel bag slung over his shoulder, expression neutral as he takes in the scene. His gaze flicksbetween me and Olivia, lingering just a second longer on me, reading the tension like a seasoned referee about to call a foul.
Olivia stands, smooth and graceful, moving toward him with an ease that makes my stomach twist.
And then - subtle but unmistakable - he moves. Just a slight shift to the side, like he’s adjusting his bag. It’s not obvious, not rude, but clear enough. The hug never lands.
Her hands drop.
She recovers quickly, plastering a smile on her face. “Blake.”
His face remains unreadable. “Olivia.”
“How are you?” She asks, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s been a while.”
“I’m good,” he says simply. “How are you?”
She smiles, too sweet. “I’m good, as you can see.”
He nods and gives me a ‘what’s going on’ look and I shrug in response.
Her eyes flick over him, then me, and back to him, something unreadable in her expression. “Um…, I was actually in town, just got in today. So, I thought…”
Blake exhales, looking at his wristwatch. "If you’re here for the kids, they’re napping right now, so…?"
"Oh, I know," Olivia cuts in, waving a hand. "Well, yes, I did come to see them, but…!" She steps closer. "I wanted to see you, too." Her voice softens. "I just got back in town, and I thought maybe we could…, catch up."
My eyes roll before I can stop them.
I push myself up from the chair. "Well, now that you're here, I’ll leave you both to…, catch up."
Blake’s head snaps toward me, his brows pulling together. He steps forward, reaching for my hand. "Whit…"
"It’s fine," I say smoothly, slipping my hand from his grasp. Then, I glance at Olivia, offering to give her a sweet, not-so-sweet smile. "It was interesting meeting you."
She smirks. "Likewise. Thanks for keeping me company. It was fun."
“I bet it was.” I turn toward my room but pause, glancing back at her with a saccharine smile. “Oh, and just so you know - Blake and I?Verymuch back together. And he still hovers. A lot. Drives me insane, honestly…, in all the best ways.” I let my voice drop into something softer, more suggestive. “Allthe best ways.”
I tilt my head, letting the words settle. “Figured you’d want to update that little theory of yours.” I watch her smirk falter - just for a second. Then I give her a little wave and turn around. Just before I disappear into the hall, I hear it…
"I’ve missed you, Blake."
My steps falter for just a second.
And then, I keep walking.
****
It’s been an hour.
Sixty long, agonizing minutes of me sitting, standing, pacing, sitting again, and then pacing some more.
What the heck are they even talking about?
Is she trying to come back into the kids’ lives? Would Blake let her? Of course, he would. She’s their mother. The kids need their mother. But what about me? What about us?
Will history repeat itself?
Will he choose her again?
